Risk Factors for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With BPH | Resource Guide
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.
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.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.