BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA
PROBLEM
Enlargement of the prostate causes bothersome problems with urinating. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include having to go to the bathroom more often, especially at night; trouble starting or stopping your urine; decreased urine stream; strong and sudden urge to urinate; occasional leaking urine; and feeling that you do not empty.
CAUSE
The cause is not known, but it may be because of change in your hormones as you get older.
PREVENTION
None.
TREATMENT PLAN
Treatment depends on how bad the symptoms are. Medications can help, but an operation to fix the problem may be needed.
A.Empty your bladder on a schedule every 2 to 3 hours to prevent overfilling of the bladder. Do not hold it in. Empty your bladder when you get the first urge.
B.Avoid drinking liquids before bedtime or before driving, traveling, or attending events where finding a bathroom quickly could be difficult.
C.Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol after dinner or within 2 hours of bedtime.
D.Double void to empty your bladder more completely. After each time you urinate, try again right away.
E.In some cases you may have to insert an intermittent urinary catheter to drain your urine and relieve the symptoms until you can follow up with your provider (see websites listed under Resources
).
Activity: There are no restrictions. You may need to plan schedules with access to bathrooms in mind.
Diet: Avoid spicy foods that irritate the bladder. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and increase your need to urinate.
Medications:
A.Medications that help relieve the blockage may block hormones or relax the muscles that control urination.
B.Do not take over-the-counter remedies such as cold medications, decongestants, antihistamines (for allergies), and diarrhea medicines; they make symptoms worse.
C.Always read labels to check for advice: Do not take if you have prostate enlargement,
for example.
F.Antibiotics are used if there is also an infection in your bladder or prostate.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If:
A.You cannot urinate.
B.Your symptoms worsen.
C.You have a fever.
D.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCES
Urinary Catheterization Female: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000144.htm
Urinary Catheterization Male: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000143.htm
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE