BPH risk factors: who is more likely to get an enlarged prostate

What BPH is

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland grows larger than normal, but the growth is not caused by cancer. It is also called enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy, or benign prostatic obstruction (NIDDK BPH).

The prostate has two main growth phases. The second starts around age 25 and continues throughout life, and BPH often occurs late in this phase (NIDDK BPH). As the prostate gets bigger, it may press against the bladder and pinch the urethra, which can slow or block the flow of urine out of your bladder (MedlinePlus).

Experts estimate that BPH affects 5% to 6% of men ages 40 to 64 and 29% to 33% of those ages 65 and older. BPH is the most common prostate problem in men older than age 50, and it rarely causes symptoms in men younger than age 40 (NIDDK BPH).

Who is more likely to get BPH

You are more likely to develop BPH if you (NIDDK BPH) (MedlinePlus):

• are age 40 or older. The chance of getting BPH increases as you get older (MedlinePlus).
• have a family history of BPH
• have certain conditions such as heart and blood vessel disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, or erectile dysfunction (ED) (NIDDK BPH)
• are not physically active

What causes BPH

Scientists aren't sure why BPH occurs. They think factors related to aging may cause it, because BPH becomes more common with age. Changes in hormone levels as you age may also cause BPH (NIDDK BPH).

Symptoms

If you have BPH, you may have (NIDDK BPH):

• trouble starting a urine stream or emptying your bladder
• a weak or interrupted urine stream, or dribbling at the end of urination
• nocturia (waking up many times to urinate (MedlinePlus))
• urinary urgency
• urinary frequency
• pain during urination

Symptoms may not be directly related to the size of your prostate: a large prostate may cause few symptoms, while a slightly enlarged one may cause more (NIDDK BPH). Some medicines can make BPH symptoms worse, including over-the-counter cold and cough medicines such as decongestants or antihistamines, tranquilizers, antidepressants and diuretics, so tell a health care professional if you take them (NIDDK BPH). Our prostate symptom score can help you describe urinary symptoms to your provider.

Complications

For most people, BPH doesn't cause other problems, but it increases your chance of developing serious conditions (MedlinePlus). As the prostate grows, the bladder muscles have to work harder and may eventually be unable to empty completely, which is called urinary retention (NIDDK BPH). Other complications can include (NIDDK BPH):

• blood in your urine (hematuria)
• urinary tract infections (see UTI risk factors)
• kidney disease
• bladder stones

Acute urinary retention, when you suddenly can't urinate at all, is a medical emergency (MedlinePlus).

BPH and prostate cancer

BPH isn't cancer and it doesn't increase your risk of getting prostate cancer (MedlinePlus). Some urinary symptoms could still be caused by other problems, such as bladder problems, UTIs, prostatitis, or prostate cancer, so discuss any urinary symptoms with a health care professional (NIDDK BPH). See our guide to prostate cancer risk factors.

Lowering your chances

Researchers have not found a way to prevent BPH, but being physically active may help reduce your risk. If you have risk factors for BPH, talk with a health care professional about any lower urinary tract symptoms and how often you may need a prostate exam. Early treatment can help reduce the effects of BPH on your quality of life (NIDDK BPH).

Researchers have not found eating, diet, or nutrition to cause or prevent BPH. Limiting how much you drink before outings and bedtime, and avoiding or reducing alcohol and caffeine, can reduce how often you need to urinate (NIDDK BPH).

Common questions

At what age does BPH start?

Being age 40 or older raises the chance, and BPH rarely causes symptoms in men younger than age 40 (NIDDK BPH).

Is BPH a risk factor for prostate cancer?

No. MedlinePlus says BPH doesn't increase your risk of getting prostate cancer (MedlinePlus).

Is BPH a risk factor for UTIs?

Yes. Urinary tract infections are one of the complications of BPH that NIDDK lists (NIDDK BPH).