Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Last Updated: October 13, 2024

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland is enlarged and not cancerous. It often leads to lower urinary tract symptoms and is very common in older men (>50 years old).

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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) falls under theMen’s Healthcategory.

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. It commonly affects older men; approximately 50% of men over age 50 show signs of this condition, and its prevalence increases with age.

What are the main signs and symptoms of BPH?

The main signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include a frequent and urgent need to urinate, difficulty in starting a urine stream, a weak or interrupted stream, dribbling at the end of urination, and a feeling of incomplete urination. However, the severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the size of the prostate because some men with enlarged prostates may experience few symptoms.

Does BPH pose any other health risks?

How is BPH diagnosed?

BPH is diagnosed primarily through patient symptoms assessed via the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire, medical history, and a digital rectal exam. A urinalysis is also conducted to rule out other conditions that may cause similar urinary tract symptoms.

What are some of the main medical treatments for BPH?

Medical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia depend on symptom severity and include watchful waiting, medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and, if necessary, minimally invasive procedures or surgery to reduce the prostate size or widen the urethra.

Have any supplements been studied for BPH?

Research on supplements for benign prostatic hyperplasia has primarily focused on polyphenols due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and saw palmetto is the most studied. However, most studies have been conducted in rodents rather than humans.

How could diet affect BPH?

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with an increased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which suggests that a healthy diet promoting weight loss may be beneficial. Additionally, reducing total liquid intake and limiting caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can help manage BPH symptoms.

Does alcohol worsen BPH?

Can eating certain foods worsen or improve BPH symptoms?

Are there any other treatments for BPH?

Physical activity that follows the World Health Organization guidelines is recommended to improve the cardiometabolic risk factors associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, whereas over-the-counter decongestants should be avoided because they may worsen urinary symptoms. Additionally, limited evidence indicates that acupuncture might help alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms.

Can kegels or other exercises help with BPH?

What causes BPH?

The exact causes of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are not fully understood, but factors such as hormones, genetics, dietary influences, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic syndrome have been associated with its development. Additionally, having a first-degree relative with BPH can increase the risk by 4 times.

Is BPH a genetic condition?

Does being overweight or obese increase the risk of BPH?

Does bicycling increase the risk of BPH?

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References
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  3. ^The content of this page was partially adapted from MedlinePlus of the National Library of Medicine
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  5. ^Mitsunari K, Miyata Y, Matsuo T, Mukae Y, Otsubo A, Harada J, Kondo T, Matsuda T, Ohba K, Sakai HPharmacological Effects and Potential Clinical Usefulness of Polyphenols in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.Molecules.(2021-Jan-16)
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Examine Database References
  1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Wilt T, Ishani A, Mac Donald R, Rutks I, Stark GPygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasiaCochrane Database Syst Rev.(2002)
  2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Suter A, Saller R, Riedi E, Heinrich MImproving BPH symptoms and sexual dysfunctions with a saw palmetto preparation? Results from a pilot trialPhytother Res.(2013 Feb)
  3. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Bent S, Kane C, Shinohara K, Neuhaus J, Hudes ES, Goldberg H, Avins ALSaw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasiaN Engl J Med.(2006 Feb 9)
  4. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - MacDonald R, Tacklind JW, Rutks I, Wilt TJSerenoa repens monotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): an updated Cochrane systematic reviewBJU Int.(2012 Jun)
  5. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Barry MJ, Meleth S, Lee JY, Kreder KJ, Avins AL, Nickel JC, Roehrborn CG, Crawford ED, Foster HE Jr, Kaplan SA, McCullough A, Andriole GL, Naslund MJ, Williams OD, Kusek JW, Meyers CM, Betz JM, Cantor A, McVary KT, Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Urological Symptoms (CAMUS) Study GroupEffect of increasing doses of saw palmetto extract on lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized trialJAMA.(2011 Sep 28)
  6. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Willetts KE, Clements MS, Champion S, Ehsman S, Eden JASerenoa repens extract for benign prostate hyperplasia: a randomized controlled trialBJU Int.(2003 Aug)
  7. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Bertaccini A, Giampaoli M, Cividini R, Gattoni GL, Sanseverino R, Realfonso T, Napodano G, Fandella A, Guidoni E, Prezioso D, Galasso R, Cicalese C, Scattoni V, Armenio A, Conti G, Corinti M, Spasciani R, Liguori G, Lampropoulou N, Martorana GObservational database serenoa repens (DOSSER): overview, analysis and results. A multicentric SIUrO (Italian Society of Oncological Urology) projectArch Ital Urol Androl.(2012 Sep)
  8. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Safarinejad MRUrtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother.(2005)
  9. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - lker Durak, PhD, Erdal Yılmaz, MD, Erdinç Devrim, MD, Hakkı Perk, MD, Murat Kaçmaz, MDConsumption of aqueous garlic extract leads to significant improvement in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancerNutrition Research.()