They said that a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, can make urination difficult or trigger a need to urinate frequently. The result of the study appears in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
According to the researchers, taking NSAIDs prevents or delays the enlargement of the prostate. The condition affects half of men in their seventies although older men are more prone to developing the condition.
Doctors at the Mayo clinic said they decided to pursue a study on taking NSAIDS because of recent findings that the drugs reduce the risk of prostate cancer. NSAIDs are already taken by many middle-aged people to prevent heart disease or reduce arthritis symptoms.
But the drug is also associated with possible side-effects including the risk of stomach ulcers, disruption of the blood clotting system and asthma attacks in susceptible people.
Dr. Jenny St. Sauver, chief researcher of the team said, "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."
The Mayo team has yet to explain why NSAIDS cut the risk of an enlarged prostate but experts believe the drugs reduces prostate growth directly, or by increasing cell death in the organ.
Dr. Chris Hiley, of the Prostate Cancer Charity, said aspirin had been consistently linked to a variety of positive health effects - but stressed the potential side-effects.
"We advise men keen to reduce their risk of prostate disease who feel they may benefit from taking regular aspirin, to discuss it with their doctors, and not to dose themselves without medical supervision.
"The researchers themselves admit they are not in a position to recommend the lowest dose they know would work so there is still uncertainty on the best course of action."
