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Researchers Find Aspirin May Prevent Enlarged Prostate

Posted on: Wednesday, 30 August 2006, 12:00 CDT

Mayo Clinic researchers have found that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen may prevent or delay benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The researchers found the risk of developing an enlarged prostate was 50% lower in NSAID users compared to non-users, and risk of developing moderate to severe urinary symptoms was 35% lower, he says.

"The association between intake of NSAIDs and the reduction of benign prostatic hyperplasia is strengthened by the consistency and magnitude of our findings. We would not recommend that every man go out and take aspirin, but if they are already taking it regularly for other reasons, our findings suggest another benefit as well," said Dr Jenny St. Sauver, Mayo Clinic epidemiologist and lead study investigator.

Middle-aged people commonly take an NSAID in over-the-counter or prescription form to prevent heart disease or reduce arthritis symptoms.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlarged prostate which can cause urinary symptoms in men as they age such as frequent urination, trouble starting urination, awakening frequently at night to urinate, weak urine stream and an urgent need to urinate. Further details of the researcher's findings will be published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Source: Datamonitor

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