Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: The Overlooked Men’s Health Risk — Are You at Risk from These 4 Triggers?

Many people mistake benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for a disease, when in fact it’s a natural part of male aging. But this “normal” condition can lead to serious health problems if left unaddressed.

The prostate, located just below the bladder and wrapped around the urethra, gradually enlarges over time. When it grows too big, it compresses the urethra — much like squeezing a rubber ring around a water pipe — and causes symptoms such as:

Difficulty urinating: weak stream, interrupted flow, and the need to strain

Frequent urination, especially at night (more than twice per night is a red flag)

Serious complications: bladder stones, recurrent urinary infections, and even kidney damage

Clinical data shows that around 50% of men over 50 and 83% of men over 80 have BPH — yet fewer than 30% seek treatment. Many attribute their symptoms to aging and choose to endure them in silence.

Six Risk Factors That May Be Hurting Your Prostate

1. Hormonal Imbalance: The Unstoppable Force of Time

As men age, testosterone gradually converts to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a compound that stimulates prostate cell growth. This explains the sharp rise in BPH cases after age 50. Interestingly, medications like finasteride, which inhibit DHT, are used both for treating BPH and hair loss.

2. Prolonged Sitting: The Hidden Danger of Modern Life

In my clinical practice, about 70% of male ride-share drivers present with prostate-related issues. Prolonged sitting causes:

Poor pelvic circulation

Prostate congestion and swelling

Elevated local temperatures (studies show every 1°C increase boosts metabolic rate by 13%)

Tip: Stand up every hour and try simple pelvic floor exercises like Kegels to improve blood flow.

3. Unhealthy Diet: Danger on Your Plate

One study found that in regions where spicy food is popular, the incidence of prostatitis was 1.8 times higher than in areas with a bland diet. Watch out for:

Spicy foods: Capsaicin irritates the urethral lining

High-fat diets: Animal fats can raise estrogen levels

Alcohol and caffeine: Diuretics that worsen urinary frequency and irritate the prostate

4. Holding in Urine: A Silent Bladder Killer

A software engineer I treated often delayed urination while working on deadlines. Over time, his bladder function deteriorated. Holding urine can cause:

Overstretching of the bladder muscles

Triple the risk of urine backflow

Increased bacterial growth and infection

Treatment and Prevention Strategies: A Stage-Based Approach

Stage 1: Prevention (Ages 40 and Up)

Diet: Eat more tomatoes (lycopene) and pumpkin seeds (zinc)

Exercise: Walk briskly 30 minutes a day and practice Kegel exercises

Screening: Annual PSA test and digital rectal examination

Stage 2: Early Intervention (Mild Symptoms Appear)

Medications:

Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) to relax prostate muscles and improve urine flow

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) to reduce prostate size

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Limit fluid intake 3 hours before bedtime

Avoid long periods of cycling

Stage 3: Surgical Indication (If Any of the Following Occur)

Recurrent urinary retention (requiring catheterization multiple times)

Bladder stones or kidney swelling (hydronephrosis)

Persistent blood in urine

Frequent urinary tract infections

If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:

Complete inability to urinate

Painful urination accompanied by fever (possible acute infection)

Visible blood in urine (may signal a tumor)

Can Herbal Medicine Help with BPH?

In recent years, more men with chronic or stubborn BPH symptoms have turned to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for help — especially those who wish to avoid long-term reliance on medication or surgery.

One such remedy is the Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill, a natural herbal formula used for relieving symptoms caused by prostate inflammation and urinary dysfunction. This formula works by:

Clearing heat and toxins from the urinary tract

Promoting blood circulation to reduce swelling

Alleviating pelvic congestion

Enhancing bladder function and easing urinary flow

Unlike single-target pharmaceuticals, the Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill addresses both the root and symptoms — particularly beneficial for men experiencing BPH with recurrent prostatitis, pelvic discomfort, or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

It’s often recommended for men with mild to moderate symptoms, or those who have had poor responses to conventional treatment.

Final Thought: Don’t Brush Off Symptoms

Just because BPH is common doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Early intervention can not only help you avoid surgery but also protect your kidney function and sexual health in the long run.

Next time you urinate, take an extra 10 seconds to observe the stream — it might be the simplest health check you do all day.