[KoK! Health] Increasing Prostate Enlargement in Winter... Young People Should Not Be Careless

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a representative geriatric disease that occurs in most men by their 70s. However, it has recently been appearing quite frequently among younger people as well, so it is important to pay attention and manage it regularly, as neglecting it due to youth can lead to more serious complications.

Photo by Asia Economy DB

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on the 23rd, the number of patients treated for benign prostatic hyperplasia increased by about 34% over 10 years, from approximately 890,000 in 2012 to about 1.35 million in 2021. Although those aged 50 and above accounted for 90% of the patients, the increase rate shows a noticeable rise in younger patients. The number of patients in their 20s increased by about 53%, from 1,317 in 2012 to 2,811 in 2021, and those in their 30s also rose by about 25%, from 9,215 to 12,332.

Lee Jang-hee, head of the Department of Urology at Incheon Himchan General Hospital, explained, “The main cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is aging. As men age, the prostate enlarges, narrowing the urethra and making urination difficult. Recently, due to factors such as alcohol consumption, obesity, stress, and Westernized dietary habits, the prevalence has increased even among young men.”

The prostate is an organ found only in men, located below the bladder, responsible for producing and storing semen and delivering it externally. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a urinary disorder caused by the enlarged prostate pressing on the urinary tract through which urine passes. Symptoms tend to be more pronounced in winter because the prostate muscles contract in cold temperatures, compressing the urethra. In fact, statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service show that the number of patients was highest in November and December last year.

The primary cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is abnormal enlargement of prostate tissue due to aging. However, risk factors such as prolonged sitting at work, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, medication use, and Westernized dietary habits have steadily increased the incidence among younger people recently.

When the prostate enlarges, it becomes difficult to urinate smoothly, similar to a clogged faucet. The speed of urine flow significantly slows, and the urine stream becomes thin. Even after urinating, a feeling of residual urine may remain, and discomfort can occur when one feels the urge to urinate but urine does not come out easily. Middle-aged and older men often suspect benign prostatic hyperplasia and visit hospitals when symptoms appear, but most young men do not recognize these symptoms and tend to disregard them.

If benign prostatic hyperplasia is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to various complications such as acute urinary retention, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney function damage, so caution is necessary. If urinary difficulties occur frequently and are not temporary, it is advisable not to be complacent due to youth and to undergo examination.

Prostate Enlargement Prevention Methods
Photo by Himchan Hospital

There are various diagnostic methods for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Representative methods include the digital rectal examination, where a finger is inserted into the anus to directly feel the prostate, and transrectal ultrasound, where an ultrasound probe is inserted into the anus to observe the prostate.

Treatment is carried out by comprehensively considering the degree of urinary difficulty and infection status of the patient. In the early stages, symptoms can be improved by observing the condition over a certain period and using methods such as sitz baths and controlling fluid intake.

Lee Jang-hee, head of the Department of Urology at Incheon Himchan General Hospital, said, “Benign prostatic hyperplasia causes lower urinary tract obstruction symptoms, where it takes time for urine to start flowing and the total urination time lengthens. If there is a shorter interval between urinations, waking up at night due to the urge to urinate, or a feeling of residual urine after urinating, it is advisable to suspect BPH.” Regarding treatment, he added, “If daily life is affected, medication is used to improve urine flow speed and residual urine volume and to reduce prostate size.”

If symptoms do not improve with medication, surgical treatment to reduce the enlarged prostate using endoscopy can be considered. Surgical treatment is especially considered if urinary retention occurs, or if repeated urinary tract infections, hematuria, or bladder stones develop as a result.

Since benign prostatic hyperplasia is influenced by various lifestyle factors as well as aging, young men should also be vigilant and prepare in advance. For prostate health, it is better to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber rather than meat. Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided as it stimulates the bladder and contracts the prostate, making urination more difficult. Sitz baths help relieve symptoms by promoting blood circulation and relaxing body muscles. In winter, it is good to keep the body warm by wearing thermal underwear. Additionally, habits such as holding urine for a long time or drinking water right before sleeping should be avoided.