Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments Of An Enlarged Prostate

Risk Factors

Similar to the causes and complications associated with BPH, there are numerous risk factors that can contribute to a man developing an enlarged prostate. As one of the main causes, aging is also a critical risk factor for men, as an enlargement of the prostate gland rarely causes signs and symptoms in men under the age of forty, compared to one-third of men experiencing moderate to severe symptoms by the age of sixty, and half of the men by the age of eighty experiencing full-blown symptoms. Other risk factors include a family history of prostate problems, especially if a man’s father or brother has experienced BPH before, diabetes and heart disease due to the use of beta blockers, and lifestyle choices, such as obesity can increase a man’s risk as well.

When To Seek Help

Urologists use a set of questions developed by the American Urological Association to determine if a man’s symptoms from BPH require treatment. Here are a few questions to ask before seeking help: How severe are the symptoms? Do they disruptive to normal daily activities? Are they worsening? Do the symptoms affect the quality of life? How long have the symptoms been present? Is it finally time to seek treatment? Are the risks associated with treatment worth it?