Doctors recommend drinking six to eight glasses of water (or 1.5 to 2 liters) daily. You may need more water when you exercise or work in a hot environment. Drinking more than the required amount can increase your trips to the bathroom. Hydration is necessary, but do not overdo it.
For prostate problems, limit water intake before going to bed at night. This will keep you from waking up at night to urinate repeatedly.
What drinks to avoid for your prostate problems
You should avoid drinks that increase your urination. These can dehydrate you. These include caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee, green tea, black tea and soft drinks or sodas. Alcohol can also dehydrate you. Hence, limit its intake or consider avoiding it completely. People who avoid alcohol have seen improvements in their prostate problems.
What foods to avoid for your prostate problems
Research has shown certain foods may increase the risk of prostate problems. If you are indulging in these foods, try decreasing your intake to see if it helps alleviate your urinary symptoms.
What foods to include in the diet for your prostate problems
You should have plenty of fruits and vegetables and healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, to protect the prostate. Consider including specific foods such as
- Fatty fish such as
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Trout
- Tomatoes
- Berries
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Broccoli
- Bok choy
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Foods high in zinc
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Shellfish
- Citrus fruits
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruits
- Kiwis
What medications can make your prostate problems worse?
Certain medications can increase the frequency of problems such as benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). Talk with your doctor if you are taking any of the medications below and they are worsening your symptoms of BPH.
- Diuretics
- Antidepressants
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
What else should you do for the health of your prostate?
Stay physically active
Physical inactivity has been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Hence, indulge in exercises such as walking, jogging and other workouts. Weight gain and obesity increase your chances of getting prostate problems such as prostate cancer. Staying physically active will also help you shed extra pounds and keep your weight in check.
Manage your stress
While under stress, observe yourself. You may be subconsciously tensing your pelvic muscles and your back muscles.
Stress can have a negative impact on prostate problems. Think of all the options that can help you feel relaxed. You can try various techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga and tai chi to manage your stress. Talking with your family and friends can also be a great stress buster for you.
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Enlarged Prostate (BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) is very common in men over 50 years of age. Half of all men over the age of 50 develop symptoms of BPH, but few need medical treatment. This noncancerous enlargement of the prostate can impede urine flow, slow the flow of urine, create the urge to urinate frequently and cause other symptoms like complete blockage of urine and urinary tract infections. More serious symptoms are urinary tract infections (UTIs) and complete blockage of the urethra, which may be a medical emergency. BPH is not cancer. Not all men with the condition need treatment, and usually is closely monitored if no symptoms are present. Treatment measures usually are reserved for men with significant symptoms, and can include medications, surgery, microwave therapy, and laser procedures. Men can prevent prostate problems by having regular medical checkups that include a prostate exam.
BPH Slideshow
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition cause by an enlarged prostate. Get more information on how an enlarged prostate is diagnosed and available treatment for enlarged prostate glands.
BPH Quiz
Take the Enlarge Prostate Quiz and challenge your knowledge of prostate problems. Learn causes, symptoms, treatments, and diagnosis as well as little-known facts about the prostate, and what happens to men when the prostate is enlarged.
How Painful Is a Prostate Biopsy?
A prostate biopsy is a simple surgical procedure that takes just 10 minutes. It involves inserting the biopsy needle through the wall of your rectum to reach your prostate to cut and remove around 10-12 small samples of tissue from the prostate. The idea of the procedure makes a prostate biopsy appear as an extremely painful procedure.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. Risk factors include age, family history, ethnicity, and diet. Prostate cancer is diagnosed by digital rectal exam, prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, and prostate biopsy. Symptoms may include frequent need to urinate, incontinence, pain, blood in the urine, fatigue, and more. Prognosis and treatment depend on cancer staging. Watchful waiting, surgery, radiation, cryotherapy, and other management strategies are available. Research and clinical trials strive to find new and better treatments for prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Quiz
Is prostate cancer the most common cancer in men? Take this quiz to find out and learn the causes, symptoms and treatments of this disease.
Prostate Cancer Slides
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Learn the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, along with causes and treatments. Know the stages, survival rates and lower your risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer screening may be able to detect cancer before a person has developed any symptoms. Prostate cancer is the most common nonskin cancer among American men. Tests commonly used to screen for prostate cancer include a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen test (PSA test).
Prostate Problems
The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system and is located between the bladder and penis. Signs and symptoms of prostate problems include painful ejaculation, burning or pain while urinating, blood in the urine or semen, dribbling urine, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and pain in the lower back, hips, upper thighs, or the pelvic or rectal area. Common causes of prostate problems in men are prostatitis, enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. Causes of prostate problems can assist in diagnosing prostate cancer. Treatments for prostate problems include medications, surgery, and hormone or radiation therapy.
PSA Test (Prostate Specific Antigen)
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that is found in the semen. PSA levels are used to detect prostate cancer and monitor the progression of the disease. A condition called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) can also cause elevated PSA levels.
Prostatitis (Inflammation of the Prostate Gland)
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Signs and symptoms of prostatitis include painful or difficulty urinating; fever; chills; body aches; blood in the urine; pain in the rectum, groin, abdomen, or low back; and painful ejaculation or sexual dysfunction. Causes of prostatitis include STDs, bacteria from urinary tract infections, or E. coli. Treatment for prostatitis depends on if it is a bacterial infection or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland.
Prostatitis vs. BPH (Enlarged Prostate): What Is the Difference?
Prostatitis and BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, enlarged prostate gland) are both conditions of the prostate gland.
There are four types of prostatitis that can be caused by infections (usually bacterial) or other health conditions or problems, acute bacterial prostatitis (type I), chronic bacterial prostatitis (type II), chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (type III), and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis (type IV).
BPH is inflammation of the prostate gland, and most men have the condition by age 50. Doctor's don't know what causes this inflammation, but they theorize that it may be related to hormones. Both of these conditions can cause similar symptoms like low back pain, pain during urination, or difficulty or the inability to urinate. However, prostatitis has many more symptoms and signs than BPH, and they based on the type of prostatitis. Examples include low back pain and/or abdominal pain, painful urination, fever, chills, feeling tired, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), painful urination intermittently, intermittent obstruction urinary tract symptoms (frequent, painful, or incomplete urination), pelvic pain and/or discomfort, pain with ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction (ED).
If you think you have either of these conditions contact your doctor or other health care professional. Bacterial prostatitis can be cured with antibiotics; however, there is no cure for BPH.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Prostate Biopsy?
A patient may take about four to six weeks or even more to recover after a prostate biopsy. The recovery process after biopsy usually depends on the patient's health and age. Doctors may recommend only light activities for 24-48 hours after a prostate biopsy.
The early signs of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer in its early stages usually causes no signs and symptoms. Screening can help detect the cancer early.