Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is enlargement of the prostate gland - a gland found only in men, which produces the milky fluid in which sperm are ejaculated. The enlargement results from uncontrolled growth of the gland. As the prostate gland progressively becomes larger, the urethra - a tube through which urine is passed out of the body - may become constricted because it is surrounded by the prostate gland. This constriction can obstruct the flow of urine out of the bladder and this constriction and/or obstruction is thought to cause the urinary symptoms characteristic of BPH.

The exact cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is unclear, although researchers believe it may be caused by hormonal changes that occur during the aging process. One theory is that as a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his blood decreases, leaving a higher proportion of oestrogen (estrogen) in his blood. The disproportion of estrogen may contribute to cell growth within the prostate gland. Another possible hormonal change involves dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a by-product of testosterone. If levels of DHT accumulate in the prostate, overgrowth of cells in the prostate can occur.