Can an enlarged prostate cause death?

In the case of BPH, the prostate can eventually become large enough that it partially or completely blocks the urethra, leading to inability to urinate, urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney damage, and if left completely untreated, ultimately to death.

naaccr.org - Benign prostatic hyperplasia mortality in California - NAACCR

How long can you take zinc everyday?

You should not take high doses of zinc for more than a few days unless your doctor tells you to. Talk to your doctor before taking more than 40 mg...

Last updated Oct 9, 2022

What is the most important vitamin for men?

8 Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Men Vitamin D. Every time your muscles move, they use vitamin D. ... Folate. We read a lot about women taking...

Last updated Sep 20, 2018

Promotion

Francis P. Boscoe, Ph.D, Research Scientist, New York State Cancer Registry (NAACCR at-large Board Member) Why are so many men in California dying of hyperplasia of the prostate? Many people have been asking this question lately in response to an article I wrote identifying the most distinctive causes of death in every state, which has been receiving a lot of media coverage and circulation in the blogosphere. Hyperplasia of the prostate is ICD-10 code N40, and goes by the synonyms of enlarged prostate, nodular prostate, polyp of prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy, adenofibromatous hypertrophy of prostate, and, most familiarly, BPH. It does not include either benign or malignant prostate neoplasms, which have ICD-10 codes D29.1 and C61, respectively.

There were 937 deaths due to BPH in California in the period 2001-2010, for an age-adjusted rate of 8 per million men, compared with 4 per million nationally. The real question is perhaps not why California is double the national average, but why even the national average is as high as it is. Should anyone at all be dying from a condition that includes the word “benign”?

It turns out that BPH behaves like benign brain tumors that are familiar to many readers of this blog: the condition itself is benign, but can become lethal once the growth reaches a point that it begins to impede the function of nearby tissues or organs. In the case of BPH, the prostate can eventually become large enough that it partially or completely blocks the urethra, leading to inability to urinate, urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney damage, and if left completely untreated, ultimately to death. Given that BPH is a treatable condition, one could reasonably argue that a death rate of 8 per million or even 1 per million is unacceptably high. While it is true that death rates have dropped dramatically since the 1970s – by 95% according to one English study – they have leveled off in recent years (in California, the age-adjusted mortality rate has varied between 6 and 9 per million men each year from 1999 to 2013). Also, given the number of people I’ve spoken with over the past week who thought that the appearance of BPH on the map must represent some kind of error – even some who are medically knowledgeable – I think calling attention to this rare but preventable cause of death has been useful.

The NIH has a helpful fact sheet on BPH here.

Abstract

The most distinctive cause of death (defined as the location quotient) for each state and the District of Columbia, 2001–2010. The map shows the cause of death from the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), List of 113 Selected Causes of Death with the highest age-adjusted mortality rate ratio in each state. The causes are listed in the legend in the order of disease classification in ICD-10. This map highlights nonstandard cause-of-death certification practices within and between states that can potentially be addressed through education and training.

What makes a man's testosterone drop?

Acquired circumstances that can lead to secondary hypogonadism include: Normal aging: Aging affects production and response to hormones. Obesity:...

Last updated Sep 30, 2022

What alcohol makes men last longer in bed?

So if you're looking for the answer to 'what alcohol makes you last longer in bed', sadly, there's none. According to the Centers for Disease...

Last updated Dec 12, 2020

Promotion

What natural product shrinks the prostate?

Pumpkin seeds: These and pumpkin seed oil extract seem to help with BPH symptoms and may shrink the size of the prostate. It may also be helpful when used along with other supplements such as saw palmetto.

webmd.com - Do Supplements Help with BPH? Which Work Best? - WebMD

When you try to find the right supplements to treat a health condition, it can feel like a shot in the dark. You often have to count on word of mouth. But some men with BPH have found success with supplements. And there’s at least some scientific research to back them up. When you have BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), your prostate is larger than normal. It can cause problems such as a weak urine stream or a need to pee a lot throughout the day. Your doctor might suggest a prescription drug to treat your symptoms, but you might find that the side effects are too much to take. Or, you’d just rather not have to take medicine so often. The Issue with Supplements Supplements aren’t as closely regulated as medicines your doctor prescribes. That means their quality, safety, and effects can vary. It’s best to talk to your doctor before you start any supplement. They may cause problems with prescription medicines, treatments, or tests you might need.

What medicine reduces prostate inflammation?

5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate gland if it's enlarged. Finasteride and dutasteride are the two 5-alpha reductase inhibitors...

Last updated Oct 29, 2022

How do you make yourself pee if you have a shy bladder?

Meditation and breathing exercises to help you control anxiety and relax your urinary tract. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, to treat mental health...

Last updated Aug 5, 2020

Promotion

Why do I sleep better with zinc?

Zinc plays an essential role in neurotransmitter function and helps maintain cognition. It is necessary in the metabolism of Melatonin which is a...

Last updated Apr 18, 2018

Promotion

How can I stop worrying about my blood pressure?

Before you strap on the blood pressure cuff, keep these tips in mind for a normal reading: Relax. If you're feeling anxious or worried when you sit...

Last updated Jul 7, 2018