A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of
getting a disease or condition. It is possible to develop BPH
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more
risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing
BPH. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare
provider what you can do to reduce your risk. There are three
primary risk factors for BPH. These are: Age —The risk of BPH
increases with age, beginning at about age 40. The incidence
increases with age—50% by age 50 and 80% by age 80. Ethnic
background —The risk of BPH begins to rise in African-American
men about five years earlier than it does for white American
men. This condition is less common among men living in Asian
countries. Gender —BPH occurs only in men. Studies have also
shown a link between insulin-resistance syndromes including
obesity , diabetes, and high cholesterol with the development of
BPH. Research also suggests that men who exercise regularly have
a lower risk of developing B