BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a common, age-associated prostate gland enlargement that affects the quality of life in approximately one-third of men over 50. The unpleasant and disruptive symptoms of BPH have driven a search for treatments and prevention methods. Along with this search, prostate health myths were born, and to maintain prostate health, separating fact from fiction is important.

Myth 1: BPH Is Linked to Prostate Cancer

BPH is not typically a dangerous condition, but it can lead to more serious complications if left untreated, including problems within the urinary tract, such as bladder and kidney issues. That being said, there is no direct link between BPH and prostate cancer, meaning a patient with BPH is no more likely to develop prostate cancer than a patient without BPH.

It is, however, important to note that some men with BPH do go on to develop prostate cancer, so regular screening is important. You can also promote healthy prostate cell growth with patented USPlus® Saw Palmetto, which contains three times the beta carotene, ten times the amount of lutein, and 30 times the zeaxanthin of typical saw palmetto extracts, for optimal prostate health.

Myth 2: Only Elderly Men Have Prostate Issues

Prostate size naturally increases with age, so the older you are, the more likely you are to develop the associated symptoms. But old age is not the only risk factor for prostate problems. Your race, family history, physical health, and lifestyle are all factors that can influence prostate health and increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate enlargement becomes more predominant in men during their 50s, but some men under age 40 can experience symptoms, although rare. Being proactive about prostate health by incorporating beneficial nutrients such as pumpkin seed oil has been shown to block certain types of prostate growth, preventing the gland from becoming enlarged. 

Myth 3: Lifestyle Changes Will Not Help BPH Symptoms

Your lifestyle influences your health, and changes in diet and exercise can alleviate the symptoms of BPH. For example, aerobic exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation, while Kegel exercises and yoga can help strengthen the pelvic floor to support a normal urination schedule. 

In addition to regular exercise, you also want to follow a balanced diet full of nutrient-rich carotenoids like lycopene, found in tomatoes and lutein. These are powerful plant sterols that help prevent oxidative damage that can cause abnormal cell growth. The combination of lutein with lycopene strengthens the protective benefits allowing prostate cells to grow and function in a healthy way. 

Myth 4: The Bigger the Prostate, the Worse the Symptoms

Even though the prostate continues to grow with age, bigger does not mean worse. Prostate size is not directly related to the severity of symptoms. In many cases, men with a slight enlargement can experience extreme symptoms, while others with much larger prostates can experience no symptoms at all. 

Certain medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, can worsen symptoms, so these need to be avoided. You can also promote a normal urinary schedule by not drinking fluids a few hours before bed and limiting caffeine and alcohol. Go one step further to support urinary tract health with pygeum, an herbal extract full of antioxidants to protect cells for healthier urinary tract function. 

Myth 5: Prostate Cancer Always Causes Symptoms

It is not uncommon for men with early-stage prostate cancer to not have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, it’s often a sign of late-stage cancer, which means early detection is essential. Being proactive with regular screenings after the age of 40, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, is the best way to promote prostate health and reduce your risks of prostate cancer. 

For optimal results, make sure your diet includes a prostate-supporting sterol lipid blend of pine bark extract and stinging nettle. Both of these contain nutrients that work to disrupt DHT production, a potent form of testosterone that causes prostate cells to grow. In addition, stinging nettle supports nitric oxide production, a molecule that plays an important role in urinary tract health.

Final Thoughts

Knowledge is power, and identifying the facts amid all the fiction gives you the power to take care of your prostate. You can’t stop the aging process or its influence on your prostate, but with preventative care, you can maintain healthy prostate growth at any age. Armed with the facts and prostate health-boosting nutrients, you can take on aging and prostate health with confidence and vitality.

Dr. Daniel Brison

Dr. Daniel Brison is a board certified urologist who completed medical school at the State University of New York, and residency at the prestigious Endourology fellowship program at UCLA.