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What are the Risk Factors for BPH?

There are several factors that increase the risk of developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate. The prostate is, in its normal size, a walnut-shaped gland that does not typically cause issues for men until they are older. As men age, the prostate grows and may cause potential urinary symptoms that lead to the development of BPH. Although you can’t avoid certain risk factors that contribute to BPH, such as aging and family history, you may be able to lower your risk for the condition. Read more below to learn about BPH and the common risk factors.

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Common Risk Factors of BPH

The most common risk factor for BPH is being male, age 50 or older. Family history, diabetes, heart disease, and an unhealthy lifestyle may also increase the risk.

Age

All men experience enlarged prostates as they age, and the risks increase with each decade. By the age of 50, approximately 50% of men will experience symptoms.  By the age of 90, the percentage will have increased to 90%.

Family History

There have been findings of a possible genetic link to BPH. If any family members (blood relatives) have had a history of prostate problems or abnormalities in their testicles, this may increase your risk of developing BPH.

Obesity

A study that was published in the Journal of Urology found that men who are overweight, especially those with large amounts of abdominal fat, have a marked increase of developing BPH. Being overweight increases intra-abdominal pressure, which causes increased pressure on the bladder and intravesical pressure. This has the potential to cause BPH symptoms to worsen.

Lack of Physical Exercise

It is surprising, but lack of physical exercise can increase the risk of developing BPH. Scientific evidence is emerging, suggesting that a few hours of exercise per week may keep prostate enlargement under control.

Unhealthy Diet

Like many other conditions, daily consumption of a diet high in red or processed meat, saturated fats, and dairy products can increase your risk for prostate problems. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can also increase your risk, due to being diuretics that increase urine production.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, and circulatory conditions can significantly increase your chances of BPH and problematic symptoms. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of developing symptoms of BPH and lower your risk for other conditions that may contribute to your risk of developing prostate problems.

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Who is at Highest Risk for BPH

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is considered a normal part of aging. It commonly occurs in men over the age of 50, and the chances of developing BPH increase steadily for every decade that follows. By the age of 70, approximately 70% of men will have BPH, with moderate to severe symptoms. By the age of 80, this increases to 80%. Ethnicity can also play a factor, as African American and Caucasian men are more at risk of developing BPH than Asian men. Men at higher risk include:

  • Men, age 50 or older
  • Men who have a family history of prostate problems
  • Overweight men, especially men with belly fat
  • Men who have an unhealthy lifestyle 
  • Men who smoke

How to Prevent BPH

Although there is no way to prevent Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, there are certain lifestyle choices you can make to reduce your risk of developing BPH. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and weight, are the first step to treating and relieving BPH symptoms if you think you are at risk. You can also do the following to help reduce the effects of an enlarged prostate.

  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Get regular exercise
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Stop smoking 
  • Lower the amount of fluids you drink
  • Do exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles

Our Prostate Specialists

Our board-certified, affiliated prostate specialists in NY, are highly trained in the treatment of BPH. Their goal is to address uncomfortable urinary symptoms through Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive-image guided procedure.

Our Prostate Center in NY

Patients can enjoy convenient access to safe and effective BPH treatment at our affiliated prostate center in Queens, NY. Our facility is accredited by the Joint Commission and adheres to the utmost health code standards.

Queens, NY
28-18 31st Street
Queens, NY 11102
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What Our Patients Are Saying

I felt very comfortable with him. Excellent bedside manner, proper teaching , and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him!
Jamel Jackson
Jamel Jackson
14:07 27 Feb 24
The absolute BEST Dr!! Detailed, caring & kind! The best medical procedure I’ve ever had from consultation to post procedure, perfect! 10s all around 👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽 many thank yous🙏🏾
Josi W
Josi W
22:04 12 Jan 24
Excellent service and staff i’ll let you feel relaxing and comfortable
kadine campbell
kadine campbell
21:01 23 Oct 23
Really like this doctor, talks in your language, just over all regular nice person.
Linda Thoomey
Linda Thoomey
22:03 21 Jul 23
I’m very satisfied of my visit for the first time, everyone was concerned about me, and Dr David was very patient to listen to my long health stories, after that He gave me good explanation for my problem, that was great 👍
Claude Jean Pierre
Claude Jean Pierre
22:38 18 Jul 23
Follow up to a procedure. Dr Mobley and his staff are great and always helpful
DanLiza Diehl
DanLiza Diehl
21:25 10 Jul 23
David monkey,MD and the grupo are excellent very kind and helpful.i will return to them.the attention.its very satisfied.thank u ..
Luis Sarria
Luis Sarria
12:16 29 Jun 23
I had a good experience with my procedure and Dr. Mobley’s follow-up calls are great. I’ve never had a doctor who has been so concerned about following up after a procedure to see how I’m doing and if there are any post-procedure problems I may have experienced (which there aren’t). I’d highly recommend Dr. Mobley.
Hey Beej
Hey Beej
16:42 23 Jun 23
Dr Mobley was so helpful, informative and made me feel secure in making my future medical plan. Supportive and kind. Highly recommended.
Amanda L Browder
Amanda L Browder
15:57 23 Jun 23
Doctor was very thorough. Explaining what the procedure is all about. Tell me what I could realistically expect. Couldn’t have asked for a better consultation. Highly recommended if you have a prostate issue
John Buric
John Buric
16:26 15 Jun 23
I was very pleased and satisfied on how Dr. David Mobley examined me and explained everything on what I need to know regarding my condition. He’s very professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of his profession. I would highly recommend him to my other friends!
Celine Parcon
Celine Parcon
23:16 07 Jun 23
He puts his patients before himself, returning calls and e-mails quickly. Not only is he kind and considerate, he is an excellent physician. I had to have a procedure that requires me to be awake, and he talked me through it and kept me at ease. If I could give him more stars, I would.
Super friendly, tentative, once in the procedure rm the sx staff made you feel comfortable, easy,+ answered all questions. David mobley, MD answered all my questions, very informative, caring. I felt confident in his care
Thais Bini
Thais Bini
21:22 30 May 23
Great doctor. Everyone is so kind and caring. Great place to go
Joan Jurica
Joan Jurica
14:46 30 May 23
The best in Astoria I recommend Dr mobley and staff 100 percent
michaela1951
michaela1951
21:25 30 Mar 23
Knowledgeable , experienced, great bed side manners
mohamed hamed
mohamed hamed
10:09 30 Mar 23
The doctor was very nice and professional. He explained the tests that I need and why I need them.
Judith AndersonNeal
Judith AndersonNeal
22:12 27 Mar 23
This was the best experience I have had in such a long time and I have had quite a few procedures in the past both in patient and out including the procedure I was currently present for. No other surgeon has been so kind, transparent, and gentle. Not only did he personally come out beforehand to provide me with education on my procedure, but he talked me through every step of the way and made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. Not to mention his amazing staff! Despite being extremely nervous they kept me smiling and laughing throughout the whole process. 10/10 would recommend. Thank you so much guys!!
Riah L.
Riah L.
13:49 22 Mar 23
Excellent bedside manners and the procedure was a breeze.
sen-pei hsia
sen-pei hsia
18:26 20 Mar 23
Los mejores/ the best💖🙏
Ruthy Ochoa
Ruthy Ochoa
04:17 03 Mar 23
I went with my mom who just had a hip surgery. The whole team was very caring, nice and very professional. I did appreciate that the surgeon took the time to explain to me what was wrong with my mom’s arm and what he did to fix it.
mouna khalyat
mouna khalyat
14:37 24 Feb 23
Although I didn’t meet with the doctor, the receptionist, assistant and nurse were great.
Theresa Gaines
Theresa Gaines
13:25 13 Feb 23
Every thing and the process are being done properly ..Terissa you are very Carey ..thank you so much every body are very polite and very professional.. Thank you so much to Dr.Mobley..God blessed you all .🙏🙏🙏👍
Remigio Ruda
Remigio Ruda
03:28 31 Jan 23
Very knowledgeable, personable and professional. I came to Dr. Mobley to correct another surgeons work and I was pleased with the outcome. There is a Hispanic woman that runs things in the O.R.She is great! The whole staff is wonderful and caring.Highly recommend
Lakesha Kingdom
Lakesha Kingdom
15:57 17 Jan 23
I had a wonderful PA take care of me, & the nurses were very sweet. I was happy with my visit
Aurora Anello
Aurora Anello
19:20 10 Jan 23
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