Watchful waiting: is indicated if symptoms are mild and do not affect quality of life to a great degree. Lifestyle modification may postpone worsening of BPH for some considerable length of time, so watchful waiting should include lifesyle change.
Watchful waiting requires follow up examination at regular intervals e.g., annually, once the diagnosis is made.
Lifestyle modification
These changes may be suggested for active treatment patients also, not just for "watchfull waitng".
Symptom related changes:
Avoid frequency and nocturia (frequent rising at night to ass urine) by
- restricting fluids in the evening
- avoid liquids or drugs that increase urine production: alcohol, caffeine, diuretics, Vitamin C: If you take large amounts of vitamin C it acts as a diuretic.
- bladder retraining: voiding at set intervals
- avoid constipation: the sigmoid colon and rectum if loaded may press on the bladder and complicated voiding.
- pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the other muscles involved in voiding.
Disease related change:
Alter the course of the disease by making changes especially in
DIET. (Click here for further details.) Certain foods are associated with developing or worsening BPH, some foods may be protective and preventative.
