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Can you shrink an enlarged prostate?

5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate gland if it's enlarged. Finasteride and dutasteride are the two 5-alpha reductase inhibitors available.

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The treatment for an enlarged prostate gland will depend on how badly the symptoms are affecting your qualify of life.

Lifestyle changes

You might be able to relieve the symptoms by making some simple changes to your lifestyle.

Drink fewer fizzy drinks and less alcohol, caffeine and artificial sweeteners

Fizzy drinks and drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine (such as tea, coffee or cola) and artificial sweeteners can irritate the bladder and make urinary symptoms worse.

Drinking less fluid in the evening

Try to reduce the amount of fluids you drink in the evening and avoid drinking anything for 2 hours before you go to bed. This might help you avoid getting up in the night. Make sure you're still drinking enough fluid earlier in the day.

Remember to empty your bladder

Remember to go to the toilet before long journeys or when you know you will not be able to reach a toilet easily.

Double voiding

Double voiding involves waiting a few moments after you have finished peeing before trying to go again. It can help you empty your bladder properly. But take care not to strain or push.

Checking your medicines

Check with your doctor whether any medicines you take, such as antidepressants or decongestants, might be making your urinary symptoms worse.

Eating more fibre

Eating more fibre (which is found in fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals) can help you avoid constipation, which can put pressure on your bladder and make the symptoms of an enlarged prostate worse.

Using pads or a sheath

Absorbent pads and pants can be worn inside your underwear, or may replace your underwear altogether. These will soak up any leaks. Urinary sheaths can also help with dribbling. They look like condoms with a tube coming out of the end. The tube connects to a bag that you can strap to your leg under your clothing.

Bladder training

Bladder training is an exercise programme that aims to help you last longer without peeing and hold more pee in your bladder. You'll be given a target, such as waiting at least 2 hours between each time you pee. It's a good idea to use a bladder training chart to record each time you pass urine and the volume of urine passed. You can download a bladder training chart (PDF, 115KB) from Bladder Matters. You'll need a plastic jug to measure this. Your doctor should also give you a chart to take home. You'll also be taught several exercises, such as breathing, relaxation and muscle exercises, to help take your mind off the need to pee. Over time your target time will be increased, and at the end of the programme you should find you're able to last longer without peeing. Ask your doctor or specialist nurse for more information about any of these lifestyle changes.

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Does enlarged prostate affect bowel movements?

An enlarged prostate can affect bowel movement but is not common. The prostate rests under the urinary bladder, just in front of the lower rectum. Because they are so close to one another, it is not unusual for one to affect the other.

The main cause of prostate enlargement is primarily a function of genetics and time. If there is family history of prostate enlargement it is more likely you will experience symptoms related to prostate enlargement. Those over 60 years old are more likely to experience symptoms related to prostate enlargement, though some can experience symptoms as early as their 40s. Usually prostate enlargement happens very gradually as you get older. The prostate is a gland that sits at the bottom of the bladder and wraps around the urethra. The urethra is like a tube, where urine exits through from the bladder to the outside of the body. The prostate glands are part of the male reproductive system. They produce portions of semen (ejaculate) and surround the ducts that carry semen into the urethra during orgasm/ejaculation.

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