What causes Enlarged Prostrate?

Enlarged Prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common with aging and is primarily caused by hormonal changes, genetics, obesity, and chronic inflammation. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and bladder problems. BPH is not cancer, but if left untreated, it can lead to complications such as urinary retention, infection, and kidney problems. 

Enlarged Prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition affecting men as they age. The prostate, a small gland below the bladder, produces semen essential for fertility. As men reach middle age and beyond, this gland often enlarges, sometimes causing uncomfortable urinary symptoms and affecting quality of life. Health authorities, including the NHS, stress that BPH is not cancer, but it can cause discomfort and needs to be managed appropriately as part of long-term male health strategies.

Natural health also highlights the role of dietary and lifestyle supplements, such as BioNutrica BioProstate, in prostate health. This comprehensive, plant-based formulation aims to maintain normal prostate size and function, complementing medical and lifestyle approaches. This is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular among men looking to be proactive about their health.

What are the major causes of Enlarged Prostate?

Enlarged Prostate is mainly caused by aging, hormonal changes, genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and heart disease. The major causes of prostate enlargement are listed below:

• Hormonal changes: Hormone levels, especially testosterone and estrogen, naturally change with aging. This hormonal imbalance is currently the most widely accepted cause of prostate enlargement.
  

• Age and genetics: The risk increases significantly after age 50, and men with a family history of BPH are more susceptible.
  

• Lifestyle factorsObesity, physical inactivity, heart disease, and diabetes are associated with a higher risk of developing BPH, while regular exercise may reduce this risk.

• chronic inflammationPersistent inflammation is also a contributing factor, although the exact mechanism remains to be studied.
  

Read more: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Guide

At what age does Prostate Enlargement typically start?

Prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), usually begins after age 40, but it is rare before this age. By age 50, approximately 25–50% of men experience symptoms of BPH, and the prevalence increases with age. About 50% of men by age 60 are affected, and this number rises to 80% in men by age 80. Although not every man will experience obvious symptoms, the likelihood of prostate enlargement and related urinary problems increases steadily through middle age and old age.

What happens if enlarged prostate is untreated?

Untreated BPH can result in several complications, such as:

• Difficulty urinating, a weak stream, or frequent urination, especially at night.
  

• Incomplete emptying of the bladder increases the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI).
  

• Bladder stones, damage to the bladder or kidneys, or if urine is retained for a long time.
  

• Some men may experience acute urinary retention, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.

Can an enlarged prostate go back to normal?

An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) usually doesn't return to its original size naturally, but effective management is possible. Medications such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and alpha-blockers can reduce symptoms and shrink the gland slightly over time. Surgical and newer minimally invasive procedures, such as Rezum steam therapy or UroLift, have proven highly effective in reducing prostate size and relieving urinary problems in the long term.

Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a diet rich in vegetables and low in red meat may help slow or control further growth and reduce symptoms, although they rarely completely reverse it. While some natural remedies, such as saw palmetto, zinc, and lycopene, are often discussed, evidence of their ability to restore normal size is limited; they may help manage symptoms alongside medical care.

How long does it take for an enlarged prostate to go away?

Recovery from an enlarged prostate depends on the treatment. Medications typically take 3-6 months, while surgery typically takes 4-8 weeks. Symptoms may gradually improve during this time.

• Medicine: Most men experience significant symptom improvement after 3-6 months of consistent use.
  

• Lifestyle changes and dietary supplements: Results are achieved gradually, depending on compliance and individual health status.
  

• surgeries or procedures: With modern NHS rollouts, interventions such as TURP, Greenlight laser, Rezum steam therapy, or the new ITIND device can improve symptoms within a few weeks.
  

How to prevent an Enlarged Prostate?

Although aging and genetics cannot be prevented, these steps can help reduce the risk and promote prostate health:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, and minimize your intake of red meat and processed foods.
  

• Maintain a healthy body weight and exercise regularly.
  

• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
  

• Regular check-ups and prompt management of symptoms.
  

BioNutrica BioProstate is designed to complement this approach. It contains ingredients like saw palmetto, zinc, pumpkin seed oil, and lycopene, which have been studied to improve prostate health and normal function. Although not a substitute for medical monitoring, many men combine Bio Prostate with healthy habits for additional, targeted support.

What is the best treatment for an enlarged prostate?

The NHS and other health organisations recommend a phased approach:

• mild symptoms: Lifestyle optimization and monitoring are prioritized.

• Medicine: Alpha-blockers (such as tamsulosin) and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are usually present.

• minimally invasive surgery: Newer options include steam therapy (Rezum), ITIND, Urolift, and laser therapy, which are available at many NHS clinics.

• Traditional surgery: TURP remains the standard of care for severe obstruction or when other methods fail.

Choosing the right option depends on the severity of symptoms, personal health, and response to initial treatments, and regular follow-up ensures safe and effective results.

Also Read: How to improve prostate health naturally?

F.A.Q.

1. What are the first signs of prostate enlargement?

Early symptoms include difficulty starting urination, weak flow, frequent urination at night, and a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder.

2. Why do men get an enlarged prostate?

Prostate enlargement in men is caused by aging, hormonal changes, genetics, and other lifestyle or metabolic factors.

3. Does an enlarged prostate affect a man sexually?

Yes, an enlarged prostate can affect sexual function, causing discomfort or pain during ejaculation in some men.