Tweak Your Bathroom Habits
One of the simplest things you can do for the bothersome urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate is change some of your bathroom habits.
Make sure you urinate as soon as you feel the need to go and that you empty your bladder completely each time you go. This will reduce the number of trips you need to make to the bathroom, both day and night.
Michigan Medicine offers the following tips to make it easier to fully empty your bladder when you have BPH:
- Relax as much as possible before you urinate. As we mentioned earlier, anxiety can make it even more difficult to urinate, so try not to worry about your symptoms and consider meditation for a few minutes or doing some deep breathing.
- Don’t rush. Give yourself plenty of time in the bathroom.
- Consider sitting on the toilet instead of standing, to help you relax.
- Turn on a faucet or visualize running water this may help get your urine flowing.
- Read or think of other things while you urinate, to help you stay relaxed.
- Try “double voiding,” when you urinate as much as possible, relax for a few moments, then urinate again.
Natural Herbs And Supplements For Enlarged Prostate
Historical use and anecdotal data are valid forms of supporting evidence, but doctors typically require a higher burden of proof before theyâll recommend a particular herb or supplement, such as the evidence generated by randomized double blind placebo control studiesâ½Â²Â³â¾.
Still, a 2015 paper in The Canadian Journal of Urologyâ½Â²â´â¾ echoes Dr. Fellerâs advice, saying that BPH patients with mild symptoms who are reluctant to try standard drugs may as well try phytotherapeutic treatments such as the ones below âprovided that the patient understands the current limitations of these agents.â The paper warns that patients with moderate to severe symptoms âincluding those with recurrent infections, bladder stone disease, or renal dysfunctionâ should skip the alternative remedies altogether and seek conventional medicine or surgical treatment.
Stinging Nettle Extract Is A Natural Remedy For Enlarged Prostate
Stinging nettle leaves may cause sharp, intense pain, but its extract has benefits for the prostate. The root contains essential bioactive phytochemicals that help shrink prostate tissue. Being a natural diuretic, it also encourages the elimination of inflammatory wastes through urination.
You can have stinging nettle as a drink by simply adding 1 teaspoon of dried leaves to hot water. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then strain. You can drink this tea mix 2 to 3 times daily. Always consult your physician before taking any supplement to determine the correct dosage for your size and condition.
Researchers have found that the stinging nettle has anti-inflammatory compounds similar to those contained by pygeum and saw palmetto.
A study conducted in 2019 by Bentham Science has discovered that the nettle roots extract is efficient in prostate soothing and relieving BPH symptoms. Patients have noticed a significant increase in urine flow and a reduction in prostate volume.
The nettle roots extract can be used for up to 12 months without any side effects.
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Tips For Coping With An Enlarged Prostate
When a man reaches about age 25, his prostate begins to grow. This natural growth is called benign prostatic hyperplasia and it is the most common cause of prostate enlargement. BPH is a benign condition that does not lead to prostate cancer, though the two problems can coexist.
Although 50% to 60% of men with BPH may never develop any symptoms, others find that BPH can make life miserable. The symptoms of BPH include:
- a hesitant, interrupted, weak urine stream
- urgency, leaking, or dribbling
- a sense of incomplete emptying
- more frequent urination, especially at night.
As a result, many men seek treatment. The good news is that treatments are constantly being improved. Patients and their physicians now have more medications to choose from, so if one doesnt do the trick, another can be prescribed. And thanks to some refinements, surgical treatments are more effective and have fewer side effects than ever before.
But there are some things men dealing with BPH can do on their own. When symptoms are not particularly bothersome, watchful waiting may be the best way to proceed. This involves regular monitoring to make sure complications arent developing, but no treatment. For more troubling symptoms, most doctors begin by recommending a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Often this will be enough to relieve the worst symptoms and prevent the need for surgery
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Natural Home Remedies For An Enlarged Prostate
Learn how to treat an enlarged prostate at home with these 15 natural remedies. You can use these easy effective treatments by yourself!
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 getting 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.
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Other Medicaments And Combination Therapy In Bph Treatment
Medical treatment of BPH includes both static and dynamic components . Moreover, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors , muscarinic receptor antagonists, and vasopressin analogs may also have beneficial effects on the BPH-LUTS. Muscarinic receptor antagonists licensed for storage symptoms improvement include darifenacin, fesoterodine, oxybutynin, propiverine, solifenacin, and tolterodine. Because the effects of their long-term administration have not been clarified yet, they should be administered with caution and regular IPSS evaluation. PDE5 inhibitors may also have potential in LUTS improvement, via reducing smooth muscle tone of the detrusor, prostate, and urethra. In Europe, among the licensed PDE5 inhibitors , only tadalafil has been approved for LUTS therapy. Its administration is contraindicated in patients who use nitrates, potassium channel openers, nicorandil, 1-blockers, or have cardiovascular problems . In the case of patients with nocturia, desmopressin administration can reduce total urine volume. During its application, regular monitoring of serum sodium levels is essential to prevent hyponatremia .
Conventional Treatment For An Enlarged Prostate
Treatment for an enlarged prostate depends on the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications, such as urinary retention. Most men with enlarged prostate experience mild to moderate symptoms, and theyre able to cope with them without relying on serious treatment plans, like medications. But for some men, the symptoms can be extremely bothersome or even painful, and they can get worse over time, so a treatment plan in needed.
A strategy called watchful waiting is becoming more common among United States physicians. This is when patients are monitored to see if their conditions get worse before turning to any form of treatment. Watchful waiting has become common practice because treatments for an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, such as surgery or radiation, can lead to serious long-term side effects, such as incontinence and impotence. Watchful waiting involves looking out for changes in symptoms instead of undergoing frequent tests and turning to treatment too soon.
If the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are ongoing or become more serious over time, the main conventional treatment options include:
Medications
Surgical Procedures
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Various Treatments For Enlarged Prostate
Before opting for treatment, your doctor will do a few tests to see if the prostate enlargement is severe. If your condition isnt good, the doctor will recommend the following treatments. Along with the disease, the doctor will consider your prostate size, age, health, and if you suffer from any other medical conditions.
- Alpha-Blockers for BPH. The doctor will recommend this to loosen the bladder neck muscles and its fiber in the prostate. When the power is relaxed, it is easier to pee, and there will be an increase in urination. You will not pee frequently. It is effective after two days of taking the alpha-blocker. Some of the alpha-blockers are Hytrin, Uroxatral, Flomax, Rapaflo, and Cardura.
- 5- Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors for BPH. It is one of the ways on how to shrink the prostate. It blocks hormones that grow the prostate glands, thus reducing the prostate size. There are two types of 5- alpha-reductase inhibitors, namely Avodart and Proscar. These inhibitors are effective after three to six months.
- TUNA Treatment. TUNA is a short form of transurethral needle ablation and is one of the trusted prostate enlargement home remedies. This treatment procedure uses two needles, which carry high-frequency radio waves that inflame a particular region in the prostate. The treatment allows men to have good urine flow and decreases the BPH symptoms. You can do the treatment at home the doctor will use an anesthetic to prevent burning sensation.
How Does Prostate Growth Occur
One of the central and important body organs in the male reproductive system is the prostate. It is located below the bladder and borders the urethra. The prostate takes urine from the bladder. Its function is to assist in making fluid in the semen, which bears sperm from the testicles. After men age, the size of the prostate goes from a walnut to an apricot.
The prostate gland goes through two stages of growth. The first is when you are in your teen years. During this time, it grows bigger by two sizes than it is. After twenty-five years, it grows more, although it turns out to be a complication if the growth continues. It is termed prostate enlargement, which exhibits negative implications on prostate functions.
Prostate growing is a noncancerous disease. The tissue layer that borders the prostate stops it from external growth. It results in the prostate gland thrusting the urethra. But, there are natural remedies for enlarged prostate.
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How To Treat Enlarged Prostate
As you get older, your prostate will continue to get biggerits the only organ that never stops growing with age. This is why enlarged prostate tends to affect more older men and rarely occurs in men under 30. For some, this growth is slow and causes no side effects. For others, enlarged prostate brings about a number of urinary problems and inconveniences. Many scientists believe that this continued growth is due to specific hormones and the natural hormonal cycles that occur in men, however there isnt enough scientific evidence to conclusively state why the prostate never stops growing. Regardless, enlarged prostate, also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia, can cause uncomfortable symptoms. The best way to reduce these symptoms is to find an effective treatment option. In this article, well explore how to treat enlarged prostate.
Natural And Herbal Prostate Support Recovery In Dogs
Most pet owners will gradually see improvement in their pet’s condition and behavior, an indication that the treatment is working. Still, it is advised to consult a vet or holistic vet before the start of treatment, at least once during treatment, and once more when the treatment has been completed.
Owners should also be aware that positive results won’t happen overnight, and that doses must be administered as indicated by a professional.
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Home Remedies For Enlarged Prostate
Men have to worry about their prostate when they reach the age of 30. While yearly exams are recommended, most men will opt not to have their prostate checked until much later in life. If you have been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, there are a slew of medications that you may take to relieve the symptoms that follow an enlarged prostate however, there are other alternatives.
Apple Cider Vinegar Is One Of The Best Natural Remedies For Enlarged Prostate
Apple cider vinegar is very good for your prostate. The unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar features astringent properties, helping shrink the swollen prostate glands. Also, it aids weight loss and helps prevent complications of an enlarged prostate such as UTIs.
You simply need to mix 1-2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of honey in one glass of warm water. Drink this at least twice per day.
Another option with apple cider vinegar is adding about 1 cup to a bathtub of cool water and soaking in it for about 10 minutes.
Researchers have found that you can shrink your prostate naturally by regularly using apple cider vinegar. Apple Cider Vinegar has many health benefits and it can be used to treat BPH symptoms or even prostatitis. Many prostate cancer patients have also tried this method of naturally shrinking the prostate, pre or post-operative.
According to scientists, the caffeic acid found in apples acts as a cancer inhibitor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance. Regarding to prostate enlargement, caffeic acid helps prevent cell proliferation. Even if there has not been any particular study on the effects of ACV on BPH, the data that is already available suggests that it may have high efficiency in shrinking the prostate.
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Assessing The Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate
To help your doctor understand how bothersome enlarged prostate symptoms are for you, the American Urological Association has developed a BPH Symptom Index. This is a brief questionnaire that asks about specific symptoms and how frequently they occur. Each answer is assigned a number — and your total is ranked on a scale ranging from mild to severe.
A score of 0 to 7 is considered a mild symptom score 8 or over is considered moderate to severe.
The AUA recommends the following treatment for an enlarged prostate based on the severity of symptoms:
- Mild symptoms that don’t bother you : If you are not bothered by your symptoms, and they don’t affect your daily life, watchful waiting is the best option for you. You should get regular checkups to make sure that you are not developing complications.
- Moderate to severe symptoms : If you are not bothered by your symptoms, you may choose watchful waiting. However, if your symptoms do start to interfere, you may choose medication, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgery.
- Moderate to severe symptoms with complications: If symptoms are bothersome and you have developed complications such as inability to urinate, you may need a catheter, surgery, or other treatment.
Bph Prostate Health And Lifestyle
As with any condition, minimizing stress, clocking a good nightâs sleep, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy BMI and exercising regularly will benefit your prostate health.
âAnything that’s good for your heart and good for your brain is also good for your prostate,âsays Dr. Feller.
âSome people kind of joke around that if it’s good for the big brain, it’s also good for the little brain.â
However you choose to proceed with your prostate care, the good news is that BPH is a manageable condition, and that whether you choose medicine, surgery or natural therapies, a better quality of life is possible.
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Supplements Vs Other Treatment
As we have mentioned here several times, BPH is becoming increasingly common.
Typical treatment would generally include the use of a1-adrenergic receptor antagonists and 5a-reductase inhibitors. Studies show these drugs are helpful for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
However, the side effects associated with their use are leading patients and practitioners alike to turn elsewhere for solutions. Surgery is relatively common in the management of prostate health as well.
This is invasive, costly, and risky as well, and therefore, it should not be a routine treatment method.
Are The Results Of The Home Remedies For An Enlarged Prostate Are Permanent
Permanent results cannot be guaranteed in this situation. Enlarged Prostate is known to occur again even in those who had completely recovered in the past. So the results of these remedies might vary from person to person. Do consult with your doctor in case you have any queries about the lifestyle you have to follow to avoid the recurrence of an enlarged prostate.
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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.
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