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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Epidemiology and Risk Factors

  • Voiding Dysfunction Evaluation (B Brucker and B Peyronnet, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The epidemiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is continuously evolving with an increasing life span and the prevalence of metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. As a result, there is a substantial financial strain on health care.

Recent Findings

Recent studies and clinical trials have strengthened the relationship of known risk factors of BPH and LUTS. These include metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and elevated serum dihydrotestosterone. Excessive consumption of red meat, saturated fat, bread, poultry, and starch was positively associated with symptomatic LUTS. Efforts to enhance treatment adherence, a healthy diet, and moderate physical exercise were noted as factors that can improve the treatment and management of BPH and LUTS.

Summary

BPH is a prevalent condition among aging men. As it becomes a clinical entity through the development of LUTS, it significantly reduces the quality of life of those affected through sub-optimal bladder storage, voiding difficulties, and sexual dysfunctions. Many of the risk factors for BPH and LUTS can be reduced through moderate to intense physical exercise and consumption of dietary ß-carotene, polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, zinc, and vitamin A and C.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian, 425 East 61st Street, 12th floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Ahra Cho, Bilal Chughtai & Alexis E. Te

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  1. Ahra Cho
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Correspondence to Alexis E. Te.

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Ahra Cho and Alexis Te declare that they have no conflict of interest. Bilal Chughtai is a consultant for Boston Scientific and Olympus America.

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Cho, A., Chughtai, B. & Te, A.E. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Epidemiology and Risk Factors. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 15, 60–65 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-019-00566-z

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