Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Description
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of BPH.
Alternative Names
Enlarged prostate
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms and are particularly important for men who choose to avoid surgery or drug therapy. Men should take the time to urinate when it is convenient even if there is no urge. They should take aisle seats in theaters and when traveling. Cold weather and immobility may increase the risk for urine retention. Keeping warm and exercising may be useful. Stress reduction techniques may also help.
Dietary Factors
Some small studies have suggested the following:
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Avoid fluids after your evening meal.
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Coffee has been associated with a higher risk for BPH. Some evidence suggests that drinking green tea, however, may benefit the prostate.
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Moderate alcohol consumption may be protective. (Heavy alcohol consumption, however, may increase the risk for lower urinary tract symptoms, and, in any case, is harmful.)
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Genistein, a chemical found in soy, reduced the growth of BPH tissue in the laboratory. Although Asians have a low incidence of BPH and prostate cancer and also have diets rich in soy, it is not yet known if eating soy products will reduce the risk of BPH or improve any symptoms.
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One recent well-publicized study found an association between a lower risk for BPH and high intake of fruits and a higher risk for BPH with a high intake of butter and margarine.
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Zinc is of interest because it accumulates to the highest levels in a man's body in either a normal prostate or one enlarged from benign prostate hyperplasia. More research is needed to determine the role of zinc on prostate health.
Avoiding Medications that Aggravate Symptoms
Decongestants and Antihistamines.
Men with BPH should avoid, if possible, the many medications for colds and allergies that contain decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). Such drugs, known as adrenergics, can exacerbate urinary symptoms by preventing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck from relaxing to allow urine to flow freely. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can also slow urine flow in some men with BPH.
Diuretics.
Men who are taking diuretics, which increase urination, may want to talk to their doctor about reducing the dosage or switching to another drug. These are important drugs for many people with high blood pressure, with a proven track record for saving lives. No one should go off these medications without medical supervision.
Other Drugs.
Other drugs that may worsen symptoms are certain antidepressants and drugs used to treat spasticity.
Exercise
A recent study reported that even moderate exercise can reduce urinary tract problems associated with BPH. According to a 2001 study, however, physical activity does not seem to protect against developing BPH.
Kegel Exercises
Kegel (pelvic floor muscle) exercises, first developed to help women with childbirth, can also help men prevent urine leakage. They strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that both support the bladder and close the sphincter.
Performing the Exercises.
Since the muscle is internal and sometimes had to isolate, doctors often recommend practicing while urinating:
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The patient is asked to contract the muscle until the flow of urine is slowed or stopped. He attempts to hold each contraction for 20 seconds.
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He then releases the contraction.
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In general, patients should perform 5 to 15 contractions, three to five times daily.
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Review Date: 6/26/2006
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Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital
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