Why Do I Have an Enlarged Prostate in My 30s?

When you think about an enlarged prostate, you probably imagine a man in his 50s or older. But this issue can crop up much sooner than most people expect. 

In fact, it’s not uncommon to deal with a larger-than-normal prostate gland in your 30s. If you’ve been dealing with symptoms such as frequent or difficult urination, don’t hesitate to visit Vascular & Interventional Associates in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. 

As specialists in enlarged prostates, our team can get to the root of your issue. We have a range of diagnostic tools we can use — from blood tests to ultrasound imaging. We’re here to help men throughout northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati, Ohio, area find out why they’re dealing with an enlarged prostate and get treatment. 

The main cause of an enlarged prostate

The vast majority of men dealing with an enlarged prostate — no matter their age — have something called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is a common bodily condition, and it’s noncancerous. 

Starting around age 25, your prostate starts to get bigger. This growth continues throughout your life, eventually causing symptoms. Around half of men report BPH symptoms by age 60, and 90% have BPH by age 85. 

In other words, if you live long enough, you’re likely to experience the symptoms of BPH. These include:

• Increased urinary frequency and urgency
• Trouble starting your urine stream
• Difficulty fully emptying your bladder

For many men, these symptoms don’t crop up until they’re closer to retirement age. But because your prostate usually starts growing in your mid-20s, you can experience these symptoms as early as your 30s. 

What to do about BPH

If you’re in your 30s and you’re experiencing symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, don’t wait to talk to our team. Jumping on the issue early makes it easier to treat.

When we catch BPH early, we can usually treat it effectively with medication. Some prescription drugs can shrink your prostate; others help relax the muscles of your prostate and bladder, alleviating the urinary difficulties BPH creates. 

If your prostate has grown past the point that medication is effective, we have another option. 

With a minimally invasive procedure called prostate artery embolization (PAE), we can limit blood supply to your prostate. This procedure causes your prostate to relax to shrink — without the complications, such as impotence or incontinence, that can arise with traditional BPH surgeries.

All told, if you’re dealing with an enlarged prostate in your 30s, it’s probably benign prostatic hyperplasia. To get treatment that effectively alleviates your symptoms, call our office or request an appointment online today.