For many years, patients who complained of prostatism had only a few treatment choices. The patient was either a candidate for an elective prostatectomy, or the operation was deferred until the patient became more symptomatic. The present text summarizes the multiple options which have become available to the practicing urologist. Minimally invasive techniques such as transurethral incision of the prostate, balloon dilatation, hyperthermia, laser therapy, and prostatic stents are described. Medical treatment with alpha-blockers, 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, and flutamide are addressed by authors who have had extensive clinical experience with the use of these agents.