What is the cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and what should be done?
Aug 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Introduction
In general, benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement) may be caused by factors such as aging, unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic prostatitis, bladder neck obstruction, urethral stricture, and other related conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a physician's guidance through general management, medication, or surgical treatment. In daily life, maintaining a regular作息 (routine作息 should be translated as作息 here, but since it's repeated, it might be better to use "routine" or "daily schedule") routine and avoiding staying up late are advised.
Generally, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may be caused by aging, unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic prostatitis, bladder neck obstruction, urethral stricture, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and improve the condition through general management, medication, or surgical treatment under a physician's guidance. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Aging: With increasing age, metabolic changes in male androgens can lead to gradual prostate tissue proliferation, which compresses the urethra and manifests as frequent urination and difficulty in urination. It is important to avoid holding urine, maintain regular urination, and drink 1500–2000 ml of water daily without excessive intake, which could burden the bladder.
2. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Long-term smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sitting, or excessive intake of high-fat foods may stimulate prostate tissue proliferation, accompanied by lower abdominal discomfort. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing intake of high-fat and spicy foods, and engaging in activities like brisk walking or jogging for 5–10 minutes every hour of sitting are recommended.
3. Chronic prostatitis: Long-term bacterial or non-bacterial inflammatory stimulation of the prostate causes tissue congestion and edema, leading to hyperplasia, accompanied by urgency and painful urination. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, azithromycin dispersible tablets, and Qianlieshutong capsules to control inflammation and relieve symptoms of hyperplasia.
4. Bladder neck obstruction: Thickening or fibrosis of the bladder neck muscles increases resistance to urination, chronically stimulating the prostate to undergo compensatory hyperplasia, manifesting as a thinner urine stream and incomplete emptying. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, finasteride tablets, and terazosin tablets to relax the smooth muscles of the bladder neck and prostate, thereby improving urination.
5. Urethral stricture: Scarring after urethral injury or inflammation causes narrowing of the urethra, resulting in poor urine flow and triggering prostate hyperplasia, accompanied by straining during urination and urinary retention. Urethral dilation can be performed to widen the urethra; severe strictures may require urethroplasty to repair the narrowed segment, relieve urinary obstruction, and reduce compensatory prostate hyperplasia.
Routinely maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late, and maintain perineal hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Diet-wise, consume more fiber-rich foods to maintain regular bowel movements and avoid constipation, which may exert pressure on the prostate. Comprehensive lifestyle adjustments can reduce the burden on the prostate and support urinary system health.
