Alcohol and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) rises sharply with age. About half of all men will have benign prostate enlargement by age 50. About half of the cases will suffer symptoms.

To examine the association between alcohol consumption and benign prostatic hyperplasia, a meta-analysis of 19 published studies, including over 120,000 men, was conducted.

The investigators found that drinking two or more standard drinks of alcohol was associated with a 35% reduction in decreased likelihood of benign prostate enlargement.

A standard drink is:

• A 12-ounce can or bottle of regular beer
• A 5-ounce glass of dinner wine
• A shot (one and one-half ounces) of 80 proof liquor or spirits such as vodka, tequila, or rum either straight or in a mixed drink.