What to Expect at Home
The prostate is a gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. It surrounds the tube through which urine passes out of the body (the urethra).
An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. As the gland grows, it can block the urethra and cause problems, such as:
- Not being able to fully empty your bladder
- Needing to urinate two or more times per night
- Slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream and dribbling at the end
- Straining to urinate and weak urine stream
- Strong and sudden urge to urinate
The following changes may help you control symptoms:
- Urinate when you first get the urge. Also, go to the bathroom on a timed schedule, even if you do not feel a need to urinate.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially after dinner.
- DO NOT drink a lot of fluid all at once. Spread out fluids over the day. Avoid drinking fluids within 2 hours of bedtime.
- Keep warm and exercise regularly. Cold weather and lack of physical activity may worsen symptoms.
- Reduce stress. Nervousness and tension can lead to more frequent urination.
Learn about exercises (Kegel exercises) that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Doing these exercise may help with leaking or losing control of your urine. Once you have learned how to do these, you should perform them 3 times a day.