Understanding and Managing Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Symptoms & Relief

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. This condition is most common in men over the age of 40; however, it can occur at a younger age. If you've developed an enlarged prostate, there are a few things you can do to minimize your symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep your bladder healthy by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day and integrating cranberry juice into your diet on a daily basis.

• 2

  Cut back on your stress by exercising. Stress worsens symptoms while exercise minimizes enlarged prostate symptoms.

• 3

  Alleviate symptoms with prescription medications. Alpha blockers, such as Flomax, work quickly by relaxing muscles around the prostate. Five-alpha reductase inhibitors work more slowly but actually reduce the size of the prostate.

• 4

  Talk with your doctor about minimally invasive treatments, such as interstitial laser therapy, transurethral microwave therapy, transurethral radio frequency needle ablation and prostatic stents.

• 5

  Consider using homeopathic medications. Saw palmetto may reduce the size of the prostate by inhibiting the breakdown of testosterone.

• 6

  Investigate surgical options as a last resort. Various options exist such as transurethral resection of the prostate, transurethral incision of the prostate or open prostatectomy.