Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, is a condition in which the prostate gland grows in size. The exact cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to hormonal changes that occur as a man gets older. The size of the prostate doesnt always determine how serious the symptoms are, and some people with enlarged prostates dont have any symptoms at all. However, an enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder, difficulty starting to pee, a frequent need to pee, and difficulty fully emptying your bladder. Other possible causes of urinary symptoms include urinary tract infection and inflamed prostate. Complications of an enlarged prostate can include urinary retention, which is the inability to pee, and urinary tract or kidney problems.