What does BPH stand for in the context of men's health?

In the context of men's health, BPH stands for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. This term describes a condition where the prostate gland enlarges, which is common in older men. The term "hyperplasia" specifically refers to an increase in the number of cells, leading to the enlargement of the prostate. This condition can cause various urinary symptoms due to the pressure on the urethra, impacting urinary flow.

While "Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy" and "Benign Prostate Hypertrophy" also refer to related issues with the prostate, "hypertrophy" technically describes the increase in the size of existing cells rather than an increase in the number of cells, which is what occurs in hyperplasia. Therefore, using the more accurate term "hyperplasia" better reflects the biological mechanism behind the condition. This distinction is important in medical terminology, ensuring clear communication among healthcare professionals and accurate understanding by patients.