Monday, May 20, 2024
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The symptoms of an enlarged prostate can include frequent urination and needing to get up many times in the night to pee. A man might have trouble getting started in the bathroom or dribbling when finished. The inability to completely empty the bladder is also a common symptom.
Doctors may first advise patients to stop drinking fluids after dinner. Antihistamines can contribute to symptoms, as can alcohol and caffeine. “A good initial intervention would be to decrease caffeine and alcohol intake, even decrease spicy food intake, because those can irritate the bladder,” Nakada said.
Doctors will ask about symptoms and medications. They will perform a rectal exam to determine the size and shape of the prostate.
Medicines are available that relax muscles and allow better flow of urine. Another type of medicine can be used to stop the prostate from growing. Erectile dysfunction drugs can help with urine flow too. There's not strong evidence for herbal remedies such as saw palmetto. “I usually tell patients the only thing saw palmetto does is hurt your wallet,” Nakada said.
There are various procedures to remove prostate tissue or widen the urethra. Some use the pulse of a laser beam, microwaves, ultrasound, electric current or heated water. Another procedure inserts a stent to prop up the prostate and make more room for urine flow. There are also surgical techniques to cut away tissue.
Doctors may first advise patients to stop drinking fluids after dinner. Antihistamines can contribute to symptoms, as can alcohol and caffeine. “A good initial intervention would be to decrease caffeine and alcohol intake, even decrease spicy food intake, because those can irritate the bladder,” Nakada said.
Doctors will ask about symptoms and medications. They will perform a rectal exam to determine the size and shape of the prostate.
Medicines are available that relax muscles and allow better flow of urine. Another type of medicine can be used to stop the prostate from growing. Erectile dysfunction drugs can help with urine flow too. There's not strong evidence for herbal remedies such as saw palmetto. “I usually tell patients the only thing saw palmetto does is hurt your wallet,” Nakada said.