Enlarged Prostate - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Nodular Hyperplasia - Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy - Benign Enlargement of the Prostate (BEP)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also known as Nodular hyperplasia, Benign prostatic hypertrophy or Benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP) refers to the increase in size of the prostate in middle-aged and older men.

To be accurate, the process is one of  hyperplasia rather than hypertrophy, but the nomenclature is often interchangeable, even among urologists.

It is characterized by hyperplasia of prostatic stromal and epithelial cells, resulting in the formation of large, fairly discreet nodules in the periurethral region of the prostate.

When sufficiently large, the nodules compress the urethral canal to cause partial, or sometimes virtually complete, obstruction of the  urethra which interferes with the normal flow of urine.

It leads to symptoms of urinary hesitancy, frequent urination, increased risk of urinary infections and urinary retention.

Although prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels may be elevated in these patients, because of increased organ volume and inflammation due to urinary tract infections, BPH is not considered to be a premalignant lesion.

In any case you'll want to seek a digital rectal exam in some cases and treatment  from your doctor for any prostate problems including the signs and symptoms of any of these- Enlarged Prostate - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Nodular Hyperplasia - Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy - Benign Enlargement of the Prostate (BEP)