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A lot of men find that an enlarged prostate can change their lives. You may have to make some lifestyle changes to deal with it. Here are some suggestions:
- Avoid caffeine. Caffeine can irritate the prostate. Drinks like tea, coffee, and colas have caffeine. They also make you have to urinate more. Some non-prescription medicines also have caffeine.
- Cut down on alcohol. Alcohol can make you have to urinate more often.
- Don’t drink too much at night. Try to avoid fluids a few hours before going to bed. This may make it easier to sleep without having to get up to urinate.
- Stay active. Physical activity may help reduce symptoms from an enlarged prostate. Obesity may make the symptoms worse. Activity is good for everyone. Even mild activity, like walking, can make a big difference.
- Eat right. A healthy diet, low in saturated fat and high in fiber, may help reduce enlarged prostate symptoms. Some doctors think that soy products may lower the levels of the hormone that makes the prostate grow.
- Stay sexually active. Some experts believe that ejaculating often can reduce the risk of symptoms from an enlarged prostate. If you’re having sexual problems because of your condition or its treatment, talk with your doctor.
- Know where the bathrooms are. If you’re going out, try to plan ahead, in case you have to go to the bathroom suddenly.
There’s a limit to what you can do with lifestyle changes. A lot of men try to treat their condition on their own without getting help. That approach can sometimes lead to unneeded discomfort.
Untreated, an enlarged prostate can be hard to live with. Some men may become so afraid of being away from the bathroom that they don’t want to leave the house. Some men may become depressed and anxious. Many men suffer with symptoms for years before getting help.
There are some changes to your life that you should not have to accept. If your condition is affecting your life, see your doctor.
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