Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Changing hormone levels occurring with age causes BPH. This often occurs around the age of 50. Excess tissue can block the urethra, making it harder for urine to flow.

Pushing to urinate through a narrowed urethra can cause the bladder walls to thicken or stretch out of shape. A stretched bladder may have problems emptying all the way. If the bladder doesn’t empty, infections or bladder stones can occur. Also, the kidneys can’t drain property into a bladder that doesn’t empty completely. If not treated, this can lead to kidney failure. Pressure from urine buildup can also cause leaking of urine (called overflow incontinence).

Symptoms:

• Difficulty urinating
• The enlarged prostate can also press on the bladder, so you may need to urinate more often
• Straining during urination
• A weak urine stream
• Feeling that the bladder isn’t emptying all the way