Who's at Risk for BPH and Is It Preventable?

Approximately half the male population over age 50 possesses an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Once you reach 70, that number expands to nearly 80%. Fortunately, BPH doesn’t increase the odds of developing prostate cancer. But what exactly puts someone at risk for BPH, and is there anything you can do to prevent it?

At the offices of urologist Himansh Khanna, MD, FACS, in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, patients receive expert care for BPH and other prostate conditions. From identifying risk factors to offering the latest treatments, Dr. Khanna provides the guidance you need to understand and manage this common issue. Read more below about BPH, including whether you could be at risk and ways to prevent it.

What is BPH?

A man’s prostate gland is about the size of a walnut. It lies below the bladder surrounding part of the urethra, which allows urine and sperm to flow from the body. Enlargement of the prostate due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) inhibits this flow, making it painful instead of a relief.

Who’s most at risk for BPH?

Although BPH is common for men over 50, men experiencing an enlarged prostate before age 65 were four times more likely to share a genetic history for BPH with a parent or sibling. Other risk factors include:

• Diabetes
• Poor diet
• Excess weight

It appears men with metabolic syndrome, which includes such conditions as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, low HDL (good cholesterol), and high blood pressure, may be more susceptible. 

Dietary changes to help prevent BPH

A diet high in refined sugars, red meat, and saturated fats may worsen symptoms. For this reason, Dr. Khanna recommends eating more healthy proteins, fruit, and vegetables to lower your risk of obesity, since the higher your BMI (body mass index), the greater your chances of developing BPH.

Warning signs of BPH

Untreated, Dr. Khanna warns, you may experience further blockage in your urethra, potentially causing kidney damage, bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and more. Early BPH symptoms include:

• Inability to completely empty your bladder
• Leaking (incontinence)
• Sudden urgency to pee

While no action may be needed in the early stages, regular prostate exams ensure the doctor addresses early symptoms before they worsen.

The exam

During your prostate exam, Dr. Khanna feels your prostate area to detect its size and firmness, which could indicate cancer. He may also perform tests to measure:

1. How much urine remains in your bladder
2. The speed of your stream
3. The narrowness of your urethra as it passes through the prostate

The doctor employs a cystoscope, a hollow tube with a lens, to look inside your urethra and bladder. He may also use a smaller device, known as a ureteroscope, to examine the tubes that transport urine from your kidneys to your bladder. 

Is there a cure for BPH?

While there’s no easy fix for BPH, Dr. Khanna offers a range of options, depending upon the severity of your symptoms, that may help. 

1. Medication 

We offer medication to relax the muscle inside your prostate and reduce the pressure on your urethra. Patients with larger prostates may benefit from certain medications that reduce the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone, which increases prostate growth.

2. Minimally-invasive treatments

Various minimally-invasive outpatient procedures reduce your condition further. The doctor also suggests making certain lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet and regular exercise, to help maintain normal blood pressure and heart health. You may also enhance any treatment with herbal supplements, such as pumpkin seed oil or Pygeum africanum, that may help shrink your prostate. Discuss any supplements with Dr. Khanna to make sure they combine well with any other medications.

3. Surgery

Dr. Khanna also performs a variety of surgeries to relieve your prostate issue. These include:

1. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to remove prostate tissue
2. Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), which widens your urethra to improve flow
3. Transurethral electrovaporization, which uses heat to vaporize enlarged areas 

He’ll discuss the best options and treatments to ease your symptoms. 

We’re here for you

Yearly prostate exams and lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol and caffeine, and increasing exercise, all contribute to a healthier prostate. If you’re experiencing symptoms of BPH or would like to consult with the doctor about other health issues, contact the office of Himansh Khanna, MD, FACS at 347-274-8370 or book an appointment online today.