Want to learn how to shrink a large prostate? It’s important to first understand what causes this common condition. An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), mostly affects men over 50 but the problem can sometimes start in the 30s. While non-cancerous, it can cause urinary symptoms similar to prostate cancer, making early evaluation essential.
Nearly all men experience prostate enlargement, with many developing BPH as they age. Research shows that about half of men in their 50s and 60s, and up to 90% of men over 80, experience symptoms that can impact quality of life. In this blog, Apex Hospital – the leading hospital of Sirsa, India – will explore the most effective treatments for enlarged prostate and what you should know before choosing one.
Understanding Prostate Enlargement
The prostate is a small gland that is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate’s main function is to make fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. The prostate can enlarge due to hormonal changes with age.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia occurs when the prostate becomes enlarged and squeezes the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the body. This can cause urinary symptoms that can interfere with daily life.
The reasons for prostate enlargement are not fully understood, but there are several risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia:
– Age – It is most prevalent in men over the age of 50.
– Family history – There is a higher risk if you have a close relative with BPH.
– Lifestyle – There is an increased risk if you lack physical activity and are obese.
– Hormonal factors – Increased levels of dihydrotestosterone may also be associated with the condition.
How to Shrink a Large Prostate: Treatment Options
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for prostate enlargement. Your doctor will recommend treatment based on the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
Here are the most common approaches:
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
If your symptoms are mild, modifications in your everyday lifestyle can relieve some symptoms and reduce the rate of prostate growth.
– Limit fluids in the evening: This will reduce the amount of urination while you sleep.
– Limit alcohol and caffeine: Both substances can irritate the bladder and increase urine production.
– Use “double voiding”: This involves urinating, sitting for a few minutes, and urinating again to help empty the bladder more completely.
– Exercise regularly: Regular activity will improve bladder health and general health.
– Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is associated with increased levels of BPH symptoms.
Some men also take or consider taking natural supplements, such as saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, or pygeum. Certainly, some men report symptom relief with natural supplements. The available scientific data is mixed. Please consult with your healthcare professional prior to taking any supplement.
Medications to Shrink the Prostate
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications can help manage symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate and, in some cases, shrink the prostate.
There are different kinds of medications available:
– Alpha-blockers (e.g. tamsulosin, alfuzosin) work by relaxing the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, thus making it easier to urinate. Alpha-blockers will not shrink the prostate, but should help with symptoms.
– 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g. finasteride, dutasteride) work by blocking the hormone that causes prostate growth, and can be effective in shrinking the gland over a period of several months.
– Combination therapy using both an alpha-blocker and a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor can be effective for some men.
These options can have side effects such as dizziness, sexual dysfunction and/or decreased libido. That’s why doctor consultation and approval is necessary. Never take medication without a prescription!
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Men who want a faster improvement with no surgical treatment can consider minimally invasive procedures. These treatments can eliminate excess tissue from the prostate gland, and recovery is minimal.
– Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT): Heats tissue to eliminate enlarged tissue.
– Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA): Uses radiofrequency energy to shrink excess cells.
– Prostatic urethral lift (UroLift): Lifts enlarged prostate tissue and holds it away from the urethra.
– Water vapor therapy (Rezum): Destroys the excess tissue by injecting steam into the prostate.
While recovery times are typically short, not all men will be eligible for these procedures.
Surgical Treatments
If your symptoms are severe or other treatments haven’t worked, surgery may be recommended to remove or reduce prostate tissue.
Common surgical options include:
– Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): The most common surgery for BPH; removes prostate tissue through the urethra.
– Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP): Makes small cuts to relieve pressure on the urethra.
– Laser surgery: Uses laser energy to remove overgrown tissue with minimal bleeding.
– Open or robotic prostatectomy: In rare, extreme cases, part or all of the prostate is removed.
Surgery is typically very effective but comes with potential risks like urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction.
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Can Diet Help Shrink a Large Prostate?
While diet alone may not reverse prostate enlargement, certain foods can support prostate health and reduce inflammation.
Prostate-beneficial food options include:
Tomatoes: These contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that is inversely correlated with the risk of BPH.
Fatty fish: These offer omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation.
Green vegetables: Broccoli, kale, and spinach have protective compounds and provide vitamins and nutrients.
Nuts and seeds: These provide zinc, which has a reported protective effect on prostate health.
Berries: These contain antioxidants that protect tissue health.
In addition, making healthy choices about processed foods, sugar, and red meat may also lessen the degree of your symptoms.
When to See a Prostate Doctor
If you are experiencing urinary symptoms such as decreased nature of flow, increased frequency at night, or trouble with starting urinary, please reach out to a physician as soon as possible. You may have a problem other than your prostate, such as a urinary tract infection or prostate cancer, which have different treatment options.
At Apex Hospital, Sirsa, Dr. R.K. Mehta, a senior urologist and surgeon, works with patients to diagnose and treat prostate conditions effectively. We are here to help you understand the symptoms and provide an effective and individualized treatment plan.
Keep in mind that early diagnosis results in not only a greater chance of treatment success, but it also allows us to give you better and less invasive treatment options. If there is an abnormality with your urinary health, don’t ignore it. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards relief and better health.
How To Shrink A Large Prostate: Final Words
The key is to take action early; ignoring symptoms can lead to bladder damage or urinary retention. By making healthy choices, staying informed, and working with your doctor, you can manage prostate enlargement effectively and improve your quality of life.
We are here to guide you towards safe and effective urology treatments. So you can manage your menstrual health with confidence. Call us at (+91) 91680-39000 or (+91) 96196-42000 to book an appointment.
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