Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of morbidity in older men in developed countries. BPH causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and occasionally results in such complications as acute urinary retention (AUR), urinary tract infection, and even obstructive uropathy. Although the development of medical treatments has reduced the role of surgery, prostatectomy remains a widely performed procedure. Epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiology are discussed. Diagnosis includes clinical features, history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Management can include watchful waiting, medical treatment, surgery, and minimally invasive treatment. Management of AUR is also addressed. This review contains 4 figures, 10 tables, and 58 references. Keywords: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary retention, incontinence, alpha blocker, 5α-reductase inhibitor, cystoscopy, transurethral intervention