Your Care Instructions

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is an enlarged prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland that makes some of the fluid in semen. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they age. It is usually not serious. BPH does not cause prostate cancer.

As the prostate gets bigger, it may partly block the flow of urine. You may have a hard time getting a urine stream started or completely stopped. You may have a weak urine stream, or you may have to urinate more often than you used to, especially at night. Most men find these problems easy to manage.

You do not need treatment unless your symptoms bother you a lot or you have other problems, such as bladder infections or stones. In these cases, medicines may help. Surgery is not needed unless the urine flow is blocked or the symptoms do not get better with medicine.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Urinate as much as you can, relax for a few moments, and then try to urinate again.
• Sit on the toilet to urinate.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol. These drinks will increase how often you need to urinate.
• Many over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines can make the symptoms of BPH worse. Avoid antihistamines, decongestants, and allergy pills, if you can. Read the warnings on the package.
• If you take any prescription medicines such as muscle relaxants, pain medicines, or medicines for depression or anxiety, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they can cause urination problems.