Final answer:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous cause of urinary problems in older men, characterized by the growth of the prostate gland leading to urethral constriction.
Step-by-step explanation:
A noncancerous cause of urinary problems in older men is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is an abnormal growth of the prostate that can lead to constriction of the urethra, causing urinary symptoms such as a frequent and intense urge to urinate, a weak stream, and feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely. By age 60, around 40 percent of men experience some degree of BPH, and the number increases to as much as 80 percent by age 80. Treatments for BPH include medications for mild to moderate symptoms and surgery for severe cases, where a portion of the prostate tissue is removed to relieve pressure on the urethra.