Age-related issues often strikeout of the blue. Even if you never had a health issue as a young man, you may suddenly experience trouble once you step into the forties. One of the common problems in older men is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is characterized by an enlarged prostate. The restroom trips may require sudden dashes, nights may get restless due to frequent urination or you may have difficulty urinating. And if you discuss the problem with men of your age or older ones, you will probably feel like being a member of a club. Almost 50% of males in their fifties have an enlarged prostate. Still, there isn’t much to worry about as the condition is non-cancerous and can be resolved with non-invasive treatment. Here are the options you can explore.
Watchful waiting
To start with, your doctor may just recommend watchful waiting for assessing the extent of the problem before going ahead with the treatment. The decision of waiting and watching in the case of BPH really depends on a variety of factors. These include the extent of your symptoms, your age, and overall health. Some lifestyle changes can help when the symptoms are only mild and you decide to wait and watch. Limiting evening beverages and urinating right after the urge can make a difference. You should ditch caffeine, alcohol, and acidic drinks such as colas and orange juice. Steer clear of cold medications that contain antihistamines or pseudoephedrine as they can also cause urinary problems. Doing pelvic muscle-strengthening exercises in routine to strengthen the bladder muscles for better control is also a good approach.
Supplements
When it comes to treatment options for any health issue, natural is always the best. Amazingly, a natural supplement pill can resolve the prostate issues and help you live a normal life despite prostate enlargement. Over the years, thousands of men have experienced measurable relief with prostate supplements and many doctors recommend them as well. The best thing about these Beta-sitosterol based supplements is that they are herbal and have no side effects. So you can save yourself from the pain and complications of surgery and get your life back on track without worrying much. Apart from supplements, a diet high in fruits and vegetables, specifically especially leafy, dark vegetables and tomatoes can also protect you from the risk of prostate enlargement with aging.
Medication
Another option you may explore if surgery is not your priority is medication. Your doctor may recommend alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors or a combination of both for effective symptom relief. Alpha-blockers have the potential to relax the muscles of the bladder neck and also the muscle fibers in the prostate itself, making it easier to urinate. Conversely, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can reduce the size of the gland by simply blocking hormones that spur prostate growth as you age. Combination therapy offers greater relief from the symptoms as compared to taking each of them individually.
Fortunately, these non-invasive therapeutic options can cover your BPH symptoms to a significant extent and most doctors stick to them rather than suggest the surgical route. Apart from these therapies, self-care and awareness can go a long way in saving you from trouble.
