How to Cope With an Enlarged Prostate

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. This condition is most common in men over the age of 40; however, it can occur at a younger age. If you've developed an enlarged prostate, there are a few things you can do to minimize your symptoms.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep your bladder healthy by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day and integrating cranberry juice into your diet on a daily basis.

2. Cut back on your stress by exercising. Stress worsens symptoms while exercise minimizes enlarged prostate symptoms.

3. Alleviate symptoms with prescription medications. Alpha blockers, such as Flomax, work quickly by relaxing muscles around the prostate. Five-alpha reductase inhibitors work more slowly but actually reduce the size of the prostate.

4. Talk with your doctor about minimally invasive treatments, such as interstitial laser therapy, transurethral microwave therapy, transurethral radio frequency needle ablation and prostatic stents.

5. Consider using homeopathic medications. Saw palmetto may reduce the size of the prostate by inhibiting the breakdown of testosterone.

6. Investigate surgical options as a last resort. Various options exist such as transurethral resection of the prostate, transurethral incision of the prostate or open prostatectomy.

Tips & Warnings

• There isn't one treatment that works for everyone. Consult with your doctor about your symptoms to identify the most effective treatment for you.
• Try to urinate immediately upon feeling the urge and release all urine from your bladder.
• Avoid over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants as they can exacerbate an enlarged prostate.
• Don't take saw palmetto without consulting with your doctor. It can cause problems with your PSA test.

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