BPH is the growth of smooth muscle and epithelial cells in the center of the prostate and surrounding tissue – unrelated to cancer.

The enlargement of the prostate may apply pressure to the urethra causing some obstruction and possibly difficulty with urination. This urethral obstruction may result in low risk, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTs) such as urgency, frequency, slow stream, and nocturia. When these symptoms are severe, they may be indicative of a higher risk issue such as urinary retention.

To help better investigate urinary retention, a provider should obtain a good health history including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPPS), Urine Analysis (UA), Post-Void Residual volume (PVR), and if possible, Uroflowmetry.

If this initial evaluation identifies a more high-risk situation such as hydronephrosis, elevated serum creatinine, infection, significant urinary incontinence then, treatment should be initiated.