Why does the prostate become enlarged?

Scientists don’t know exactly what causes the prostate to enlarge as men age. However, there are several theories. Some researchers believe that prostate growth in later life may be related to changes in the levels of the hormones testosterone and estrogen in a man’s body as he ages.2 Another theory focuses on a hormone called dihydrotestosterone that can build up in the prostate and signal cells to grow.2

Take the first step. Talk to your doctor about your urinary symptoms.

If BPH is suspected, your doctor may refer you to a urologist — a doctor who specializes in problems of the urinary tract and male reproductive health. It’s natural to feel awkward talking about urinary symptoms, but your health and well-being, and the well-being of those around you, may depend on it.

Start the conversation with your doctor
Learn about treatment options for BPH

References

Fenter TC, Naslund MJ, Shah MB, et al. The cost of treating the 10 most prevalent diseases in men 50 years of age or older. Am J Manag Care. 2006;12(4 suppl):S90-S98
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prostate enlargement: benign prostatic hyperplasia. NIH Publication No. 07-3012. June 2006.
Shvartzman P, Borkan JM, Stoliar L, et al. Second-hand prostatism: effects of prostatic symptoms on spouses’ quality of life, daily routines and family relationships. Family Pract. 2001;18:610-613.
American Urological Association. AUA guideline on management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (2003). Chapter 1: Diagnosis and treatment recommendations. J Urol. 2003;170:530-547
Nickel JC. Comparison of clinical trials with finasteride and dutasteride. Rev Urol. 2004;6 Suppl 9:S31-9
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A Patient’s Guide. Available at: http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/patient-guides/bph_guide_2003.pdf. Accessed February 4, 2009.
Brawer MK. A multicenter study on the efficacy and safety of interstitial laser coagulation versus α-blockade in subjects with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: preliminary results. Rev Urol. 2005;7(suppl 9):S29-S33.
Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia from NIH: Enlarged Prostate. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000381.htm. Accessed March 5, 2009.
Moriyama N, Nasu K, Takeuchi T, et al. Quantification and distribution of a1-adrenoceptor subtype mRNAs in human vas deferens: comparison with those of epididymal and pelvic portions. Br J Pharmacol. 1997;122:1009-1014.
Kuritzky L. A primary care physician’s perspective on benign prostatic hyperplasia. Rev Urol. 2003;5(suppl 5):S42-S48.
Wolters R, et al: Lower urinary tract symptoms: social influence is more important than symptoms in seeking medical care. BJU Int. 2002;90:655–661.
Rosen RC, Giuliano F, Cason CC. Sexual dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eur Urol 2005;47:824–837.
Ponholzer A, Madersbacher S. Lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction; Links for diagnosis, management and treatment. Int J Impot Res. 2007;19:544-550.
National Institute on Aging: Talking With Your Doctor. Available at: http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/TalkingWithYourDoctor/. Accessed March 5, 2009.
de Mey C, Michel MC, McEwen J, Moreland T. A double-blind comparison of terazosin and tamsulosin on their differential effects on ambulatory blood pressure and nocturnal orthostatic stress testing. Eur Urol. 1998;33(5):481-8.
http://www.dictionary.com
Atlas of Human Anatomy, Frank H. Netter, MD, Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Summit, NJ, 1989.

Talking to your doctor

It may help you to fill out the American Urological Association BPH Symptom Score Questionnaire.

Take the questionnaire >