If you are one of the millions of men who are affected by BPH, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable the symptoms can be. Thankfully, there are some easy ways that you can decrease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. In this blog post, we will discuss seven simple tips that can help you reduce your BPH symptoms.

BPH Symptoms

BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. This condition can cause a number of bothersome symptoms, including:

• difficulty starting or stopping urination
• a weak urine stream
• a feeling of not being able to fully empty the bladder
• more frequent trips to the bathroom day and night

There are a number of things that can contribute to the development of BPH, including age, family history, and certain medical conditions. While there is no way to completely prevent BPH, there are some things that you can do to decrease your symptoms.

Ways to Decrease Symptoms

Limit Evening Beverages

If you find that you are waking up multiple times during the night to use the bathroom, it may be helpful to limit your fluid intake in the evening. Drinking fluids before bedtime can cause you to wake up multiple times during the night to use the restroom. This can lead to sleep deprivation, which can exacerbate other BPH symptoms such as fatigue and irritability. Try to avoid drinking any fluids for at least two hours before bedtime. This will give your body time to process the fluids and reduce the need to urinate during the night.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, which means that they can increase urination. If you are struggling with BPH symptoms, it may be helpful to limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. This includes coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. Alcoholic beverages should also be limited. If you do drink caffeine or alcohol, try to drink them earlier in the day so that they don’t interfere with your sleep at night.

Limit Decongestants and Antihistamines

Decongestants and antihistamines can also contribute to BPH symptoms. These medications can cause the muscles around the urethra to tighten, which can lead to difficulty urinating. If you are taking a decongestant or antihistamine, talk to your doctor about whether or not it is necessary. If it is, they may be able to prescribe a different medication that doesn’t have the same side effect.

Schedule Bathroom Visits

If you are having difficulty controlling your urge to urinate, it may be helpful to schedule bathroom visits in order to “retrain” your bladder. Try to go to the bathroom at set intervals (about every 4-6 hours), even if you don’t feel the urge to go. This will help your bladder get used to urinating on a schedule and may help reduce urinary frequency.

Try Double Voiding

If you are struggling with a weak urine stream, double voiding may be helpful. This is when you urinate and then wait for a few seconds before urinating again. This can help to empty the bladder more completely and reduce urinary frequency.

Eat Healthy

Eating a healthy diet is important for overall health, but it can also help to reduce BPH symptoms. Foods that are high in fiber can help to bulk up stool and make it easier to pass. This can help to reduce urinary frequency and urgency. Foods that are high in antioxidants, such as berries and dark leafy greens, can also help to reduce inflammation.

Stay Active

Exercise is important for overall health, but it can also help to reduce BPH symptoms. Exercise can help to improve urinary flow and reduce the size of the prostate. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to BPH symptoms. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

In Conclusion

BPH can be a bothersome condition, but there are things that you can do to reduce your symptoms. Try to limit evening fluids, caffeine, and alcohol. You should also schedule bathroom visits and try double voiding. Eating a healthy diet and staying active can also help to reduce symptoms. If you are struggling with BPH, talk to your doctor about treatment options.