Detailed Image Description: Comparison of a Normal Prostate and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
This page complements the article : Men's health month. This illustration compares the male urinary tract in two conditions: a normal prostate (left) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate (right).
Left side: Normal Prostate
The image shows a normal urinary stream in a man with a normal prostate. Below the bladder is a normal-sized prostate gland surrounding the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
The diagram illustrations show :
- Bladder
- Prostate
- Urethra
The urethra remains open and unobstructed as it passes through the prostate. A large blue arrow pointing downward represents a normal urinary stream, indicating that urine can flow freely from the bladder through the urethra.
Right side: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
The image shows an enlarged prostate in a man with a Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
The enlarged prostate compresses the urethra as it passes through the center of the gland.
The diagram illustrations show :
- The bladder
- Possible post-void residual urine (urine remaining in the bladder after urination)
- An enlarged prostate
- A compressed urethra
As the urethra is narrowed by the enlarged prostate, urine flow may be restricted. A smaller downward-pointing blue arrow represents a weak urinary stream, illustrating the reduced urinary flow. The image also indicates that some urine may remain in the bladder after urination due to incomplete bladder emptying.
Key Message
This illustration shows how benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can enlarge the prostate and compress the urethra, potentially contributing to urinary symptoms, such as a weak stream, difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary urgency, frequency, or waking at night to urinate.