What is the average size of a 75 year old man's prostate?

Oct 13, 2025 4 min read •

senior care Men's Health Healthy Aging

By age 75, it is a common fact that the prostate gland typically continues to enlarge, with about half of men in this age group showing some urinary symptoms due to this condition. What is the average size of a 75 year old man's prostate, and when should you be concerned about this natural growth? It is important to understand what is considered normal as a man ages.

Quick Summary

The average prostate size for a 75-year-old man is typically larger than for younger men, with some studies finding averages ranging from approximately 38 to 49 milliliters. This growth is a common part of aging and is often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), though prostate size varies widely between individuals.

Key Points

Age-related growth is normal: The prostate continues to enlarge throughout a man's adult life, and by age 75, a larger prostate is very common due to BPH.
Average size can be around 38-49 mL: While averages vary, studies suggest a 75-year-old's prostate volume is often in this range, which is considerably larger than a young adult's.
BPH is the main cause of symptoms: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or non-cancerous growth, is responsible for most urinary issues linked to an enlarged prostate, not prostate cancer.
Symptoms guide treatment: The decision to treat an enlarged prostate depends more on the severity of symptoms, such as urinary frequency or a weak stream, rather than the prostate's exact size.
Lifestyle changes and medical options exist: Management for BPH can range from simple dietary and exercise adjustments to medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.
Consult a doctor for evaluation: Any bothersome urinary symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider to rule out other issues and determine the best approach for managing prostate health.

Understanding Prostate Growth in Later Life

The prostate is a small gland found only in men, located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. Its primary function is to produce seminal fluid. While often compared to the size of a walnut in a healthy young adult, the prostate is known to undergo two main growth phases during a man's life: the first during puberty, and the second beginning around age 25 and continuing throughout adulthood. This continuous, age-related growth is why men in their 70s and beyond can have significantly larger prostates than they did in their younger years.

What Is the Average Size of a 75-Year-Old Man's Prostate?

Determining a single "average" prostate size for a 75-year-old man is challenging due to wide individual variation, but medical studies provide useful ranges. A study involving men aged 70–79 found a mean prostate volume of 49.2 cubic centimeters (cc), which is equivalent to 49.2 milliliters (mL). Another study focusing on men aged 50–80 showed a mean volume increasing from 24 cc to 38 cc. Some research notes average volumes in the 70-79 age bracket as around 37.92 mL. It is important to remember that these are just averages. A man's prostate size can vary depending on genetics, weight, lifestyle, and other health conditions. More important than the exact size is whether the enlarged prostate causes bothersome symptoms.

When an Enlarged Prostate Becomes an Issue

For many men, an enlarged prostate is a natural and benign part of aging, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, as the prostate grows, it can press on the urethra and bladder, obstructing urine flow and leading to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). While BPH is not cancerous and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, its symptoms can significantly affect a man's quality of life.

Common symptoms of BPH include:

A weak or slow urinary stream
Difficulty starting urination
A sense of incomplete bladder emptying
Frequent urination, particularly at night (nocturia)
The sudden and urgent need to urinate
A urinary stream that stops and starts
Dribbling at the end of urination

Factors Influencing Prostate Size and BPH

While aging is the primary risk factor for BPH, other factors can influence prostate size and the severity of symptoms:

Hormonal Changes: As men age, changes in hormone levels, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a role in stimulating prostate cell growth.
Family History: Men with a family history of BPH are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves.
Medical Conditions: Type 2 diabetes, heart and circulatory diseases, and erectile dysfunction are associated with a higher incidence of BPH.
Lifestyle: Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to an enlarged prostate.

Management and Treatment Options for BPH

Treatment for BPH varies depending on the severity of symptoms and the impact on a man's life. Options range from conservative management to surgical intervention.

Watchful Waiting: For men with mild symptoms that do not interfere with their daily life, monitoring the condition without active treatment is a safe option.
Lifestyle Modifications: Changes such as limiting fluids before bed, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and regular exercise can help manage symptoms.
Medications: Alpha-blockers (like tamsulosin) relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, while 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (like finasteride) can shrink the prostate over time.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: These use tools inserted through the urethra to widen it or destroy prostate tissue. Examples include laser therapy (e.g., GreenLight laser), water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum), and prostatic urethral lift (UroLift).
Surgery: For severe cases, surgical options like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or a robotic simple prostatectomy may be recommended.


Treatment Option	Description	Suitable For	Potential Side Effects	Recovery Time
Watchful Waiting	Regular monitoring without active treatment	Mild symptoms	None	No recovery needed
Medication	Oral drugs (alpha-blockers, 5-ARIs)	Mild to moderate symptoms	Dizziness, sexual side effects	Immediate symptom relief (alpha-blockers) or several months (5-ARIs)
Minimally Invasive	Lasers, steam, or implants to reduce prostate size	Moderate symptoms or specific prostate shapes	Temporary urinary issues, less risk of sexual side effects	Days to weeks
Surgery (e.g., TURP)	Removal of excess prostate tissue	Severe symptoms or specific complications	Temporary incontinence, bleeding, sexual side effects	Weeks to a month or longer

Maintaining Prostate Health into Your 70s

Even as the prostate naturally grows, proactive measures can support overall prostate health and manage BPH symptoms. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and regular check-ups are key. Adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been linked to better prostate health outcomes. Limiting red meat and processed foods, which can cause inflammation, is also recommended. Regular, moderate exercise, like brisk walking or swimming, can reduce inflammation and improve overall health. For more detailed information on enlarged prostate, visit the official NIDDK page on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Conclusion

An enlarged prostate is a very common and normal part of aging for a 75-year-old man, with average sizes often significantly larger than in younger years. The primary concern is not the size itself, but the symptoms it may cause. Early detection and management are key to maintaining a good quality of life. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and exploring treatment and lifestyle options, men can effectively navigate prostate health challenges. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a larger prostate does not necessarily indicate cancer. The most common cause of prostate enlargement in older men is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous condition. Prostate cancer is a separate issue, and while risk increases with age, it is not directly correlated with prostate size from BPH.

For a 75-year-old, a "normal" prostate is often larger than a young man's, making "enlarged" a relative term. A standard benchmark for BPH is often a volume over 30 mL, but for a 75-year-old, it is common to have a prostate of 40 mL or more. The more important distinction is whether the size is causing problematic symptoms.

Common symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate at 75 include a frequent and urgent need to urinate, especially at night. You might also experience a weak or slow urine stream, difficulty starting urination, and a feeling that your bladder is not completely empty after urinating.

While lifestyle changes may not significantly reduce the size of an already enlarged prostate, they can help manage and reduce symptoms. A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet (like the Mediterranean diet), regular exercise, and limiting caffeine and alcohol can make a difference. Some supplements, like saw palmetto, have been studied, but evidence is mixed.

It is recommended to see a doctor if you experience any bothersome urinary symptoms, such as an increased need to urinate, a weak stream, or difficulty starting. If you experience severe symptoms like a sudden inability to urinate or blood in your urine, seek medical help immediately, as this could indicate a more serious condition.

For men with mild to moderate symptoms, the first-line treatment is often medication, such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Lifestyle modifications and watchful waiting are also common initial approaches before considering more invasive procedures or surgery.

There is a correlation between prostate size and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, meaning a larger prostate often produces more PSA. A doctor will consider a man's age and prostate size when interpreting PSA results, as a higher reading might be expected with BPH.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.