As men get older, they may notice changes in how they urinate. This can include a slower stream, a feeling that the bladder isn’t empty, or the need to go more often, especially at night. One common cause of these changes is an enlarged prostate. This condition is also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It is not cancer, but it can affect quality of life. Understanding what causes a man’s prostate to enlarge is the first step to managing the symptoms and getting the right help.
What Is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is about the size of a walnut and is located just below the bladder. The prostate surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
The prostate’s main job is to produce fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen. This fluid helps sperm survive and travel more easily during ejaculation. As a man ages, the prostate can slowly grow larger. This is a natural part of aging, but sometimes the growth can become a problem.
What Causes A Man’s Prostate To Enlarge?
1. Aging
The most common cause of prostate enlargement is aging. As men grow older, their hormone levels begin to change. These changes may cause the prostate to grow larger. Most men over the age of 50 will have some degree of prostate enlargement. By age 60, about half of all men will have BPH. By age 85, up to 90% may be affected.
2. Hormonal Changes
Hormones play a big role in prostate growth. The male hormone testosterone and its byproduct dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are linked to prostate cell growth. As men age, testosterone levels in the blood decrease, but the prostate still continues to convert testosterone into DHT. High levels of DHT in the prostate may cause the gland to keep growing.
Another hormone called estrogen, which is usually a female hormone, can also play a part. As men age, their levels of estrogen increase slightly. Studies suggest that a higher ratio of estrogen to testosterone might also encourage prostate growth.
3. Genetics and Family History
Family history can increase the risk of BPH. If a man’s father or brother had prostate problems, he is more likely to develop them too. Genetics may affect how the prostate responds to aging and hormonal changes.
4. Lifestyle and Diet
Some studies have linked diet and lifestyle to prostate enlargement. Diets high in red meat, dairy products, and low in vegetables may raise the risk. Lack of physical activity and obesity are also risk factors. Staying active and eating a balanced diet may help reduce the chances of BPH.
5. Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation of the prostate, which may happen due to infection or other reasons, might lead to overgrowth of prostate tissue. This inflammation can be long-lasting, even if there is no infection. Chronic inflammation may play a role in how the prostate grows over time.
How Does An Enlarged Prostate Affect Urination?
When the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra. This narrows the tube and makes it harder for urine to flow. Over time, this pressure may cause the bladder to work harder to push urine through. This can lead to several urinary problems:
- A weak urine stream
- Trouble starting urination
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Feeling that the bladder is not fully empty
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Sudden urges to urinate
These symptoms can affect daily life and sleep. Even though they are not life-threatening, they can be frustrating and may lead to more serious issues if left untreated.
Who Is At Risk?
Several factors can increase a man’s chances of developing BPH:
- Age: Men over 50 are at the highest risk.
- Family history: Having a close male relative with BPH increases the risk.
- Health conditions: Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease may raise the risk.
- Lifestyle: Lack of exercise and poor diet can contribute.
Can BPH Lead To Prostate Cancer?
No, BPH does not lead to prostate cancer. The two conditions are separate, though they can happen at the same time. BPH is not cancerous and does not increase the risk of getting cancer. However, because they share some of the same symptoms, it’s important to get checked by a doctor.
Diagnosis and Tests
If a man has symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a doctor may do several tests:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): The doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check its size and shape.
- Urine tests: To rule out infection or other causes.
- Blood tests: To check PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, which can be high in BPH and in prostate cancer.
- Ultrasound or imaging: To see the size of the prostate.
- Uroflowmetry: Measures how fast urine flows.
These tests help doctors decide how severe the problem is and what kind of treatment may be needed.
Treatment Options
The treatment for BPH depends on how bad the symptoms are.
1. Watchful Waiting
If symptoms are mild, doctors may suggest monitoring the condition with regular checkups. This is known as “watchful waiting.”
2. Medications
Several types of medicine can help:
Alpha blockers: These relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder to improve urine flow.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors: These drugs shrink the prostate by lowering DHT levels.
Combination therapy: Sometimes both types of drugs are used together.
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
If medicine doesn’t help, doctors may suggest procedures that reduce the size of the prostate. These are usually done without major surgery and have shorter recovery times.
- TUMT (Transurethral Microwave Therapy)
- TUNA (Transurethral Needle Ablation)
- Rezūm (steam therapy)
4. Surgery
Surgery may be needed in severe cases:
- TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): The most common surgical treatment.
- HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation): A newer laser surgery option.
- Open prostatectomy: Rarely done, used for very large prostates.
Lifestyle Changes To Help Manage BPH
Making some lifestyle changes can ease the symptoms of BPH:
- Avoid drinking fluids before bedtime.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol.
- Use the bathroom regularly, even if you don’t feel the urge.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- These small changes can make a big difference in daily comfort.
When To See A Doctor
Men should see a doctor if they notice:
- Trouble urinating
- Blood in urine
- Painful urination
- Frequent urination at night
- A sudden inability to urinate (this is a medical emergency)
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications like bladder damage or kidney problems.
Conclusion
An enlarged prostate is a common condition in older men, caused mostly by aging and changes in hormone levels. Though it is not cancer, it can lead to uncomfortable urinary symptoms. Understanding what causes prostate enlargement and how it affects the body is the key to managing it. With proper care, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment, most men can live comfortably with BPH.
Let your doctor know if you’re experiencing any signs. Early action makes a big difference.
Related topics:
- What Problems Can An Enlarged Prostate Cause?
- Can You Reverse An Enlarged Prostate?
- Can You Shrink An Enlarged Prostate Gland?
