Researchers suggest that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen may improve men's urinary health.
A team at the Mayo Clinic say an enlarged prostate might be prevented or delayed by taking aspirin or a similar painkiller on a regular basis.
An enlarged prostate 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.
Experts say the condition is common and usually affects one of every four men ages 40 to 50 and almost half of those over 70.
The study came about as a result of the findings of several earlier studies which suggested that men who took NSAIDs regularly had less of a risk of prostate cancer.
For the study Dr. Jenny St. Sauver and colleagues looked at 2,447 local Olmsted County men, where the Mayo Clinic is based.
Participants completed questionnaires every two years from 1990 to 2002, which included information on daily NSAID use.
A random subgroup also took part in a medical evaluation that included PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level assessment and transrectal ultrasound, in which a small probe is inserted into the rectum to obtain images of the prostate gland.
One-third of the men studied were taking daily NSAIDs when they enrolled in the study.