What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, primarily affecting the periurethral and transitional zones. These areas are critical as their enlargement can narrow the urethra, leading to urinary symptoms such as difficulty in starting urination, weak urine flow, or the need to urinate frequently, especially at night.

This enlargement commonly occurs in older men due to hormonal changes associated with aging, and while it can significantly impact quality of life, it is not associated with cancer. Understanding that BPH involves specific regions of the prostate is key in differentiating it from other prostate conditions that may involve inflammation or infection.