Page 123 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: MEN’S PROBLEMS 121

Urinary problems in men

Many urinary problems in men that start in later life are due
WARNING
to enlargement of the prostate gland, which lies beneath the
bladder. This condition is usually noncancerous (in which case Seek immediate medical help if:
it is called benign prostatic hyperplasia), but sometimes it is ● You develop pain or swelling in
your abdomen and can’t urinate
due to cancer. The prostate may constrict the bladder outlet,
causing symptoms such as an urgent or frequent need to urinate
(including at night); a weak flow; dribbling afterward; and a
feeling that your bladder has not emptied completely.

See your doctor first
NATURAL REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
Saw palmetto (see p.188) tinctures and
● You have problems when urinating,
supplements are made from the berries of the saw
especially if there is blood in the urine or palmetto plant. You can take them to improve urine
you feel a burning sensation flow and bladder emptying if you have benign
● You are taking an over-the-counter or
prostate enlargement.
prescribed medicine that may be making the Talk to your doctor first
problem worse, such as a decongestant or if you have symptoms
an antidepressant of prostate enlargement.

What you can do yourself
Use these self-help measures alongside treatment
Taking saw palmetto
from your doctor to help minimize urinary problems.
You may have to take
● Drink 6–8 glasses of fluid a day so your urine saw palmetto tincture or
doesn’t get too concentrated and cause irritation. capsules for 1–3 months
Avoid drinking too much over a short time, however, before you see an
since this may cause a sudden urge to urinate. improvement in your
urinary symptoms.
● Urinate only when your bladder feels full. Take
your time so that your bladder empties completely.
Sometimes sitting on the toilet is more effective.
PREVENTION
● If you often need to get up at night, drink less in
the evening and stop drinking a few hours before Reducing urinary problems The
bedtime. Empty your bladder before going to bed. following lifestyle changes and remedies may lead
● Reduce your intake of tea, coffee, cola, and to a long-term improvement in urinary symptoms.
alcohol. These drinks make your bladder fill quickly ● Excess weight puts pressure on your bladder,
and cause a sudden or urgent need to urinate. so try to lose some weight if you need to do so.
● Getting regular exercise can help reduce symptoms
● Avoid carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and juices,
caused by an enlarged prostate, while a sedentary
and spicy foods, since they may irritate your bladder. lifestyle tends to make them worse.
● Try saw palmetto if you have benign prostate
enlargement (see NATURAL REMEDIES, right).