Tips for Living with BPH

BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia effects a lot of men. For many who suffer from BPH, a few simple changes can reduce the effect BPH has on your life.

  1. Limit your fluid intake, particulary after dinner or late at night.
  2. Try to reduce the amount of alcohol and caffeine in your diet, and avoid them altogether after mid-afternoon. Caffeine and alochol both have a diuretic effect that will increase urine flow.
  3. If possible, avoid taking medication that stimulate the bladder neck and prostate. Decongestants including psuedoephidrine (Sudafed) are prime examples.
  4. Also avoid drugs that weaken bladder contractions including some antihistamines (eg. Benadryl). Some antidepressants and antispasmodics may also weaken bladder contractions.
  5. If taking diuretics for health reasons (usually heart problems or high blood pressure) ask your doctor if it is possible to substitute a similar medication, or at least reduce the dosage of your treatment.
  6. Visit the bathroom at regular intervals throughout the day. Even if your bladder does not feel full, use a bathroom at any available opportunity. Take your time urinating and concentrate on emptying your bladder as much as possible.
  7. Try to avoid situations that will prohibit regular use of bathrooms. For example, try to always take aisle seats and avoid any long journeys where no bathroom facilities will be available.
  8. Always make sure you are aware of the nearest bathroom

The preceding tips will not lessen the effects of BPH, but they will make dealing with the problem a lot less inconvenient than you may be used to.