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Objective To evaluate, in a prospective study, the demographic profile of patients with benign prostate enlargement who presented in acute urinary retention (AUR). Patients and methods The study comprised all patients admitted for transurethral resection of the prostate and categorised into two groups, i.e. those presenting in AUR or electively. The factors evaluated included the length of hospitalization, the patients' occupation, their duration of symptoms and reasons for not seeking treatment. Results There was no significant difference in the mean age and occupational status of the two groups but those in AUR had more complications and a longer hospital stay after surgery; 60% of these men had had their urinary symptoms for > 1 year. When asked why they did not seek treatment earlier, 35% reported fear of surgery, while 41% thought that their symptoms were a normal part of ageing. Conclusion There is a need to raise the level of public awareness of benign prostatic enlargement because those who present with AUR incur excess morbidity and longer hospitalization that could otherwise be avoided through earlier treatment and elective surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]