Sunday, March 24, 2024

How Do You Treat An Enlarged Prostate

Must read

Home Remedies For Enlarged Prostate

Dr. Michael Nguyen discusses how to treat an enlarged prostate.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

If you are not fully rested when you get up in the morning because you made 3, 4 or more trips to the bathroom during the night, it is probably time to consider that you have a problem. A major sign of prostatitis or enlarged prostate is frequent urination. You can get control over the issue by making use of one or several of our 15 home remedies for enlarged prostate and get back to enjoying a restful nights sleep.

Keep in mind that an enlarged prostate could be an indicator of a more serious condition and these remedies are not all-inclusive cures. You should consult a health care professional if the condition persists for proper advice and treatment.

Nonmedication Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment Options

If you have moderate to severe BHP, youâre unresponsive to medication, or you have BPH complications, your doctor will likely opt for minimally invasive treatments or surgery.

Minimally invasive procedures, which can destroy enlarged prostate tissue or widen the urethra, include:

  • Transurethral microwave thermotherapy
  • Transurethral needle ablation â rel=ânofollowâ>Urology Care Foundation does not recommend)

Surgery may be necessary if medication and minimally invasive procedures are ineffective. Surgical procedures for BPH include:

  • Transurethral resection of the prostate
  • Laser surgery

You May Like: Does An Enlarged Prostate Affect A Man Sexually

Do Supplements Help For An Enlarged Prostate

They arent as closely regulated as medicines that your doctor will prescribe. So quality, safety, and their effects can differ. As mentioned above, saw palmetto remains one of the best-known supplements to treat BPH. Here are three others:

  • Beta-sitosterol
  • Pygeum
  • Ryegrass

Always speak to your doctor before starting supplements because it can cause problems mixing with prescription medicines, treatments, or tests you might need.

Also Check: Perineural Invasion In Prostate Cancer

Additional Supplements To Help Relieve Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate

Another great supplement is the stinging nettle root. The nettle root contains similar anti-inflammatory and antioxidants as the pygeum and saw palmetto. Most times the nettle root is combined with saw palmetto.

Beta-sitosterol, a compound similar to cholesterol, is found in some plants and seeds like pumpkin seeds. This compound has been shown to improve urine flow. It can also reduce the amount of urine left in the bladder after one urinates. Issues with urination are a symptom of an enlarged prostate.

According to some studies, taking 10 grams of pumpkin seed extract daily can help with BPH symptoms. One study suggests that lycopene a naturally occurring pigment found in many fruits and vegetables may slow the progression of an enlarged prostate.

The richest source of lycopene available to most people is tomatoes. There are a few other vegetables and fruits that contain lower levels of this antioxidant. Generally speaking the deeper red or pink fruit or vegetable is in color the higher the lycopene content is.

The mineral zinc can reduce the likeliness of an enlarged prostate. Increasing the dietary intake of zinc could help reduce urinary issues associated with an enlarged prostate. People can find zinc in seafood, poultry, and many types of nuts and seeds. For example, sesame or pumpkin seeds.

Caffeine stimulates the bladder causing the sudden urge to urinate. This could potentially worsen BPH symptoms.

Also Check: What Happens If Prostate Cancer Goes Untreated

Turp / Greenlight Pvp Laser / Thermotherapy

Enlarged prostate self diagnosis online

Transurethral resection of the prostate has long been the mainstay of enlarged prostate surgery, but less invasive alternatives are now available, with the potential for equal results. With TURP, the obstructing portion of the enlarged prostate tissue is removed. Although effective, TURP requires hospitalization and catheterization for 48 hours or more and comes with risks associated with anesthesia; bleeding during and after the operation; and, in rare cases, fluid absorption that can be life-threatening.

Prostate LaserOne alternative that has emerged is laser enlarged prostate surgery. Like TURP, the so-called GreenLight PVP Laser Therapy aims to create a channel in the urethra through which men can urinate more freely but the surgery is considerably less invasive. Instead of cutting tissue out, the newer technique creates the channel by vaporizing the tissue using laser energy. Thus far, almost every study has shown that when done by experienced urologists, the laser enlarged prostate surgery produces results that are equal to those with TURP, but without the severe side effects and risks. It is an outpatient procedure with minimal to no bleeding, no risk of fluid absorption, and catheterization only overnight, if at all.

Recommended Reading: How To Massage A Man’s Prostate

Tips For Relieving Bph Symptoms

Four simple steps can help relieve some of the symptoms of BPH:

  • Some men who are nervous and tense urinate more frequently. Reduce stress by exercising regularly and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation.
  • When you go to the bathroom, take the time to empty your bladder completely. This will reduce the need for subsequent trips to the toilet.
  • Talk with your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re taking; some may contribute to the problem. Your doctor may be able to adjust dosages or change your schedule for taking these drugs, or he or she may prescribe different medications that cause fewer urinary problems.
  • Avoid drinking fluids in the evening, particularly caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Both can affect the muscle tone of the bladder and stimulate the kidneys to produce urine, leading to nighttime urination.
  • For more on advances in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate diseases, read;the;Annual Report on Prostate Diseases;from Harvard Medical School.

    How Is Bph Diagnosed

    Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. He or she will do a rectal exam to check your prostate. For this, your doctor will put a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum. He or she will feel the size of your prostate gland.

    Your doctor may do blood or urine tests to make sure that your prostate problem is benign. An ultrasound exam or a biopsy of the prostate may also help in the ;diagnosis.

    Don’t Miss: Can Bph Cause Constipation

    What If I Can’t Have Surgery

    Surgery isnt always an option you may not be fit or well enough for an operation, or you may not like the idea of it. If surgery isnt suitable for you and lifestyle changes and medicines havent worked, your doctor or nurse may suggest using a catheter. This is a thin, flexible tube used to drain urine from your bladder. The catheter may be permanent or temporary.

    A permanent catheter;is passed up into the bladder through your penis, or through a small cut in your abdomen. The catheter is usually attached to a drainage bag, which you strap on to your body under your clothing. Your doctor or nurse will usually change your catheter every 12 weeks.

    A temporary catheter; is where you put a catheter in yourself when you need to urinate, rather than leaving one in all the time. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to put the catheter in and tell you how often to use it. Some men can urinate quite well without a catheter and only use it once a day to make sure they empty their bladder regularly. Other men need to use a temporary catheter several times a day.

    You can lower your chances of getting a urine infection by keeping your catheter and the area around it clean. You may find the following tips helpful.

    Let your nurse know if your catheter isnt draining properly. If urine hasnt drained from your bladder for 2 to 3 hours, contact your GP or district nurse straight away.

    Treatment Options For Enlarged Prostate

    How do you choose treatment for the enlarged prostate? | Birmingham Prostate Clinic

    For men over 50, prostate problems are common. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and surrounds the top portion of the urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder. The prostate’s primary function is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.;

    As men age, the prostate gland tends to grow larger.;Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called prostate gland enlargement, can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder, or bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. Fortunately, a wide variety of treatments are available for enlarged prostate, including medication, minimally invasive therapies and surgery.

    On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program,;Dr. Mitchell Humphreys, a Mayo Clinic urologist, will;highlight prostate health and treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Also on the program,;Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, will discuss sex after a;heart attack. And;Dr. Bruce Levy, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon, will share how his patients’ experiences with lack of privacy during surgery led him and his wife to found a new company,;COVR Medical.

    To hear the program,;find an affiliate;in your area.

    Use the hashtag;#MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.

    Mayo Clinic Radio is on;iHeartRadio.

    Access;archived shows or;;to the podcast.

    Mayo Clinic Radio;produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

    Also Check: Prostate Cancer Shortness Of Breath

    Natural Ways To Treat An Enlarged Prostate

    Symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland are most of often mild at first, but usually will get more bothersome over time. It’s very reasonable and safe to just keep an eye on it until it becomes bothersome enough to justify further treatment.

    If the symptoms are getting worse, you and your doctor can then discuss medications. If you begin to have serious complications like urinary retention, it may be time to have a surgical procedure.

    In follow-up visits every six to twelve months, your primary care doctor or urologist will measure your symptoms and perform a physical exam . He or she may also do a bladder scan after you use the bathroom to urinate to be sure your bladder is emptying as it should. This test measures what is called “post void residual.”

    Your doctor also may order blood and urine tests. Blood tests could include a blood urea nitrogen and creatinine to check your kidney function and a prostate specific antigen . He or she might also ask for a urine sample to be sure there is not any prostate inflammation or infection.

    International Prostate Symptom Score

    You’ll be asked to complete;a;questionnaire;to assess your symptoms. Each question has;five possible answers that carry a score, and;your overall score;is used to assess the severity of your symptoms.

    The checklist includes the following questions.

    Over the past month:

    • How often have you had the sensation of not completely emptying your bladder after urinating?
    • How often have you had to urinate again less than two hours after finishing urinating?
    • How often have you found that you stopped and started again when urinating?
    • How often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?
    • How often have you had a weak stream of urine?
    • How often have you had to push or strain to begin urinating during the course of one night?
    • How;often have;you had to;get up during the night to urinate?

    After your GP has assessed the severity your symptoms, they’ll aim to rule;out other conditions;with similar symptoms using certain tests.

    Also Check: Va Disability Rating For Bph

    Any Final Tips To Remember Or Things To Avoid

    Lets do a quick recap, shall we?

    • Stimulating the prostatea walnut-size gland inside the male pelviscan feel really, really good thanks to the many nerve endings in the anus and surrounding area.

    • Because the anal lining and anus are very sensitive, prostate massages do come with risks like pain and tearing. Its essential to prepare beforehand, first by communicating what you and your partner are and arent comfortable with.

    • You also need to prepare physically by doing things like washing your hands, slipping on latex gloves if you want, taking deep breaths, and engaging in some foreplay.

    • If youre using your fingers to give a prostate massage, you can try applying firm yet gentle area to the perineum, that bit of skin between the testicles and anus, and experiment from there.

    • Lube is a must before any anal penetration occursbut leave the numbing agents out of it.

    • Only use sex toys that have a flared base for anal play.

    • Enjoy!

    Why Can Stimulating The Prostate Feel So Good

    Enlarged Prostate: Everything You Need To Know

    The anus and its surrounding area are packed with nerve endings, Hong explains. Thats precisely why anal play can feel so amazing whether or not you have a prostate. Dr. Hong also notes that the prostate has plenty of blood vessels that swell with increased blood flow. The extra blood helps make the area more sensitive, which can boost pleasure.

    Even though the anus is surrounded by nerve endings, its also surrounded by stigma. The human body is amazing in that parts like the vagina and anus have natural functions but can also be sites of intense pleasure. Trying out different sex-related acts is normal, and discovering new ways to experience pleasure is always a good idea.

    Read Also: Perineural Invasion Prostate Cancer Prognosis

    How Is Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed

    The first step is a standard physical exam which often involves a urine analysis and a digital rectal exam, which involves a doctor inserting a finger into the rectum. The physician will assess the size and contour of the prostate and determine if any nodules are present, which may suggest the presence of prostate cancer.

    The physician may also assess for tenderness, which can be found when the prostate is inflamed. Tests may be done in the office to assess strength of urine flow or to check for residual urine in the bladder.

    Next, doctors may run one or several tests to make an accurate diagnosis. These can include a PSA blood test, urodynamic tests , cystoscopy and transrectal ultrasound .

    Treatments Options For High

    The prostate is a walnut-sized organ that is part of the male reproductive system. It sits in front the bladder and above the rectum. The prostate is responsible for the production and supply of fluid that helps nourish sperm in the ejaculate. The urethra, where urine travels from the bladder to the penis, runs through the prostate.

    As a result of family history, lifestyle, diet, and natural hormonal changes, the prostate begins to grow in size as men age, starting in their mid-30s. When the prostate becomes more enlarged over time, it might press against the urethra and block urine flow . This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.

    Enlarged prostates differ in size. The size can be estimated on digital rectal exam or prostate imaging like an ultrasound. People with very enlarged prostates have several treatment options. However, size is not the only factor used to choose a treatment.

    When doctors evaluate the prostate, symptoms are just as important as size. In addition, size and symptoms don’t always correspond. For example, one person might have a mildly enlarged prostate with noticeable symptoms, while another person could have a very large prostate with no symptoms.

    All of this information is the basis of a personalized treatment plan. Here are the options for patients with very enlarged prostates, with or without symptoms.

    Don’t Miss: Would You Expect A Male With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia To Have Difficulty With Ejaculation

    How Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treated

    Patients who have mild symptoms may not require treatment other than continued observation to make sure their condition doesn’t get worse. This approach is sometimes called “watchful waiting” or surveillance. There are a number of treatment options available if your symptoms are severe.

    Medications

    Finasteride and dutasteride work by decreasing the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone , which affects the growth of the prostate gland. These appear to be most beneficial for men with larger prostates.

    Drugs that relax the muscle in the prostate are more commonly used. These include terazosin , doxazosin , tamsulosin , alfuzosin , and silodosin . The most common side effects are lightheadedness, weakness and retrograde ejaculation.

    Medications are sometimes combined to help treat symptoms and improve the flow of urine. One such medication is dutasteride and tamsulosin .

    Surgery

    Several different types of surgery can be used to remove the prostate tissue that blocks the flow of urine, including:

    Minimally invasive treatments

    Minimally invasive treatments include:

    Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/10/2020.

    References

    Are There Any Risks And Side Effects To Prostate Massages

    How To Treat Enlarged Prostate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia No Surgery

    The anal mucosa and the anus itself are very sensitive,” Hong explains. Although the anus is built to stretch to a certain extent, it doesnt self-lubricate, meaning without proper precautions anal stimulation can cause pain and tearing . This means that its super important for everyone involved to prepare for giving and receiving a prostate massage . Its also worth mentioning that this might feel a bit uncomfortable at first. As SELF previously reported, making sure youre getting in sufficient amounts of foreplay is a big part of lowering the odds that youll deal with things like pain and tearing.

    You May Like: Does Cialis Shrink The Prostate

    How Do You Prepare To Give A Prostate Massage

    When it comes to sex, there are two kinds of safety: physical and psychological. Psychological safety starts with permission, Hong explains. Prostate stimulation is not something you surprise withit takes some preparing, Lexx Brown-James, Ph.D., L.M.F.T., tells SELF. That means bringing it up verbally before getting down to business. A simple You know, theres something Ive been really excited about trying… can help start the conversation, Brown-James says.

    If you and your partner both agree to try it, youll also need to account for physical safetywhich boils down to avoiding anal trauma. So it might be helpful to learn a few best practices before you talk to your partner, TBH. This way you can discuss any concerns they or you might have.

    The first step in safe prostate play is washing your hands with good old soap and water. You can use these handy instructions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . As you probably know from the new coronavirus pandemic, keeping your hands clean is one way to avoid spreading germs on your hands to the eyes, nose, or mouth. Its also a good time to mention that you dont need any special antibacterial soap for this. As SELF has previously reported, tried-and-true hand soap will do the trick.

    More articles

    Popular Articles