Risk Factors for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop BPH with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing BPH. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

There are three primary risk factors for BPH. These are:

Age —The risk of BPH increases with age, beginning at about age 40. The incidence increases with age—50% by age 50 and 80% by age 80.

Ethnic background —The risk of BPH begins to rise in African-American men about five years earlier than it does for white American men. This condition is less common among men living in Asian countries.

Gender —BPH occurs only in men.

Studies have also shown a link between insulin-resistance syndromes including obesity , diabetes, and high cholesterol with the development of BPH. Research also suggests that men who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing BPH.

References

American Urological Association Practice Guidelines Committee. AUA guideline on management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2003;170:530-547.

Dull P, Reagan RW Jr, Bahnson RR. Managing benign prostatic hyperplasia. Am Fam Physician. 2002;66:87-88.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Adrienne Carmack, MD
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/91/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.