Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common problems which occur in aging male. In the past, data on pathogenesis of BPH was mostly focused on androgens and age. Recent epidemiological studies suggest that modifiable lifestyle factors also contribute substantially to the pathogenesis of these conditions. We aimed to review the literature about modifiable risk factors associated with BPH/LUTS.
Recently lifestyle and metabolic factors are shown to be associated with BPH/LUTS. Factors associated with increased risk of BPH/ LUTS are obesity, diabetes, and meat and fat consumption while factors associated with decreased risk include physical activity, moderate alcohol intake, and vegetable consumption.
Modifiable life style factors present new oppurtunities for the treatment and prevention of BPH/LUTS. But, we still don't clearly know which pathophysiological mechanisms act on this issue.
Keywords: BPH, obesity, LUTS