5 Most Common BPH Risk Factors

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Are you a man over 50 experiencing frequent urges to urinate, especially at night? You might be dealing with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that affects millions of men worldwide. While BPH is not cancerous, it can cause significant discomfort, and if left untreated, it may lead to complications like urinary retention or bladder infections. Understanding BPH risk factors can help you take proactive steps to manage your prostate health. In this blog, interventional radiologist Dr. Adam S. Gropper explains the five most common risk factors for BPH and what they mean for you.

What is BPH?

Before we delve into the risk factors, let’s quickly recap BPH. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Though not all men with BPH experience symptoms, those who do may notice urinary issues that can affect their quality of life. As you age, your prostate can grow larger, potentially causing urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak stream, or the feeling that your bladder hasn’t completely emptied.

Risk Factor #1: Age

Age is the most significant risk factor for BPH. As you grow older, your chances of developing this condition increase substantially.

  • In your 40s, you have about a 20% chance of having BPH
  • By your 60s, this risk jumps to 60%
  • If you’re in your 70s or 80s, the likelihood soars to 80-90%

These statistics highlight why it’s crucial to be aware of prostate health as you age. However, keep in mind that while age increases the likelihood of developing BPH, not every man will experience severe symptoms or require treatment. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor any changes in your prostate size and function.

Risk Factor #2: Family History

Your genes play a role in your susceptibility to BPH. If your father or brothers have experienced prostate problems, you’re more likely to develop them too.

Research suggests that men with a family history of BPH may develop the condition earlier and have a higher risk of needing surgery. In fact, healthcare providers often use family history as part of assessing a man’s risk for prostate issues, which makes it even more important to communicate your family’s medical background. While you can’t change your genetic makeup, knowing your family history can help you and your healthcare provider stay vigilant about potential prostate issues.

Risk Factor #3: Lifestyle Factors

Your daily habits can influence your risk of developing BPH. Several lifestyle factors have been associated with an increased likelihood of prostate enlargement:

  • Obesity: Carrying excess weight, especially around your midsection, can contribute to hormonal changes that may promote prostate growth.
  • Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to a higher risk of BPH.
  • Diet: Consuming a diet high in red meat and saturated fats while low in fruits and vegetables may increase your risk.

The good news? These factors are within your control. By maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, you can potentially reduce your risk of developing BPH. For example, adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been linked to better prostate health and may help lower the risk of BPH.

Risk Factor #4: Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions can increase your likelihood of developing BPH:

  • Diabetes: Men with type 2 diabetes are more prone to BPH. The connection isn’t fully understood, but it may be related to insulin resistance and hormonal changes.
  • Heart disease: Some studies suggest a link between cardiovascular issues and BPH risk.
  • High blood pressure: Hypertension has been associated with an increased likelihood of developing prostate problems.

Managing these conditions not only benefits your heart and blood sugar levels but may also reduce your risk of BPH. Through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups, you can better control these underlying conditions and, in turn, potentially lower your risk for prostate issues.

Risk Factor #5: Hormonal Changes

As you age, the balance of hormones in your body shifts. These changes, particularly in testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, can influence prostate growth.

  • Testosterone converts to DHT in the prostate
  • Higher levels of DHT are associated with prostate enlargement
  • Some medications that affect hormone levels may impact BPH risk

While hormonal changes are a natural part of aging, maintaining overall health can help keep your hormones balanced. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management can all contribute to hormonal equilibrium. In addition, medications that reduce DHT levels, like 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (such as finasteride), are often prescribed to help manage BPH by shrinking the prostate or slowing its growth.

Taking Action: What You Can Do

Now that you’re aware of these risk factors, you might be wondering what steps you can take to maintain your prostate health:

  • Schedule regular check-ups: Annual prostate exams are crucial, especially after age 50
  • Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
  • Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and avoid these 10 foods.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Shed those extra pounds if you’re overweight
  • Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect hormone levels, so find effective ways to relax
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol: Both can irritate the bladder and worsen BPH symptoms

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend medications or even a minimally invasive treatment such as prostate artery embolization if lifestyle changes are not enough to manage your symptoms. Remember, while these risk factors increase your chances of developing BPH, they don’t guarantee you’ll experience prostate problems. By staying informed and proactive about your health, you can take meaningful steps to support your prostate health and overall well-being.

If you’re concerned about BPH or experiencing urinary symptoms, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and, if necessary, recommend appropriate treatments to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Take Control of Your Prostate Health: Consider PAE for BPH

Now that you’re aware of the risk factors for BPH, it’s time to take action. If you’re experiencing bothersome urinary symptoms, don’t let them control your life any longer. Consider exploring prostate artery embolization (PAE) as a potential solution.

PAE for BPH offers a minimally invasive approach to managing your symptoms. This innovative treatment could be the key to reclaiming your quality of life and reducing those frequent trips to the bathroom.

At Prostate Specialists of Miami, Dr. Adam S. Gropper brings over two decades of experience in interventional radiology, with a focus on the PAE procedure. His expertise can help you determine if PAE is the right choice for effectively managing your BPH symptoms.

Take the next step in your prostate health journey. Call us directly at (786) 500-5347 to schedule a consultation, or use our confidential online form to book your appointment. During your visit, we’ll discuss how the PAE procedure can address your specific situation and potentially offer relief from BPH symptoms.

Don’t let BPH dictate your lifestyle. You’ve taken the first step by learning about the risk factors; now let’s explore how PAE can help you regain control of your prostate health and enjoy life to the fullest.

Before you go, we invite you to download our FREE guide, “5 Reasons to Choose Prostate Artery Embolization,” and discover why PAE could be the best choice for you.

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Prostate Specialists of Miami
15400 Biscayne Boulevard #104
Aventura, FL 33160
(786) 500-5347
https://prostatespecialistmiami.com/

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