Try not to drink any beverage with caffeine or alcohol within four hours of bedtime, and stop drinking all fluids about two hours prior to heading off to bed. Caffeine is found in coffee, black tea, green tea, hot chocolate, colas, most soft drinks and virtually all energy drinks. Caffeine also increases neuron activity in your brain, which can keep you up at night and acerbate the symptoms of BPH.
Your doctor might be able to adjust the dosages or change the schedule for problematic medications, or maybe prescribe different ones that cause fewer urinary problems. Be aware that some drugs also contain caffeine or other diuretics/stimulants, so research the ingredients of all medications that you take.
To promote bladder emptying, try sitting down while urinating rather than standing up — it changes the angle of the urethra and can be more relaxing. Other methods to help promote emptying your bladder include: running the water in the bathroom sink, distracting yourself with relaxing music and keeping yourself warm (by wearing slippers or a housecoat) if it’s chilly. Consider using the double-voiding technique: after your initial strong stream of urine comes out, wait a moment and then try again to see if more comes out.
Walking, hiking and swimming are great stress-relieving exercises that can benefit BPH sufferers. Cycling is also a good exercise for BPH, but cycling long distances can put pressure on the perineum causing numbness in the penis. To avoid this use an ergonomic bike seat, padded bike shorts and make sure the bike is adjusted properly. [7] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Lifting heavy weights and straining at the gym can make the symptoms of BPH worse in some men, so focus on less strenuous exercise. Other exercises that may acerbate BPH symptoms include rowing and canoeing.
Suggested dosages of beta-sitosterol for BPH issues are between 60 to 130 mg per day for many weeks. Beta-sitosterol is also used to lower blood cholesterol levels, which makes it a good option for men who have high cholesterol along with BPH. Pumpkin seeds are particularly rich in beta-sitosterol, which is why they are often recommended for men with prostate problems.
Recommended dosage is at least 320 mg daily of an extract that’s standardized to contain 85 – 95% fatty acids and sterols. It usually takes a few weeks to impact urinary symptoms. Some Research indicates saw palmetto extract is as effective as some prostate medications, such as finasteride (Proscar) and has fewer side effects. Saw palmetto is very popular in Europe (especially Germany) for treating BPH and other prostate conditions.
Pygeum, although originally discovered in Africa in the 1700s, has been used in Europe (particularly France) to treat BPH since the 1960s. Recommended dosage is between 75 – 200 mg daily. It usually takes a few weeks or more to impact urinary symptoms caused by BPH. Pygeum is available in various capsules, liquid extracts and powder forms, which means concentration and effectiveness varies according to manufacturer.
Do not use this remedy if you have allergies to grass pollens. The studies on grass pollen are based on men taking the supplement for between four to six weeks, so don’t expect immediate results.
