The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system that can get bigger with age, which puts uncomfortable pressure on the urethra. This can make it difficult for sufferers to urinate, suffer from UTIs (urinary tract infections), and even bladder stones. Most men can reduce their urinary problems by changing their lifestyle and taking medication. However, some men may have to undergo invasive or traditional surgery to resolve the problem.
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Part 1 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Reduce consumption of caffeinated, fizzy, and alcoholic beverages
Reduce your weekly intake of coffee, soda, tea, and alcoholic beverages. Carbonated and caffeinated drinks can irritate the bladder, which can make urinary symptoms worse.
- Don't consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day-this is the equivalent of 2 cups of coffee. This is half the maximum for a healthy adult.
- Don't drink more than 4 drinks a day, or 14 a week. You should reduce your alcohol intake as much as possible.
Step 2. Drink less fluids in the 2 hours before bed
Don't drink too much fluids before you go to bed at night. Sleeping with an empty bladder can prevent the discomfort of urinating and avoid the urge to urinate too often at night.
- Increase your fluid intake earlier in the day so you can meet your overall fluid needs.
- Men should drink about 4 liters of fluids a day.
- Increase your fluid intake if you are exercising vigorously or when the weather is very hot.
Step 3. Eat foods that are high in fiber so you can have regular bowel movements
Eating lots of high-fiber foods, such as fruit with the skin on, vegetables, lentils, whole grains, and beans can prevent constipation. Constipation can exacerbate symptoms of an enlarged prostate and put additional pressure on the bladder.
- Vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber include: broccoli, pears, apples, carrots, swiss chard, raspberries, and strawberries.
- Depending on age, men should consume 30–40 grams of fiber daily. Although safe to consume, fiber supplements can cause constipation. If possible, get fiber from food, not supplements.
Step 4. Try the double-voiding technique to completely empty your bladder
After urinating, wait about 30 seconds before you urinate again. Do not strain or press while doing this. This can help empty the bladder completely and reduce the frequency of UTIs.
Step 5. Talk to your doctor about the side effects of the medications you are currently taking
Consult with him if you experience urinary problems after undergoing treatment for other conditions that are not related to urine. Some decongestants and antidepressants can make urinary symptoms worse or make the prostate enlarge.
- Doctors will find other drugs to treat the condition without making your prostate problem.
- Do not stop using a prescription medication without consulting your doctor first.
Part 2 of 3: Reducing Symptoms by Taking Medication
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of an enlarged prostate
Watch for weak urine flow, dripping urine when urination is almost over, or an increased urge to urinate at night. You may also have difficulty urinating or have to strain to empty your bladder. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the doctor for a check-up.
Step 2. Try using an alpha-blocker if you have difficulty urinating
Talk to your doctor about alpha-blockers, which relax the muscles around the bladder and prostate. This medicine can strengthen the flow of urine when you urinate and prevent you from urinating too often.
- Although they rarely cause harmful side effects, alpha-blockers can cause dizziness. The good news is that these drugs are usually able to relieve the symptoms of urinary problems within a few weeks.
- Take an alpha-blocker (eg tamsulosin), as directed by your doctor.
- Most alpha-blockers can be taken safely with other medications. Ask your pharmacist if this medicine could have a negative interaction with any medicines you are currently taking.
Step 3. Try using an enzyme inhibitor if the prostate is very large
Talk to your doctor about whether enzyme inhibitors (such as dutaseride and finasteride) can be used to treat your symptoms. This drug can shrink prostate tissue so that it will reduce urinary problems and is usually very effective in treating severe prostate enlargement.
- Enzyme inhibitors can take months to resolve your problem because prostate tissue can only gradually shrink over time.
- As with alpha-blockers, a common side effect of the drug is dizziness.
- Consult a pharmacist to ensure that enzyme inhibitors do not interact negatively with any medicines you are currently taking.
Step 4. Try taking Tadalafil if you have ED (erectile dysfunction)
Talk to your doctor about Tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction drug that has also been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate. You don't have to have ED to take Tadalafil. This is because prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction are common in older men. If you suffer from both conditions, this drug can be a surefire solution.
- How Tadalafil works to relieve urinary problems is not well understood, but this drug rarely causes harmful side effects. The most common side effects are headaches and back pain.
- How long Tadalafil should be taken for urinary symptoms will vary from person to person. Discuss this with your doctor.
- Tadalafil should not be used with other drugs, such as nitroglycerin. Talk to your pharmacist about possible drug interactions that could affect you.
Part 3 of 3: Trying Surgical Options
Step 1. Try TUMT (Transurethral Microwave Therapy) to treat excessive urinary frequency and urges
Talk to your doctor about TUMT if you have problems straining, frequent urination, or intermittent urine flow. The procedure, which is performed at the doctor's office, uses microwaves to destroy certain prostate tissue that clogs the urinary tract.
- TUMT cannot treat bladder emptying problems and is particularly suitable for treating mild to moderate prostate blockage.
- Discomfort when undergoing the TUMT procedure can usually be overcome with topical anesthesia and pain relievers at the doctor's office.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about TUNA (Transurethral Radio Frequency Needle Ablation) to improve urine flow
Ask your doctor about TUNA, which destroys problem tissue using high-frequency radio waves to make urine flow more smoothly. This procedure involves inserting a needle directly into the prostate to treat the tissue that is pressing against the urethra.
- This procedure is generally performed in a hospital, but the patient does not need to stay overnight there. The patient will be given a local anesthetic to relieve pain.
- A number of side effects can occur after the patient undergoes this procedure, such as pain when urinating or frequent urination for several weeks.
Step 3. Ask about prostate stents if you are not suitable for surgery and medication
Talk to your doctor about a prostate stent, which is a small coil that is inserted into the urethra and keeps it open. Most doctors don't like this procedure, but if you have a severe prostate enlargement and don't want to use drugs or other procedures to treat it, this may be the best option.
The position of the stent can shift over time, causing discomfort or causing a urinary tract infection. Stents can also be difficult to remove if there is a problem
Step 4. Discuss more invasive surgical options, if necessary
Talk to your doctor about surgery if your problem can't be treated with medication or mild invasive procedures. While surgery may sound scary, this procedure can usually solve the problem more completely.
- Your doctor can give you the best surgical options, based on your urinary symptoms and medical history. Depending on your age and your need for fertility problems after surgery, your doctor may offer different options for treating your enlarged prostate.
- Some of the surgical options that are often suggested include prostatectomy, laser surgery, and transurethral incision or resection of the prostate.
