Enlarged Prostate (BPH) in Men: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Best Treatments (2026 Guide)
What Is an Enlarged Prostate? An enlarged prostate, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland that commonly affects men as they age. The prostate surrounds the urethra. As it enlarges, it can compress this tube and cause urinary problems such as: Weak urine flow Frequent urination Difficulty emptying the bladder Key Fact: BPH is not prostate cancer, but both conditions can occur at the same time. Why This Matters Around 50% of men over age 50 are affected Up to 90% of men over age 80 develop some degree of BPH It is one of the most common causes of urinary symptoms in older men What Causes an Enlarged Prostate? 1. Hormonal Changes (Primary Cause) As men age: Testosterone levels decline Estrogen levels relatively increase Testosterone converts into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which stimulates prostate growth DHT accumulation is one of the strongest drivers of prostate enlargement. 2. Lifelong Prostate Growth The ...