Urinary problems in men: Home Doctor & Self Therapy

Many urinary problems in men that start in later life are due to enlargement of the prostate gland, which lies beneath the bladder. This condition is usually noncancerous (in which case it is called benign prostatic hyperplasia), but sometimes it is due to cancer. The prostate may constrict the bladder outlet, causing symptoms such as an urgent or frequent need to urinate (including at night); a weak flow; dribbling afterward; and a feeling that your bladder has not emptied completely.

WARNING

Seek immediate medical help if:

● You develop pain or swelling in your abdomen and can’t urinate

See your doctor first

Make an appointment to see your doctor if:

● You have problems when urinating, especially if there is blood in the urine or you feel a burning sensation

● You are taking an over-the-counter or prescribed medicine that may be making the problem worse, such as a decongestant or an antidepressant

What you can do yourself

Use these self-help measures alongside treatment from your doctor to help minimize urinary problems.

● Drink 6–8 glasses of fluid a day so your urine doesn’t get too concentrated and cause irritation. Avoid drinking too much over a short time, however, since this may cause a sudden urge to urinate.

● Urinate only when your bladder feels full. Take your time so that your bladder empties completely. Sometimes sitting on the toilet is more effective.

● If you often need to get up at night, drink less in the evening and stop drinking a few hours before bedtime. Empty your bladder before going to bed.

● Reduce your intake of tea, coffee, cola, and alcohol. These drinks make your bladder fill quickly and cause a sudden or urgent need to urinate.

● Avoid carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and juices, and spicy foods, since they may irritate your bladder.

● Try saw palmetto if you have benign prostate enlargement (see NATURAL REMEDIES, below).

NATURAL REMEDIES

Saw palmetto tinctures and supplements are made from the berries of the saw palmetto plant. You can take them to improve urine flow and bladder emptying if you have benign prostate enlargement.

Talk to your doctor first if you have symptoms of prostate enlargement.

Taking saw palmetto: You may have to take saw palmetto tincture or capsules for 1–3 months before you see an improvement in your urinary symptoms.

PREVENTION

Reducing urinary problems The following lifestyle changes and remedies may lead to a long-term improvement in urinary symptoms.

● Excess weight puts pressure on your bladder, so try to lose some weight if you need to do so.

● Getting regular exercise can help reduce symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, while a sedentary lifestyle tends to make them worse.