Increase text size: A A A

Type in the condition you need,
or visit Advanced Search

Print this page

Email this to a friend

Comment on this page

Save to my Health Library

Johns Hopkins Health Alert

Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)-- One Option Is To Wait

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Prostate Disorders | Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

  • During expectant management, you should adopt certain lifestyle measures to help relieve symptoms of mild Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and prevent them from worsening.

Doctors can’t predict how quickly an enlarged prostate will require treatment. Symptoms and objective measurements of obstruction in the urethra associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can remain stable for many years and may even improve over time in as many as a third of men. In one study from the Mayo Clinic, urinary symptoms did not worsen over a 3 1/2-year period in 73% of men with mild BPH.

Because the progression of and complications from BPH are unpredictable, expectant management —meaning that you are closely monitored but no immediate treatment is attempted—is best for men with minimal BPH symptoms that are not especially bothersome. With this treatment option for BPH, you only need to see your doctor about once a year to review the progress of symptoms and undergo a physical examination a few simple laboratory tests.

During expectant management, you should adopt certain lifestyle measures to help relieve symptoms of BPH and prevent them from worsening. For example, you should not take over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants and should avoid delaying urination. If you have BPH you also need to be careful about your fluid intake by avoiding beverages that contain caffeine, limiting alcohol intake and the amount of fluid consumed at any one time, and avoiding beverages after 7 p.m.

Other helpful measures for these men with BPH include limiting spicy or salty foods, keeping warm, engaging in regular physical activity, and doing Kegel exercises (which involve squeezing and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder and surround the urethra).

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Prostate Disorders | Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Posted in Prostate Disorders on April 13, 2006
Reviewed March 2010

Notify Me

Would you like us to inform you when we post new Prostate Disorders Health Alerts?

Your email address:

Comments

Post a Comment

Health Alerts registered users may post comments and share experiences here at their own discretion. We regret that questions on individual health concerns to the Johns Hopkins editors cannot be answered in this space.

The views expressed here do not constitute medical advice, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins Medicine or MediZine LLC, which has no responsibility for any comments posted on this site.

As a man with significant prostate enlargement I have to use intermittent catheterization -- that is, I use a catheter 3 times a day to empty my bladder. Recently I have had a series of urinary tract infections, after a period in which such infections were rare. I am extremely careful with the procedures to ensure that the catheter is sterile. I wonder if anytone else has had this problem, and might have suggestions?

Posted by: roy | May 9, 2006

I have had BPH for about 10 yrs. I was on Cardura for over a yr. Later I had The heating option which lasted about 2 yrs. I then had indigo lazer surgery which lasted 4-5 yrs. I had a penile implant in 1996 because of poor blood flow. My recent PSA test was 7.5 so I had a biopsy which was negative. I want to have the new PSA3 test which is approved in some european countries. Is there somewhere near Chicago I can have it done? A biopsy is risky for me with an implant. Help!

Posted by: gadget.flyer | December 10, 2006

I have been reading about Radio Frequency Therapy for treatment of BPH but I can only find information on one site

http://www.medtronic.com/your-health/enlarged-prostate/index.htm

Can anyone tell me if there are other sources of information/evaluation re this procedure?

Posted by: pat patrick | January 17, 2009

i have a tumor on one side of prostate, gleason score of 6,my psa is up and down as follows over a period of 9 months, 3.9,5.9,4.9,5.1 respectively, i've done a lot of research and i believe watchful waiting is the right thing for me right now, i believe in natural cures and refuse surgery, i take a teaspoon of tomato paste daily for the licopene,and i also eat raw cauliflower and brocolli three times a week because these put the cabosh on cancer cells. i also will eat a raw clove of garlic generally a few times a week,i used to eat raw garlic daily but talk about strong medicine,WOW, once i eat the garlic i drink down a glass of water to wash it down with, i don't drink anything after 7 pm. and stay away from spices,coffee,caffein,soda,and anything that irritates my prostate,what i'm currently doing is working wonders and i believe will have long term benefits,naturally!!

Posted by: tonyt | April 7, 2010



Post a Comment

Already a subscriber?
Login

Email:

Password:

Forgot your password?

New to Johns Hopkins Health Alerts?
Register to submit your comments.

Your Email Address:

(example: yourname@domain.com)

 

(800) 829-0422

Registered Users Log-in:

Email:

Password:

Remember me
Forgot Password?

Become a Registered User!
It's fast and FREE!
The Benefits of Being A Registered User

Health Topic Pages
Arthritis
Back Pain & Osteoporosis
Cancer
Caregivers | Caregiving
Colon Cancer
Complementary Medicine
Depression & Anxiety
Diabetes
Digestive Health
Enlarged Prostate
Exercise and Fitness
Healthy Living
Heart Health
Hypertension & Stroke
Lung Disorders
Memory
Men's Health
Nutrition
Prescription Drugs
Prostate Disorders
Sexual Health
Vision
Weight Control
Women's Health
Health Alert Special Report

Johns Hopkins' Bestsellers

Prostate Disorders

Our Featured Title:

The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin Cover

The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin
The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin is a quarterly publication that presents the latest treatment information available on prostate cancer, enlarged prostate (BPH), and prostatitis to help you take charge of your medical care for prostate disease. Each issue is like having an in-depth consultation with a leading specialist. PLUS, subscribe now and get a special discount PLUS 5 FREE Special Reports as INSTANT PDF DOWNLOADS:

  • Special Report #1: BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
  • Special Report #2: Diet and Prostate Health
  • Special Report #3: Treating Overactive Bladder
  • Special Report #4: Chronic Prostatitis: New Research, Renewed Hope—
  • Special Report #5: The Radical Prostatectomy—

Click here to read more or order The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin.

Related Titles:

  • The Johns Hopkins Prostate Disorders White Paper 2010
    This all-in-one comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about your prostate -- what it is, what it does, and what problems can develop, such as prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate), and prostate cancer. You'll learn key facts about prostate health, discover prostate treatments you never knew existed, and understand what your options are if you're ever diagnosed with prostate cancer. 96 pages.
    PLUS, FREE Special Report: Prostate Power through this exclusive offer.
    Read more or order the INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD EDITION
    Read more or order the PRINT EDITION

    THE JOHNS HOPKINS PROSTATE LIBRARY

    A series of cutting-edge publications designed to address your specific prostate questions.

    • ChoosingThe Right Treatment For Your Prostate Cancer
      You have hundreds of questions about your prostate cancer. America's #1 Urology Center's specialists have the answers.ChoosingThe Right Treatment For Your Prostate Cancer is a detailed, up-to-the-minute treatment guide so you can know all your options before making any irrevocable decisions about your prostate cancer treatment. Read more...


    • ALL NEW!Number One of America's Best Hospitals 2010-2011: Johns Hopkins

    The Johns Hopkins Hospital has been ranked #1 again in the Honor Roll of America's Best Hospitals by
    U.S. News and World Report for the 20th consecutive year.


    Please visit here for more information about Johns Hopkins Patient Services


    © 2010 MediZine LLC. All rights reserved.
    Contact Us
    customerservice@johnshopkinshealthalerts.com