Enlarged prostate

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Male reproductive anatomy

BPH

Prostatectomy - series

Enlarged prostate

Alternative Names:

BPH; Benign prostatic hypertrophy (hyperplasia); Prostate - enlarged

Treatment:

The choice of a treatment is based on the severity of your symptoms, the extent to which they affect your daily life, and the presence of any other medical conditions. Treatment options include "watchful waiting," lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.

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If you are over 60, you are more likely to have symptoms. But many men with an enlarged prostate have only minor symptoms. Self-care steps are often enough to make you feel better.

If you have BPH, you should have a yearly exam to monitor the progression of your symptoms and determine if any changes in treatment are necessary.

SELF-CARE

For mild symptoms:

Urinate when you first get the urge. Also, go to the bathroom when you have the chance, even if you don't feel a need to urinate.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially after dinner.
Don't drink a lot of fluid all at once. Spread out fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinking fluids within 2 hours of bedtime.
Try NOT to take over-the-counter cold and sinus medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms.
Keep warm and exercise regularly. Cold weather and lack of physical activity may worsen symptoms.
Learn and perform Kegel exercises (pelvic strengthening exercises).
Reduce stress. Nervousness and tension can lead to more frequent urination.

MEDICATIONS

Finasteride lowers levels of hormones produced by the prostate, reduces the size of the prostate gland, increases urine flow rate, and decreases symptoms of BPH. It may take 3 to 6 months before you notice a significant improvement in your symptoms. Potential side effects related to use of finasteride include decreased sex drive and impotence.
Alpha 1-Blockers (doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin, and terazosin) are a class of medications also used to treat high blood pressure. These medications relax the muscles of the bladder neck, allowing easier urination. Two thirds of the people treated with alpha 1-blocker medications report an improvement in symptoms.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat chronic prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), which may accompany BPH. Some men note relief of their BPH symptoms after a course of antibiotics.

SAW PALMETTO

Saw palmetto has been used by millions of men toeaseBPH symptoms and is often recommended as an alternative to medication. Experts suggest a fat-soluble saw palmetto extract with 85-95% fatty acids and sterols. However, a well-conducted study published in the February 9, 2006 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine found that the popular herb was no better than a dummy pill in relieving the signs and symptoms of BPH. Further studies are needed. If youuse saw palmetto and think it works,ask your doctor if you should still take it.