"My first signs of an enlarged prostate started appearing about 8 years ago," shares Aadinath Bahadur, aged 59 years. "At first, it was frequent urination. Then it became painful urination. Everywhere I went, I had to know where the bathroom was. If I knew there might be a line to the bathroom, then the stress of waiting in the line and possibly embarrassing myself would make it difficult or impossible for me to go somewhere. After 3 or so years, I figured that’s it for me – nothing can be done now. In the 5th year, my then-new doctor said, ‘let’s start from the ground up’ and suggested some important lifestyle changes and exercises, and I must say I’m doing much better now. At least, now I know lines won’t cause embarrassing accidents anymore, because I’m in control!"
As men age, one common health concern that can arise is an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While it is a natural part of ageing for many men, an enlarged prostate can have a major impact on everyday life.
Fortunately, there are many strategies and lifestyle adjustments that can help ease enlarged prostate symptoms and improve overall wellbeing. Aadinath Bahadur followed the very same tips that are going to be mentioned in these blogs, so, keep reading!
What Is an Enlarged Prostate and How Does It Impact Everyday Life?
Let’s begin from the beginning. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that’s located right beneath the urinary bladder (the hollow organ that stores urine), surrounding the urethra (the tube that lets urine out of the bladder and body).
Just as your ears and nose get bigger and bigger as you age, the prostate too continues to grow over time, which can eventually lead to compression of the urethra, causing urinary difficulties. This is called an enlarged prostate – a prostate so large that it’s causing you troubles.
According to research, every 1 in 2 men over the age of 50 will have an enlarged prostate. However, 1 in 2 men with an enlarged prostate may never develop any symptoms, while the unfortunate others find that an enlarged prostate can make life miserable. In simpler terms, if we take 4 men over the age of 50, 2 of them will have an enlarged prostate, but only one of them will develop any symptoms of enlarged prostate.
Related Articles: Enlarged Prostate: Remedies and Treatments
Common Symptoms and Warning Signs of an Enlarged Prostate
Recognizing the symptoms of an enlarged prostate is crucial for early intervention. Some common signs to watch out for include:
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Needing to visit the bathroom more often, especially during the night.
Struggling to start the flow of urine.
The urine flow is weaker than usual and may stop and start.
Feeling like the bladder is not fully emptied even after urination.
Sudden, strong urges to urinate that are difficult to control.
The inability to urinate despite feeling the urge.
Dribbling small amounts of urine after finishing.
The reason every symptom revolves around urination is the nearness of the prostate to the bladder and urethra. If you experience these signs of prostate problem, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Dietary Recommendations and Lifestyle Modifications to Tackle Enlarged Prostate
While changes in your diet cannot cure an enlarged prostate, they can greatly help manage symptoms related to enlarged prostate and improve overall prostate and bladder health. Consider the following dietary recommendations and lifestyle modifications:
Avoid foods bad for your prostate: Red meat, high-fat dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and saturated fat, are some foods to avoid with enlarged prostate. These can further increase the growth of enlarged prostate and even increase your risk of prostate cancer.
Follow an enlarged prostate diet: Eat a prostate-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Foods high in antioxidants, such as tomatoes, berries, and green tea, may be beneficial for prostate health. If you want to learn more about foods for enlarged prostate, read this blog about Enlarged prostate diet.
Stay hydrated: While it might seem kind of stupid to drink more water when you’re running to bathrooms every 2 hours, drinking adequate water is crucial to avoid urinary tract infections. Just try to avoid too much fluid intake before bedtime to reduce night-time urination.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can worsen enlarged prostate symptoms, so adopting a balanced diet and staying physically active can be beneficial.
Kegel exercises: These exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, potentially improving bladder control and urinary symptoms. Don’t know how to do Kegels? Learn everything about it here: Kegel Exercises for Urinary Incontinence
Medical Treatments and Resources You Can Explore
When lifestyle changes alone aren’t helping, medical treatments may be necessary to manage an enlarged prostate effectively. Here are some options you can explore:
Medications: There are several types of medications, such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which can help relax the muscles around the prostate and shrink the gland, respectively.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: For more severe cases, there are several minimally invasive procedures available, like transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) and prostatic urethral lift (UroLift), which can ease the urinary symptoms related to enlarged prostate. These procedures involve smaller incisions (or cuts) and shorter recovery time when compared to traditional surgical procedures.
Surgical Interventions: In advanced cases, surgery might be recommended to remove part or all of the prostate gland. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a common surgical procedure for BPH.
Support Groups and Resources: Joining support groups for people with BPH or seeking online resources can provide valuable information and emotional support for those dealing with an enlarged prostate.
Tips for Managing Urinary Symptoms and Improving Overall Wellbeing
Apart from medical treatments and dietary changes, here are some practical tips for managing urinary symptoms and living well with an enlarged prostate:
Double Voiding: After urinating, wait a few moments, and then try to urinate again to ensure the bladder is fully emptied.
Avoid Constipation: Straining during bowel movements can worsen urinary symptoms, so consume fibre-rich foods and stay hydrated to prevent constipation.
Manage Stress: Stress can worsen urinary symptoms, so practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can be beneficial.
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a record of urinary patterns and symptoms to monitor changes and share them with your doctor during check-ups.
Wear adult diapers: A solution to managing the urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate can’t get more practical and convenient than adult diapers. And when it comes to adult diapers, Friends is your best bet. With over 20+ years of experience in the adult diaper manufacturing industry, we at Friends make adult diapers that make your life easier.
That’s it, folks! In the case of Aadinath Bahadur, dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes along with the practical tips were enough to ease enlarged prostate symptoms and regain some control over the bladder again. If they do not help, your doctor can assess your condition and come up with suitable enlarged prostate treatment plans with you. See you in another blog!
FAQs:
1) How common is an enlarged prostate as men age?
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects men as they age. It is estimated that more than half of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men in their 80s will experience some degree of prostate enlargement.
2) Are there any exercises or physical activities that can benefit prostate health?
Yes, Kegel exercises can be beneficial for prostate health. Kegels are pelvic floor exercises that involve contracting and relaxing the muscles used to control urination. They can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can potentially improve bladder control and support the prostate gland. Regularly performing Kegel exercises may also aid in preventing or reducing the symptoms of urinary incontinence, which can sometimes be associated with an enlarged prostate.
3) Can enlarged prostate be cured?
An enlarged prostate (BPH) cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms and may include lifestyle changes, medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.
