Modifiable Risk Factors for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: New Approaches to Old Problems

PURPOSE: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is generally not regarded as a preventable disease. However, accumulating evidence suggests that modifiable factors may influence the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured, comprehensive literature review was done to identify modifiable risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms among observational studies of older men. RESULTS: Outcome measures used to define benign prostatic hyperplasia in clinical studies include histological analysis of prostate tissue, radiographically determined prostate enlargement, acute urinary retention, decreased urinary flow rate, pressure flow studies consistent with bladder outlet obstruction, history of benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery, physician diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia and American Urological Association symptom score or International Prostate Symptom Score. Factors that potentially increase the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms include obesity and diabetes. Factors that potentially decrease the risk include increased physical activity and moderate alcohol consumption. Other candidate factors for which clear risk patterns have not yet emerged are dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, diet and environment. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity, diabetes, physical activity and alcohol intake may substantially influence the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms in older men. Further analyses of these and other potential modifiable risk factors may identify novel interventions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these highly prevalent conditions.