Prostate Restored
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Can a enlarged prostate get smaller?

Shrinking an enlarged prostate There are medications, such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and alpha-inhibitors, to help shrink the prostate and relieve symptoms. There are also procedures, such as the UroLift, to keep an enlarged prostate from pressing on the urethra.

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The prostate — a chestnut-sized gland located at the base of the penis, below the bladder and surrounding the urethra — is part of the male reproductive system. It helps make semen, the fluid that contains sperm, which is expelled from the penis during ejaculation. As men age, it’s typical for the prostate to grow bigger. This noncancerous condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), BPH is the most common prostate issue in men over age 50.

Persistent need to urinate and other symptoms

An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra — the tube where urine travels from the bladder to the penis — and other nearby organs, causing a variety of symptoms, including:

Urge to urinate often

Urinating often (eight or more times a day)

Difficulty urinating or delay in starting urination

Feeling like you cannot completely empty your bladder

Dribbling of urine at the end of urination

Accidentally urinating

Pain while urinating or during ejaculation

Urine has a strange color or smell

Most men with an enlarged prostate may not develop any serious complications. But if symptoms are present, it’s best to see a primary care doctor to ensure they are not due to more serious issues, such as bladder or kidney damage, prostate cancer or inflammation.

Shrinking an enlarged prostate

Even without serious complications, BPH symptoms can be bothersome. There are medications, such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and alpha-inhibitors, to help shrink the prostate and relieve symptoms. There are also procedures, such as the UroLift, to keep an enlarged prostate from pressing on the urethra. Aquablation therapy, another treatment option, uses water to remove prostate tissue, thereby reducing the size of the prostate.

Lifestyle changes can help

To ease symptoms and prevent BPH from worsening, research shows that diet and exercise might be helpful. According to a Harvard University study, men who reported being more physically active were less likely to have BPH. Even low to moderate activity, such as walking daily, was beneficial. Avoiding red meat and following a low-fat diet is also recommended. A study in the journal Nutrients suggests that consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts and legumes can also improve BPH symptoms. While an enlarged prostate is part of the male aging process, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. With the help of a doctor to expertly address symptoms through treatment and healthy lifestyle habits, people can enjoy life’s journey without always having to look for a rest stop.

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Is it OK to take cranberry capsules everyday?

Cranberry supplements are considered safe for most people, although pregnant and breastfeeding women should ask their doctor before taking any supplement, including cranberry. Cranberry has relatively high levels of oxalate, chemicals that may raise the risk of kidney stones in some people.

Urinary tract infections

Several studies indicate that cranberry helps prevent UTIs of the bladder and urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder), especially for women who have frequent UTIs. In one study of older women, cranberry juice reduced the amount of bacteria in the bladder compared to placebo. Another study showed that younger women with a history of frequent UTIs who took cranberry capsules had fewer UTIs compared to those who took placebo. However, studies suggest that cranberry does not work once you have a UTI. That is because it helps keep bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract. But it is less effective once the bacteria have already attached. That is why cranberry is better at preventing UTIs than treating them. UTIs should be treated with conventional antibiotics.

Ulcers

Two studies showed that cranberry may also prevent the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) from attaching to stomach walls. H. pylori can cause stomach ulcers. So cranberries may play a role in preventing stomach ulcers. More research is needed to be sure cranberry helps.

Other uses

Scientists are still studying cranberry for the following conditions. More research is needed. Cancer: Some test tube and animal studies suggest cranberry may help stop cancer cells from growing. High cholesterol: One preliminary study found that drinking cranberry juice raised HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Viruses: Cranberry seems to fight some viruses in test tubes. Studies in people are needed. Bacterial illnesses: Cranberry has been shown to inhibit common forms of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Listeria monocytogenes.

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