Prostate Enlargement

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

This condition can lead to:

• Prostatitis  which can occur on regular basis
• Urinary tract infections  (cystitis type)

Methods to reduce lower urinary tract symptoms:

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Avoid drinking fluids at bedtime, and drink smaller amounts throughout the day
• Avoid taking decongestant and antihistamine medications (especially if one believes they have cold and flu symptoms)
• Get regular exercise
• Make a habit of going to the bathroom when the urge is present
• Practice double voiding (empty the bladder, wait a moment, then try again)
• Practice stress management and relaxation techniques

Medscape

Lifestyle advice

For many patients, lifestyle modifications can improve symptoms without the need for further intervention:

Firth J, Conlon C, Cox T, editors. Oxford Textbook of Medicine. Oxford University PressOxford 2020.doi:

10.1093/med/9780198746690.001.0001

• Regularly practise pelvic floor exercises to strength the muscles that control urine flow;

• Stop smoking to reduce the incidence of coughing, which can strain the pelvic floor muscle;
• Avoid heavy lifting. This can put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of leaks.

10 Ways to Stop Leaks: Urinary Incontinence. NHS. 2023.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/10-ways-to-stop-leaks
(accessed Aug 2023).

• Reduce caffeine intake to limit irritation to the bladder;

Lohsiriwat S, Hirunsai M, Chaiyaprasithi B. Effect of caffeine on bladder function in patients with overactive bladder symptoms. Urol Ann. 2011;3:14. doi:10.4103/0974-7796.75862

• Decrease alcohol consumption as alcohol acts as a diuretic;
• Drink six to eight glasses of water per day. Limiting fluid intake can reduce bladder capacity and make incontinence worse;

Bradley CS, Erickson BA, Messersmith EE, et al. Evidence of the Impact of Diet, Fluid Intake, Caffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Systematic Review. Journal of Urology. 2017;198:1010–20. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2017.04.097

• Avoid constipation to prevent straining;
• Lose excess weight to lessen pressure on the bladder;

Parsons JK, Sarma AV, McVary K, et al. Obesity and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Clinical Connections, Emerging Etiological Paradigms and Future Directions. Journal of Urology. 2013;189. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2012.11.029

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

• Adult polyglucosan body disease (APBD)

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice