nign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) becomes increasingly common as men age, especially after age 50. The precise cause is not known but probably involves changes caused by hormones, including testosterone and especially dihydrotestosterone. As the prostate enlarges, it gradually compresses the urethra and blocks the flow of urine. When men with BPH urinate, the bladder may not empty completely. Consequently, urine stagnates in the bladder, making men susceptible to urinary tract infections and bladder stones. Prolonged obstruction can weaken the bladder and ultimately damage the kidneys.

Diagnostic Essentials for Prostatic Hyperplasia in TCM:
(1) This disease occurs frequently in the males over 50 years old. The age above 65 is a high incidence age in particular.

(2) This disease is manifested by frequent nocturnal urination, urgent urination, hesitant urination or interrupted urination, bifurcated streams in urination, lingering dribbling urine after urination, fine stream of urine, and even dysuria, dribbling drops or no drops of urine ,and hematuria in a few patients.

(3) In the rectal touch, bilateral lobes of the prostate are enlarged symmetrically, in an elasticity, smooth surface, and shallow or disappeared central groove.

(4) Type B ultrasonic examination can indicate obvious enlargement of the prostate in even nature in the patients, accompanied by scanty or large volume of residual urine. Clinically, when it is complicated with urinary infection, pyocyte can be seen in the routine examination of urine. The degree of the inferior urinary obstruction can be confirmed in the dynamic examination of urine. Serum prostatic specific antigen (PSA) examination is usually within the normal scope