1. The human prostate is a compact gland contributing to seminal fluid. With increasing age, most humans will develop benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition of prostatic enlargement and contractility that leads to occlusion of the urethra. Over many years, investigators have used a variety of animal and cell culture models to elucidate some of the contractile and proliferative mechanisms that may be associated with the development of this condition. 2. This review briefly assesses the current state of knowledge of the mechanisms underlying human prostatic contractility and compares it with that of animal and cell culture models. It is not intended as a comprehensive methodological review, nor is it intended to indicate our preferences for either model. Our aim is to correlate findings from animal and cell culture models with the current understanding of human prostate contractility. 3. We hope that the present review will increase awareness of the suitability of the current models in developing our understanding of benign prostatic hyperplasia.