Let’s face it—stress is something we all deal with. Whether it’s the excitement of a new job or the frustration of getting stuck in traffic, it’s part of life. But what you might not realize is how the impact of stress can affect your overall health, including your prostate. It can trigger symptoms like headaches, back pain, or even indigestion. And if you’re dealing with BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), also known as an enlarged prostate, stress can make things even worse.Before we dive deeper, it’s essential to note stress doesn’t cause BPH, but it can certainly make the symptoms more difficult to manage. Things like frequent trips to the bathroom, weak urine flow, or waking up multiple times during the night to urinate—are all common issues for men with BPH, and stress can make them more pronounced.
What Exactly is BPH?
BPH, a common occurrence in older men, occurs when the prostate gland becomes enlarged and starts pressing against the urethra, causing urinary problems. It’s more common than you might think. Around 50% of men in their 50s and 60s deal with it, and by the time you hit your 70s, that number jumps to 80%.Not every guy with BPH experiences significant issues, but for many, it can significantly impact daily life. Frequent urination, especially during the night, is a common sign. Some men feel like they can’t fully empty their bladder or experience leaks. The need to constantly find a bathroom can be disruptive, whether at work, out with friends, or just trying to sleep. And for some, this frustration adds to the stress.
So, Can Stress Cause an Enlarged Prostate?
No, stress doesn’t directly cause BPH, but it can play a role in making the symptoms worse. Stress and BPH are often linked in a way that creates a vicious cycle: more stress leads to worse symptoms, and worse symptoms lead to more stress.
How Does Stress Affect BPH?
Let’s break it down:
1. Stress messes with your hormones
When stressed, your body releases cortisol, which helps you deal with pressure. But here’s the catch: cortisol can suppress testosterone, which, in turn, can cause estrogen levels to rise. Higher estrogen can stimulate prostate cell growth, contributing to BPH. Additionally, stress speeds up converting the hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a significant role in prostate enlargement. The more stress you experience, the more DHT you end up with, which can lead to a bigger prostate.
2. Stress triggers the ‘fight or flight’ response
In stressful situations, your body goes into survival mode, releasing adrenaline. This can cause the muscles around your prostate and bladder to contract, narrowing the urethra and making urination harder. If you already have an enlarged prostate, stress only makes the situation worse, adding to the difficulty and discomfort.
3. Stress lowers zinc levels
When you’re stressed for long periods, your body tends to lose zinc, which is crucial for regulating prostate growth. Zinc is more concentrated in the prostate than in any other body part. If your zinc levels drop, your prostate can enlarge more quickly, exacerbating BPH symptoms. So, managing stress and keeping your zinc levels up (through foods like pumpkin seeds, beef, lentils, and eggs) can help keep things in check.
4. Stress tightens pelvic floor muscles
Long-term stress also increases tension in your pelvic floor muscles. This tightness can restrict urine flow, making it even harder to empty your bladder fully. If you’re already dealing with an enlarged prostate, this added pressure makes symptoms even more frustrating. Make it a point to practice exercises for the pelvic floor to combat the effects of stress.
Final Thoughts
While stress isn’t a direct cause of BPH, it’s definitely a key factor in how the condition plays out. If you’re struggling with symptoms, managing stress should be a priority—especially as you age. Taking steps to reduce stress, like regular exercise, meditation, or simply making time for hobbies, can make a real difference in your quality of life and your prostate health.Remember, you’re not alone in this. BPH affects a lot of men, and with the right approach, you can manage both your stress and your prostate health better.Dr. David Samadiis the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery, and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
