What Causes BPH?

Age is the most common risk factor for BPH. Family history may also contribute to a man’s susceptibility to develop an enlarged prostate. According to the American Urological Association, half of all men have BPH by age 60 and 90% of men age 85 are affected by the condition.

Enlarged Prostate Causes

Throughout a man’s life, the prostate is growing, believed to be a result of cell growth and hormones such as testosterone. During puberty, the prostate goes through a phase of rapid growth, but this stabilizes and continues at a slow rate throughout the remainder of a man’s life.

With time, the prostate may reach a size that interferes with the outflow of urine in the bladder, causing difficulty urinating, frequent urination and inability to empty the bladder.

Many men experience only mild BPH symptoms and can treat the condition through home remedy and lifestyle changes. In some cases, however, BPH may disrupt a man’s daily routine and cause severe symptoms that require medication and/or surgery.

Risk Factors for BPH

The number one risk factor for BPH is age, affecting an overwhelming population of men over age 60. Men who have had their testicles removed do not typically develop BPH and often see a reduction in the size of the prostate.

For an unknown reason, American and European men are more likely to develop an enlarged prostate than Asian men.