6 ways to manage Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Guys, are you noticing that it's taking a bit longer these days to, well, go? Don't be embarrassed. Every other man your age is probably having the same problem. Technically, you're dealing with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. It's the most common health problem in men 60 and older. You can go the medication/surgery route for a remedy, but you might be able to handle yourself by doing the following.

• Set the alarm on your watch for two hours before your normal bedtime.
• That's your signal to go dry so you can sleep through the night.

• One cup of coffee in the morning is fine. But after that, ask for decaf.
• Avoid caffeinated tea, chocolate, and aspirin. Caffeine is a natural diuretic.

• If you're taking diuretics for high blood pressure or heart failure, talk to your doctor. A lower dose or even a different medication could help reduce your frequent trips to the washroom.
• Avoid decongestants and antihistamines. An unintended effect of these meds is to tighten the band of muscles around the urethra, making it harder to go.

• Don't try to hold it in. Hit the washroom at the first urge so you don't overstretch your bladder.

• An analysis of 21 clinical trials involving more than 3,000 men concluded that the herb worked better than a placebo at improving symptoms of enlarged prostate and inadequate urinary flow and worked about as well as a widely prescribed medication. Follow package directions for dosing.

• The same things that increase your risk of heart disease — being overweight, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes — also increase your risk of BPH and make your symptoms worse.