Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate increases in size. The prostate goes through two main growth cycles during a man’s life. The first begins at the onset of puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. The second growth phase begins around age 25 and continues for most of life. Benign prostatic hypertrophy most often occurs during the second growth phase. As its size increases, it compresses the urethra. The wall of the bladder becomes thicker, as a result of which its musculature weakens and at some point the bladder does not empty completely, which leads to retention of a small amount of urine. Benign prostatic hypertrophy is a common phenomenon. About half of all men between the ages of 51 and 60 have benign hypertrophy. The condition occurs in up to 90% of men over the age of 80. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is the size of a walnut and weighs about 20 g. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate gland is an accessory sex gland whose main task is to maintain the viability of sperm in the ejaculate. The secretion it emits consists of potassium, sodium base, calcium, chlorine, bicarbonates and phosphates. When the prostate is enlarged, it can press on or block the flow of urine from the bladder. The need to urinate frequently is a common symptom of benign prostatic hypertrophy. The condition is also characterized by: A feeling of an under-emptied bladder, immediately after urinating; A sense of urgency to urinate; The strength of the stream changes – at the beginning of urination, it is weaker, then it recovers, and towards the end it thins again and begins to flow in drops; Difficulty starting to urinate – very often it is necessary to “strain” to start urinating; Frequent urination at night If benign prostatic hypertrophy enters its severe phase, you may not be able to urinate at all. This is an emergency that needs to be treated immediately. In most men, benign prostatic hypertrophy worsens with age. In more severe cases, it can lead to bladder damage, infection, hematuria (blood in the urine) and even kidney damage if left untreated. The cause of benign prostatic hypertrophy is not clear. The condition mainly affects older men. Hormonal changes are thought to play a role and may be a major factor. For example, with age, the amount of active testosterone in the blood decreases. Estrogen levels remain the same. Benign prostatic hypertrophy can occur when these hormonal changes cause prostate cells to grow. Another theory is about the role of dehydrotestosterone. This male hormone supports the development of the prostate. Some studies show that older men have higher levels of dehydrotestosterone (DHT).As testosterone levels decrease, extra DHT can cause prostate gland cells to grow. Aging and a family history of benign prostatic hypertrophy increase the risk of prostatic cell hypertrophy. Obesity, lack of physical activity and erectile dysfunction are also cited as risk factors for the condition. There is no sure way to eliminate the possibility of hypertrophy of the prostate gland, but losing weight, a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of the disease.