Are you a middle-aged man? Do you know what the four risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia are? If not, you’re not alone. Many men don’t know what BPH is, let alone what increases their risk for developing it. However, it’s important to be aware of the risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition affects millions of men each year, and can cause a wide variety of problems if left untreated. In this blog post, we will discuss the four main risk factors for BPH. Knowing what these risks are can help you take steps to avoid them and keep your prostate healthy!

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the lower pelvic area that produces semen. This gland sits just below the bladder and is responsible for generating semen and regulating urine flow by surrounding the urethra (the tube through which urine passes).

The cells of the prostate increase in size as men get older. In fact, at any age, the prostate goes through two distinct development phases. During puberty, the prostate enlarges to be twice its size. The second stage of prostate growth begins around the age of 25 and lasts throughout a man’s life.

As the prostate continues to grow, it can eventually compress the urethra and impede the flow of urine. While this condition is benign (non-cancerous), it can cause a variety of urinary problems such as:

• difficulty urinating
• inability to empty the bladder
• weak urine stream
• dribbling urine
• frequent need to urinate (especially at night)
• urinary urgency

What are the risk factors for BPH?

While the exact cause of BPH is unknown, there are several risk factors that have been identified. These include:

Age:

The older a man is, the greater his risk for developing BPH. Most men under the age of 40 will not experience symptoms, since they generally start around the age of 50. In fact, most men over the age of 60 will have some degree of prostate enlargement. By the age of 80, 90 percent of men will have BPH.

Family History:

Men with a family history of BPH are more likely to develop the condition themselves. In fact there are some studies on BPH that suggest there may be a genetic component to the disease.

Inactivity:

Men who are physically inactive are more likely to develop BPH than those who are active. This is thought to be due to the fact that inactivity can lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for BPH.

Certain Medical Conditions:

There are several medical conditions that have been linked to an increased risk of BPH, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. These conditions can all lead to changes in hormone levels, which may contribute to the development of BPH.

In Conclusion

In this blog post, we have discussed the four main risk factors for BPH. Knowing what these risks are can help you take steps to avoid them and keep your prostate healthy! If you are experiencing any urinary problems, be sure to talk to your doctor. They will be able to determine if you have BPH and recommend the best treatment options for you.