What You Should Know About Prostate Treatment

 

Prostate Treatment

Because Benign prostatic hyperplasia rarely causes any serious complications, men usually have a choice between treating it or opting for waiting:

  • Waiting. Waiting involves lifestyle changes and an annual examination. Even when choosing waiting, the initial examination is critual to rule out other disorders.

  • Treatment. The goal of treatment for B.P.H. is to improve the urinary flow and to reduce any symptoms. Some options that are available include: drug therapies, a minimal invasive procedure, or major surgery.

Choosing Between Treatment and Waiting

The choice between waiting and treatment usually depends on a number of factors, such as urine flow rates, prostate size, and PSA levels. Men with B.P.H. who develop symptoms at around 50, are more likely to need treatment within their lifetimes than older men. Unfortunately, there is no way at present to determine if you are at risk for a serious problem and therefore may need early treatment.

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, as well as medication for that stress.

Dietary Factors

Some studies have suggested that the following may work:

  • Avoiding fluids after your evening meal.

  • The drinking of coffee has also been associated with a higher risk for B.P.H.

  • Some evidence suggests that drinking only green tea, may benefit the prostate gland.

  • Moderate alcohol consumption may be benifical.

  • Although Asians have a low incidence of B.P.H. and prostate cancer, plus also have diets rich in soy, But it is not yet known if eating soy products will reduce the risk of B.P.H. or even improve any symptoms.

  • One recent well-publicized study found an association between a lower risk for B.P.H. and a higher intake of fruit, as well as a higher risk for B.P.H. with a higher intake of butter or margarine products.

  • Vitamin zinc is of interest, because it accumulates to a high levels in a man's body in the normal prostate or in one that is enlarged from benign prostate hyperplasia. But more research is needed to determine the role of zinc on prostate health.


 

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