Watchful Waiting
Men with mild symptoms may wait to see if they worsen
As the name suggests, watchful waiting means paying attention to your enlarged prostate
(BPH) symptoms to see if they worsen and regularly
visiting your doctor to ensure you are in good health. This is an option if you
have mild symptoms or are not bothered at all by your symptoms. To diminish the
impact of the urinary symptoms of BPH, try
these suggestions:
Bathroom tips
- Relax when urinating. Anxiety can cause
prostate and bladder muscles to tense and reduce urinary flow.
- Double void. Urinate as much as possible, wait a few moments, then urinate again.
- Sit on the toilet instead of standing while you urinate.
- Turn on the faucet. The sound of running water can help stimulate urine flow.
Fluid intake tips
Don't limit fluid consumption to avoid urinating. You run the risk of dehydration,
which can lead to serious medical problems. Instead:
- Spread your fluid intake throughout the day.
- Avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol. These substances will increase
your frequency of urination.
- If the need to urinate often wakes you at night, limit your fluid consumption in
the evening, especially near bedtime.
Medication tips
Certain medications can make urination more difficult.
- Avoid taking nonprescription decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays, and allergy
pills.
- Avoid tranquilizers and antidepressants that list
urinary retention as a side effect. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for other
medication options.
Next page: Treatment Options
Disclaimer: This material is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a consultation. You should talk with a urologist regarding your specific symptoms or medical condition.
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