In this guide brought to you by 1Prostate in New York, we explain how drinking alcohol affects benign prostatic hyperplasia.

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia , abbreviated as BPH, is a medical condition characterized by an enlarged prostate gland. This condition gets more common as men get older . Studies of prostate tissue show that about half of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men over 80 have BPH, although not all of them have symptoms.

Though there are some misconceptions about an enlarged prostate, BPH is a non-cancerous condition and does not increase a patient’s risk for prostate cancer. An enlarged prostate can result in uncomfortable urinary symptoms. In some patients, BPH can also cause urinary tract, bladder, or kidney issues. Fortunately, for anyone experiencing discomfort or other medical concerns because of an enlarged prostate, there are a number of treatment options for BPH.

What Are The Symptoms of BPH?

In patients with BPH, an enlarged prostate can compress the urethra or push against the bladder. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is associated with LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms). Symptoms of BPH can include:

  • An urgent need to urinate
  • Increased frequency of urination—especially at night (nocturia)
  • Inability to urinate or straining while urinating
  • Weak urine stream
  • A urine stream that starts and stops (intermittence)
  • Unable to empty your bladder completely
  • Dribbling at the end of urinating

How Does Alcohol Consumption Impact BPH? 

Various factors can increase the risk of developing BPH. These include chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as age and hormones. In addition, lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking may also increase the likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate. Though alcohol consumption does not appear to cause BPH, it can worsen urinary symptoms in some men, especially in larger amounts or later in the evening. BPH symptoms associated with excessive alcohol consumption include:

  • Irritating the bladder. Alcohol can irritate the bladder in some men, which can add to urgency and make symptoms feel worse.
  • Increases the urge to urinate. Alcohol is a diuretic that can increase the amount of urine entering the bladder. This can be very uncomfortable for those already having difficulty emptying their bladder. 
  • Dehydration. Alcohol can leave you dehydrated, and more concentrated urine can irritate the bladder.

What Are Lifestyle Changes Someone Can Make When Drinking Alcohol With BPH?

If you have BPH, consider limiting the amount of alcohol you drink to avoid exacerbating your symptoms. If you do decide to drink alcohol, consider the following lifestyle changes:

  • Avoid drinking alcohol at night.
  • While you are drinking alcohol, drink water to avoid dehydration.
  • Limit the fluids you drink before bedtime, especially coffee.
  • Do not hold your urine for too long.
  • Increase physical activity and include pelvic floor exercises.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruit; some studies link diets high in red meat and fat to a higher risk of BPH symptoms.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.

What Treatments Are Available For BPH? 

At 1Prostate in New York, we believe in educating our patients so that they can determine the best option for their unique situation. At 1Prostate, we can help you find a solution tailored uniquely to you. Our treatment options include:

  • Medications
  • Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
  • TUMT (Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy)
  • Urolift: The Prostatic Urethral Lift
  • Rezum Water Vapor Therapy
  • TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)

Am I A Good Candidate For BPH Treatment?

If you’re ready to stop living with symptoms and just coping, it’s time for treatment. For anyone seeking the best prostate care in New York City, consider 1Prostate . 1Prostate is proud to offer a number of treatments to address Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with two locations to serve Manhattan, Queens, and the surrounding areas. At 1Prostate, we can provide the latest, state-of-the-art non-surgical treatment to address enlarged prostate and its symptoms. Call 212-991-9991 to ask about how we can help you today.

Sources

  1. Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: AUA Guideline (2026). American Urological Association, 2026.
  2. EAU Guidelines on the Management of Non-neurogenic Male LUTS. European Association of Urology, 2026.
  3. The development of human benign prostatic hyperplasia with age. J Urol, 1984.
  4. Alcohol consumption is associated with a decreased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol, 2009.
  5. Are physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption associated with lower urinary tract symptoms in men or women? Results from a population based observational study. J Urol, 2012.
  6. Dietary patterns, supplement use, and the risk of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: results from the prostate cancer prevention trial. Am J Epidemiol, 2008.
  7. Hydration status and the diuretic action of a small dose of alcohol. Alcohol Alcohol, 2010.
  8. Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Share this blog!

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Recent Post

Stay hydrated. Cropped shot of a handsome young male athlete hydrating during his workout on the beach.

Managing Chronic Prostatitis: Natural Remedies That Help

Read More » Turmeric (curcumin) powder and fresh rhizome with turmeric plant background.

The Role of Curcumin in Prostate Health

Read More » Obesity and Prostate Cancer

How Obesity Impacts Prostate Cancer Risk

Read More »