Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic obstruction, is a men’s disease since it affects the prostate gland, enlarging it. “The prostate goes through two main growth periods as a man ages. The first occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. The second phase of growth begins around age 25 and continues during most of a man’s life. Benign prostatic hyperplasia often occurs with the second growth phase,” explains the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
According to the NIH, the benign prostatic hyperplasia causes are not fully understood, but a hormonal influence has been theorized. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is thought to be a normal part of men’s aging process. The enlargement of the prostate is related to alterations in hormone balance that occur throughout men’s lives and cell-growth factors, while it is known that genetics are also important in the process. “The cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is not well understood; however, it occurs mainly in older men. Benign prostatic hyperplasia does not develop in men whose testicles were removed before puberty. For this reason, some researchers believe factors related to aging and the testicles may cause benign prostatic hyperplasia,” states in the NIH.