The prostate is a male reproductive gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. It surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body.

An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra and cause urination and bladder problems.

An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy. It is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer.

BPH; Benign prostatic hypertrophy (hyperplasia); Prostate - enlarged

The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. It is believed that factors linked to aging and the testicles themselves may play a role in the growth of the gland. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.

Similarly, if the testicles are removed after a man develops BPH, the prostate begins to shrink in size.

Some facts about prostate enlargement:

• The likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age.
• BPH is so common that it has been said, "All men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough."
• A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40 and more than 90% of men over age 80.
• No risk factors have been identified other than having normally functioning testicles.

Less than half of all men with BPH have symptoms of the disease, which include:

• Slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream
• Weak urine stream
• Dribbling after urinating
• Straining to urinate
• Strong and sudden urge to urinate
• Incomplete emptying of your bladder
• Needing to urinate two or more times per night
• Urinary retention (complete inability to urinate)
• Incontinence
• Pain with urination or bloody urine (these may indicate infection)

After taking a complete medical history, your doctor will perform a digital rectal exam   to feel the prostate gland. The following tests may also be performed:

• Urine flow rate
• Post-void residual urine test to see how much urine is left in your bladder after urination
• Pressure flow studies to measure the pressure in the bladder as you urinate
• An IVP (an x-ray study) to confirm BPH or look for blockage
• Urinalysis to check for blood or infection
• Urine culture to check for infection
• Voiding cystourethrogram  
• A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to screen for prostate cancer
• Cystoscopy

In addition, you may be asked to complete a form to evaluate the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Your score may be compared to past records to determine if the condition is getting worse.