Prostate Restored
Photo by wendy caceres Pexels Logo Photo: wendy caceres

Does an enlarged prostate return to normal?

While it's difficult to completely reverse an enlarged prostate, there are several treatments that can relieve symptoms, reduce the size of the prostate and help restore normal urine flow. In fact, many men with prostate enlargement are able to achieve a positive quality of life with non-surgical treatments.

Can zinc reduce prostate size?
Can zinc reduce prostate size?

The prostate gland stores zinc, which not only prevents prostate enlargement but may also help to shrink a prostate gland that's already swollen.

Read More »
How much cinnamon should I take daily to lower my blood pressure?
How much cinnamon should I take daily to lower my blood pressure?

An analysis from 2020 found that supplementing with at least 2 g of cinnamon per day could significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood...

Read More »

Can an Enlarged Prostate Be Cured?

An enlarged prostate—also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—is a common condition among men as they grow older. It is characterized by the natural enlargement of the prostate, a small gland situated between the bladder and penis. The urethra, or the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis, is surrounded by the prostate, and often becomes squeezed and compressed as a result of prostate enlargement. This can cause a weakened urine stream and related issues like a frequent urge to urinate and difficulty sleeping through the night. Prostate enlargement tends to come with age. While it’s difficult to completely reverse an enlarged prostate, there are several treatments that can relieve symptoms, reduce the size of the prostate and help restore normal urine flow. In fact, many men with prostate enlargement are able to achieve a positive quality of life with non-surgical treatments.

Enlarged Prostate Treatment Options

A “watchful waiting” approach is taken in many BPH cases. Some men find that their symptoms are mild and resolve without treatment. However, when symptoms are disruptive or don’t improve over time, one or more of the following treatment options may be recommended.

Medication

Medication is often the first step of enlarged prostate treatment. There are multiple drugs that can help reduce BPH symptoms, including:

5-alpha reductase inhibitors that help shrink the prostate

Alpha blockers that relax prostate muscle fibers and bladder neck muscles

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, which are primarily prescribed to address erectile dysfunction, may help increase urine flow

Lifestyle Changes

There are several lifestyle factors that can contribute to or worsen prostate enlargement. For example, living a sedentary lifestyle can increase urinary retention, so many physicians recommend for patients to engage in routine exercise. Other common recommendations include:

Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption

Reducing liquid consumption before bedtime

Using the bathroom at scheduled times, even when the bladder is empty

Losing excess weight

Avoiding the use of decongestants and antihistamines, if possible

Surgery

If prostate enlargement symptoms are disruptive or don’t respond to conservative approaches, surgery may be recommended. There are many minimally invasive procedures and surgical therapies available that can provide significant relief to men with prostate enlargement.

Our Approach to Urology & Enlarged Prostate Treatment

At Tufts Medical Center Community Care, our patients benefit from the world-class expertise of seasoned urologists, internal medicine physicians and other experts who frequently treat prostate conditions. If you would like to speak with a specialist regarding your symptoms or prostate enlargement treatment options, contact our friendly staff today. We will be happy to schedule you an in-person appointment at one of our easily accessible locations throughout north suburban Boston, or you can consult with our professionals virtually through our convenient telemedicine services.

What foods keep your PSA down?
What foods keep your PSA down?

For prostate cancer survivors, consuming soy foods could decrease the PSA level. The lower PSA levels can create a better impact on prostate...

Read More »
Is eating boiled egg at night healthy?
Is eating boiled egg at night healthy?

Yes, having eggs before bed can help improve your sleep. Because eggs are an excellent source of tryptophan, melatonin, and vitamin D, they can...

Read More »

Does caffeine swell prostate?

Most urologists believe that caffeine can irritate an enlarged prostate, so it is best to limit consumption of coffee, tea, and soft drinks with caffeine. Caffeine tends to cause the muscles in the neck of the bladder (where it enters the urethra) to tighten up, making the ability to urinate more difficult.

Most urologists believe that caffeine can irritate an enlarged prostate, so it is best to limit consumption of coffee, tea, and soft drinks with caffeine. Caffeine tends to cause the muscles in the neck of the bladder (where it enters the urethra) to tighten up, making the ability to urinate more difficult. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine that enters the bladder. These two factors can increase the urgency and frequency of urination, making urinary symptoms worse. If you must have caffeine, tea -- especially green tea -- is the best choice because it contains antioxidants and is lower in caffeine than coffee and many sodas.

What fruit spikes your blood sugar?
What fruit spikes your blood sugar?

Some commonly eaten fresh fruits may raise your blood sugar more quickly than others. These include figs, grapes, mangos, cherries and bananas. Eat...

Read More »
What is the biggest problem of life?
What is the biggest problem of life?

The biggest problem in life is that: Time is running out. You may be able to replace the loss of your physical organs but the loss of this resource...

Read More »
How long does true love last?
How long does true love last?

two to three years Movies try to convince us we'll feel this way forever, but the intense romance has an expiration date for everyone. Expect the...

Read More »
What foods should men over 50 avoid?
What foods should men over 50 avoid?

Foods and Food Groups to Avoid When You're Over 50 Reduce your sodium intake. ... Cut back on sugar. ... Avoid excess saturated fats. ... Eat...

Read More »