What Causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

No one knows exactly what causes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is believed that factors related to aging and the testes play a role. It’s not exactly clear what factors stimulate the prostate’s growth and cause it to keep growing, although there are many theories.

It is possible that changes in male hormone levels or the balance of hormones are responsible for BPH. Men who lose their testes before puberty, or who have genetic conditions that prevent them from producing male hormones do not develop BPH. Dihydrotestosterone, a male hormone that the body produces by chemically modifying the male hormone testosterone, may play an important role in the development of BPH.

Heredity also may play some part in the risk of developing BPH. Some families appear to be at higher risk of BPH than others, and North American and European men are at higher risk than Asian men. Some studies have associated specific gene characteristics with a higher risk of BPH.

Some researchers believe that many of the same factors that predispose men to heart disease – such as being overweight, eating a high-fat, high-calorie diet, and getting little exercise – also increase the risk of BPH. It’s not yet known whether changing these factors to live a healthier lifestyle can prevent BPH or make existing BPH better. However, it can only make sense for you to follow heart-healthy habit with respect to diet and exercise, after making sure that your doctor agrees that any changes are right for you.