What is a common cause of obstruction in the male urinary tract?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of urinary obstruction in males, particularly as they age. BPH involves the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can occur due to hormonal changes that take place with aging. As the prostate enlarges, it exerts pressure on the urethra, leading to various urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream, and increased frequency of urination, particularly at night (nocturia).

BPH is particularly prevalent in older men and is a significant factor contributing to urinary tract symptoms, making it a primary consideration in the differential diagnosis of urinary obstruction in this population. Proper management often involves medications or surgical interventions aimed at relieving the obstruction and improving urinary flow.

While other potential causes like prostate cancer, urethral strictures, and bladder stones can also lead to urinary obstruction, BPH is statistically the most common and is frequently encountered in clinical practice, especially in older males. Thus, recognizing BPH as a leading cause is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning in cases of male urinary tract obstruction.