Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Description

Alternative Names

Risk Factors

About 5.5 million American men have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that could warrant medical attention. Age is the major risk factor. According to a British study, only 3.5% of men in their late 40s have signs of BPH, but by age 80, 35% of men have BPH with lower urinary tract symptoms. And, according to another study, as many as 80% of men have at least some signs of BPH. Research into possible risk factors is ongoing. The problem appears to be more prevalent in the US and Europe, and may be more common in married men than single men.

Ethnic Groups

Although some studies have suggested that African American men are at higher risk and Asian men at lower risk for BPH than Caucasians, a 2000 study found no greater risk for African Americans and only a slightly lower risk for Asians. Among Caucasians in the study, men of southern European heritage were at greater risk while men of Scandinavian ancestry had a lower chance of developing BPH. (The study reported no differences in male hormones among the Caucasian groups.)

Family History

A family history of BPH appears to increase a mans chance of developing the condition. One study reported that men with BPH who had three or more family members with the condition had much larger prostate glands than men with BPH without such a family history.

Medical Conditions

Some evidence has reported a higher incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia -- particularly fast-growing BPH -- in men with obesity, heart and circulatory diseases, and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes and hypertension, in any case, worsens urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH. In one study, flow rates were adversely affected by diabetes, although residual urine volumes were not significantly greater.