What are the risk factors for an enlarged prostate?
March 6, 2024 | 90,00 EUR | answered by Jan Schulz
Dear doctor,
My name is Alexander König and I am reaching out to you because I have some concerns regarding my prostate. Lately, I have noticed increased problems with urination, such as frequent urination, the feeling that my bladder is not emptying properly, and sometimes pain or burning during urination. These symptoms worry me and affect my quality of life.
I am wondering if these complaints are related to an enlarged prostate and what risk factors may be involved. I am 56 years old and have heard that an enlarged prostate is more common in older men. I have also read that genetic predisposition can play a role and that certain lifestyle habits such as unhealthy diet or obesity can increase the risk of an enlarged prostate.
I would like to learn more about which specific risk factors may apply to me and what I can do to maintain the health of my prostate or alleviate any symptoms. Are there measures I can take to reduce the risk of an enlarged prostate?
Thank you in advance for your help and information.
Sincerely,
Alexander König
Dear Mr. King,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a urologist. It is important that you take your symptoms seriously and address them. The symptoms you described such as frequent urination, the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and pain or burning during urination could indeed indicate an enlarged prostate.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, is very common in men of advanced age. The risk of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age. In addition to genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of physical activity, and smoking can also increase the risk of BPH.
To maintain a healthy prostate or alleviate possible symptoms, there are various measures you can take. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, as well as regular physical activity, can help reduce the risk of an enlarged prostate. It is also important to stay hydrated and monitor alcohol and caffeine consumption, as these substances can worsen BPH symptoms.
It is advisable to see your urologist regularly to monitor your prostate and detect potential issues early. Your urologist can also prescribe medications to alleviate BPH symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to reduce the enlarged prostate.
I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with your urologist to discuss your symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan. The sooner you act, the better potential complications can be avoided.
I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Jan Schulz
