What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a health problem that becomes more common with age. It is also called an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a small gland that helps produce semen. It is located just below the bladder and often enlarges with age.
An enlarged prostate can cause bothersome symptoms, such as obstruction of urine flow from the bladder. It can also cause problems with the bladder, urinary tract, or kidneys.
The size of the prostate does not always determine the severity of symptoms. Some people with a mild enlarged prostate may experience significant symptoms. Others with a very severe enlarged prostate may experience minor problems. And some people with an enlarged prostate experience no symptoms at all.
The prostate is located below the bladder. The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis is called the urethra. This tube runs through the center of the prostate. When the prostate enlarges, it begins to obstruct urinary flow.
The prostate is a gland that typically grows throughout life. This growth often enlarges it to the point of causing symptoms or blocking urinary flow.