The prostate gland can be affected in the course of a man’s life by at least 3 different very common conditions: some type of prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. Due to the fact that it is the most common cancer in men, prostate cancer looms large at every AUA, Society of Urologic Oncology, European Association of Urology and other meetings. BPH and prostatitis are in fact even more common conditions and at least histologically BPH is present in 60% of men in their 60s, of whom probably 30% or more have bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Over the greater than 100-year history of the AUA many societies have formed focusing on certain aspect of urology, such as cancer, stone disease, female urology, reconstructive urology, infertility etc. There has, however, never been a society focusing on the benign conditions of the prostate gland, which are among the most common conditions not only in urological practice but also in primary care.

The Society of Benign Prostate Disease (SoBPD) was founded by a group of academic urologists who have spent most of their academic career studying the conditions of the prostate, their diagnoses and treatments.

The SoBPD has some very ambitious goals as reflected in the mission statement.

MISSION STATEMENT

We believe that the SoBPD now and in the future will play a vital role:

• In raising the awareness of nonmalignant conditions of the prostate gland and their considerable burden to both individual patients and to society.
• In contributing to the promotion of knowledge among affected patients and health care providers.
• In promoting ongoing research into the epidemiology, pathophysiology and natural history of these conditions in all countries and cultures around the world.
• In spearheading research into newer and more effective but less invasive treatments for these conditions.
• While recognizing the high population prevalence, the ongoing changes in the demographics, and the limitations in terms of the number of trained health care providers and financial resources.

After its very first virtual meeting in March of 2021 our new society hopes to have its first in-person meeting on Monday, September 13 during the AUA meeting in Las Vegas. The topics discussed during the half-day session will cover a large variety of themes relevant to modern assessment and treatment of BPH.

Dr. Steven Kaplan will introduce the society and answer the question: Why another society, and why now? Dr. Herbert Lepor who made his name first in the study of LUTS and BPH will review the development of medical therapy for LUTS and BPH as it took place in the 1990s, a decade still very fresh in my mind but for many of today’s practicing urologists ancient history. The timely topic of racial differences in the presentation, evaluation and treatment of BPH will be addressed by Nihal Mohamed, PhD.

The BPH Wars Segment will have expert speakers introduce and argue for certain types of treatment ranging from medical to minimally invasive and surgical therapies in a judged competition.

The program will be rounded out by presentations focusing on hematuria and BPH, urodynamic testing, the prostate and point of care ultrasonography (POCUS), and the relationship between BPH and sexual function or dysfunction.

The Board and Members of this new society, still in its infancy, look very much forward to hosting this in-person meeting during the AUA’s annual meeting and hope for a large number of attendants to engage in spirited discussion and academic exchange.