Review and update of benign prostatic hyperplasia in general practice

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign tumour in men. Although men with BPH often need medical or surgical management from a urologist at some point throughout the timeline of their disease, most men are initially assessed and managed by a general practitioner (GP) in the primary healthcare setting.

The aim of this article is to highlight the principles of the pathogenesis, presentation, assessment and management of BPH in a primary care setting.

Between 2009 and 2011, BPH was managed by GPs at approximately 228,000 general practice visits per annum in Australia. Several changes in pharmaceutical agents and surgical intervention have occurred over the past decade. As a result, it is imperative that GPs remain up to date with assessment and management of BPH, are aware of new therapies and understand when to refer to a urologist.