The term benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has traditionally been used to describe a constellation of obstructive and irritative voiding symptoms that occurs in aging men. These symptoms include decreased force of stream, hesitancy, straining, frequency, incomplete bladder emptying, urgency, and nocturia. BPH has been used synonymously with prostatism and bladder outlet obstruction, implying that obstruction to urinary outflow, secondary to prostatic enlargement, is the cause of such symptoms. More recently, it has been recognized that prostatic enlargement is not required for the presence of these symptoms. Furthermore, women may experience similar symptoms as they age. Thus, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is currently the preferred term to describe this complex of obstructive and irritative urinary symptoms that occur with aging in men and women.

LUTS may be caused by a variety of factors including changes in the bladder, prostate, or urethra. Intrinsic changes in the bladder, such as bladder instability, decreased bladder compliance, and decreased bladder capacity, may lead to the development of LUTS. Urethral stricture disease and bladder neck contracture may also contribute to such symptoms. With respect to the prostate, glandular enlargement, increased prostatic smooth muscle tone, and decreased prostatic compliance secondary to altered collagen deposition may also lead to LUTS.<sup>33 Jepsen J.V., Bruskewitz R.C. Comprehensive patient evaluation for benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 1998 ;  51 : 13  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Implicit in the various factors is the need to tailor treatment options toward the underlying cause of LUTS for a particular patient.