Benign prostatic hyperplasia explained

As you get older your prostate can grow bigger.¹ This doesn’t necessarily mean prostate cancer, but is referred to medically as benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH for short.¹ Benign means non-cancerous and hyperplasia means enlarged, so BPH is literally an enlarged prostate.²

BPH happens as you get older, with roughly 8%-60% of men at the age of 90 experiencing it. 

Although no one really knows what causes BPH, it is thought to be connected to your changing hormones as you age - particularly testosterone which can cause the prostate to get bigger.² 

There are some factors that can increase your risk of developing BPH, including:²

• Obesity
• A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables
• A family history of BPH

As the prostate gets bigger it can press on the urethra, affecting how you urinate.^1,2 You might experience:^1,2

• A weak stream when urinating
• Needing to go to the bathroom more - even through the night
• Urgency
• Difficulty urinating - like trouble starting, only a trickle or a dribble at the end
• Feeling like your bladder is still full even though you just went

See your doctor if you have any problems urinating - they can give you advice on what tests, management or treatment options are available.

How you treat BPH depends on the symptoms you have. Your Primary Care Physician might refer you to a specialist called a urologist. They might also recommend lifestyle changes like cutting down on caffeine and alcohol. Avoiding certain foods (acidic or spicy), drinking less fluid in the evening and doing pelvic floor exercises.² 

Medications are available, as is surgery for severe cases.² Your healthcare team will help find the right approach for your situation.

Prevention is always better than cure - so try to avoid things that increase your risk, such as eating enough fruits and vegetables and maintaining a healthy weight.²

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5717991/HealthDirect. Benign prostate hypertrophy. Reviewed November 2022. 
2. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/benign-prostate-hypertrophy (accessed August 2023).