Many men notice changes in their urinary habits as they get older. Your urine stream may not be as strong as it used to be, it may take longer to get started, or you may find yourself making more trips to the bathroom, especially at night.

If you’re wondering what causes prostate enlargement, the most common reason is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition becomes more common with age and can make it harder for urine to flow. Knowing what causes an enlarged prostate and when to seek treatment can help you protect your urinary health.

What Causes Prostate Enlargement?

In most men, prostate enlargement happens because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a common condition that causes the prostate to grow slowly over time.

Doctors don’t fully understand why BPH develops. Age-related hormone changes appear to play a role. Not every man develops bothersome symptoms, so more than one factor is probably involved.

What Is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small gland below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate also makes fluid that helps carry and protect sperm.

In younger men, the prostate is usually about the size of a walnut. As it gets larger, it can press on the urethra and make it harder for urine to flow.

Does Age Cause Prostate Enlargement?

Age is the biggest risk factor for prostate enlargement.

BPH is uncommon in younger men but becomes much more common with age. Many men begin developing prostate enlargement during middle age. The risk continues to increase through their 60s, 70s, and beyond.

Can Family History Cause Prostate Enlargement?

Family history may increase your risk of developing BPH. Men with a father or brother who has had significant prostate enlargement are more likely to develop it themselves.

Having a family history doesn’t mean you’ll develop symptoms, but it may increase your chances of prostate enlargement and urinary problems.

Can Other Health Conditions Cause Prostate Enlargement?

Several health conditions are linked to BPH, although they aren’t thought to directly cause the prostate to enlarge. These include:

  • Having a high body weight
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • High blood pressure

Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce urinary symptoms. But they won’t necessarily prevent or reverse prostate enlargement.

What Symptoms Can Prostate Enlargement Cause?

As the prostate gets larger, it can press on the urethra and make it harder for urine to leave the bladder. Common symptoms include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Waking up at night to urinate
  • A sudden urge to urinate
  • Trouble starting urination
  • A weak urine stream
  • A urine stream that stops and starts
  • Straining to urinate
  • Dribbling after urination
  • Feeling like your bladder doesn’t empty completely

A larger prostate doesn’t always cause worse symptoms. Some men with a large prostate have only mild urinary problems. Others with a smaller prostate have more bothersome symptoms.

Does Prostate Enlargement Mean You Have Prostate Cancer?

BPH and prostate cancer are different conditions.

Having an enlarged prostate doesn’t mean you have prostate cancer, and BPH doesn’t turn into prostate cancer.

Both conditions can happen at the same time and may cause similar urinary symptoms. That’s why it’s important to see a urologist if you notice changes in urination.

Can You Prevent Prostate Enlargement?

There isn’t a proven way to prevent prostate enlargement completely.

Because aging and hormone changes play a major role, even healthy men can develop BPH as they get older.

When Should You See a Urologist for Prostate Enlargement?

You should schedule an appointment if urinary symptoms are bothering you or affecting your daily life. Seek medical care right away if you have:

A urologist can find out what’s causing your symptoms. They can also recommend the treatment that’s right for you.

What Causes Prostate Enlargement? Get the Right Diagnosis

What causes prostate enlargement? In most cases, it’s benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition that becomes more likely as men get older. While you can’t always prevent prostate enlargement, treatment can help relieve urinary symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you’re dealing with frequent urination, a weak urine stream, or other urinary symptoms, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with Carolina Urology Partners. We help men throughout the Charlotte, NC, and Columbia, SC areas find the cause of their symptoms and recommend the treatment that’s right for them.

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