As a man ages, the prostate may enlarge and press against the urethra. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. BPH is a chronic progressive condition, which is most often not dangerous as it is NOT a precursor to cancer. However, quality of life may be affected by urinary tract symptoms. If these symptoms become severe and remain untreated, they can cause more serious conditions such as the inability to urinate, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, urinary incontinence, bladder or kidney damage.