Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlarged prostate gland. It happens to almost all men as they age.

The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. As the prostate gets bigger, it may squeeze or partly block the urethra. This often causes problems with urinating, like a need to get up many times during the night to urinate or having the urge to urinate often.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.