Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Benign prostatic hypertrophy is a condition where your prostate gland grows larger than normal. It is also called "BPH". The prostate is a male sex gland that helps makes semen. It is located below the bladder and wraps around the urethra like a donut. As the prostate grows, it can squeeze the urethra making it harder to urinate (pass urine). This can block urine flow and cause problems such as feeling like you have not emptied your bladder, or urinating little or no urine at all. Early treatment of BPH is important to prevent kidney damage. Tests will be done to learn about your prostate. You may need drug treatment or prostate surgery if your urinary problems get worse.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Alpha blockers: This medicine relaxes the muscles in your prostate and bladder (organ that hold urine). It may help you urinate more easily.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Activity:

You may feel like resting more. Match your activity to the amount of energy you have. Take a nap twice each day if you can. Going to bed early and getting up late may also help.

Wellness hints:

• Do not drink alcohol.
  
  
• Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day.
  
  
• Decrease the amount of salt in your diet. Examples of salty foods are chips, cured meats, and canned soups. Do not use table salt.
  
  
• Do not let your bladder get too full before emptying it. Urinate when you feel the urge.
  
  
• Caregivers may tell you not to eat spicy foods such as chilli peppers. This will help you find out if spicy food causes more symptoms of BPH.
  
  
• You may have sex if you feel well. Being sexually active may help keep your urethra open. Do not get sexually aroused without ejaculating because your urethra may get blocked.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your urine is bright red, or you see a large amount of blood in your urine. Urine that is light pink or light red in color may still be normal when you have BPH.
  
  
• Your signs and symptoms, such as trouble urinating, get worse.
  
  
• You have a fever.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You are unable to urinate.
  
  
• Your bladder feels very full and painful.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (Discharge Care)