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

Treatment

• The prostate is made up of smooth muscle controlled by the adrenergic nervous system, medication that block the alpha adrenergic receptors help with urethral resistance and improvement of obstructive voiding symptoms.
• More non-invasive treatments [i.e. Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL), Water Vapour Thermal Therapy] and invasive treatments (laser therapy, surgery, Photoselective Vaporisation) are available if medication does not help.

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