Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the growth of the prostate, which occurs in some men once they hit 25 years. Although BPH might not lead to prostate cancer, both conditions might coexist, and your doctor, like Andrew Doe MD, will determine if the enlargement results from BPH or cancer. About half of the people with BPH might not develop symptoms, and they would not know they have the enlargement until they take a test. However, those with symptoms might develop a weak urine stream, a sense of incomplete emptying, and frequent urination. Here are tips for dealing with BPH.
Limit Beverages in the Evening
Taking beverages in the evening increases the chances of having a full bladder at night and increases the possibility of frequent urination. Thus, you should avoid taking fluids within two hours before bedtime to cut down the frequent trips to the washroom. Additionally, you may wish to limit the caffeine and alcohol as they increase urine production and irritate the bladder worsening the BPH symptoms.
Go When You Feel the Urge
Some people may develop BPH if they don’t go to the washroom as soon as they feel the urge. Waiting for an extended time stretches the bladder weakening the muscles and leading to permanent damage. Additionally, you may wish to schedule a bathroom visit to retrain the bladder. Scheduled bathroom visits might be effective if you have severe urgency and frequency. You may wish to practice double voiding, urinating twice within a short time.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Obesity contributes to BPH, and you may wish to maintain a healthy diet to deal with unexpected weight gain. Additionally, you should engage in exercises that result in effective weight loss. Additionally, inactivity contributes to urine retention, and physical exercises will reduce urinary issues related to an enlarged prostate.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy treats an array of issues, including BPH, as it removes the overgrown tissues on the prostate. It relieves the symptoms immediately and lowers the risks of side effects associated with surgery. However, you may avoid laser therapy when taking blood thinners to deal with other illnesses. Laser procedures like ablative treatments vaporize the obstructive tissue to increase urine flow, but the treatment could cause irritating symptoms after surgery. The enucleation procedure is a form of laser treatment that removes all prostate tissues blocking the urine flow and preventing the regrowth of these tissues.
Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL)
This treatment does not affect erection and will not cause ejaculatory problems; thus, most men will go for it. Additionally, it is effective for people with low urinary tract symptoms and those without urinary tract infections. The doctor compresses the sides of the prostate, which increases urine flow. Thus, it deals with a weakened urinary system, makes one feel a complete sense of emptying, and reduces frequent urination.
Although benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects men as they age, it has unpleasant side effects. BPH might result in urinary issues and could occur simultaneously with cancer. However, you can practice home remedies such as urinating when you feel the urge. The bladder muscles get damaged when you delay urination as it holds excessive urine, which stretches the muscles. Additionally, you should limit taking beverages at night or avoid caffeine as they cause urinary issues. Finally, seek medications, opt for minimally invasive procedures, and ask your doctor for effective remedies for the condition.
