Men with BPH or at risk of BPH are commonly advised to abstain from or limit their alcohol consumption for fear that it may enhance prostate growth and worsen lower-urinary-tract-symptoms. However, this advice may not be supported by the evidence. In fact, studies have suggested that men who consume alcohol may have a lower risk of BPH compared to men who do not drink.[1][2] This does not mean that you should take up drinking to prevent BPH, however, as there is no mechanistic evidence to explain how or why alcohol would reduce prostate growth.
Does alcohol worsen BPH?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are often advised to limit alcohol consumption due to concerns that it may worsen symptoms, but studies indicate that alcohol drinkers might actually have a lower risk of BPH. However, there is no clear evidence to support the idea that alcohol consumption prevents prostate growth.