Etiology of prostate enlargement

Prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, can be caused by the following:

Aging: This is usually attributed to hormonal changes, whereby the prostate enlarges with the advancement of age. It is by far the most common cause.

Hormonal Imbalance: The ratio of estrogen to testosterone increases, which might be one of the causes associated with the growth of one's prostate.

Genetics: There is a familial incidence where incidence of BPH in one generation predisposes a man to the disease.

Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and improper diet may contribute to problems in the prostate. The chronic inflammation could be one of the major reasons for enlargement, as there exist conditions that may cause chronic inflammation of the prostate. Conditions that may be associated with an increased risk of BPH include diabetes and heart disease.

Hormonal Medications: Some medications can have an effect on hormone levels and cause enlargement of the prostate.