Best solution for enlarged prostate that blocks urinating

[PeterCouling]

I had prostate enlargement and after a few catheter experiences went for the TURP procedure at age 80 and while it was not cheap at Samitivej Hospital in Bangkok and involved a 2 night stay there after the procedure, it solved the issue. I had it done it via spinal deadening injection and was wide awake through it all and could have watched it on the video screen if I wanted (which I din't). After effects were limited to a few days afterwards while urethra healing took place. I have no real interest in sexual activity now at 82 but erections are still possible and urine flow is fine with night time visits to bathroom being rare.

[xylophone]

1 hour ago, Moonlover said:

Using a single use catheter I now completely void my bladder just before I turn in for the night and now I often go for 4 to 5 hours without tramping off to the bathroom. I back this routine up by not taking in any fluids after 6pm and alcohol is off the table completely. That's not a big issue with me. I don't miss it at all.

That's pretty much my routine Moonlover, whereby I empty the bladder via a catheter at around 11 PM before I turn in for the night, and I can sleep right through until 9 o'clock in the morning.

 

The urologist at Bumrungrad recommended that I use a catheter, and that I should try and keep the fluid in the bladder down to 400 ml and below, but very difficult to do that unless I self cath two or three times a day, which I'm not prepared to do.

 

So like you I try and keep the fluids down during the day, although I will not forsake my half bottle of wine and a glass of port in the evening (bad boy, I know) with my meal, but I do get by with the occasional dribble during the day which probably takes the pressure off the bladder, not that I can feel it anyway.

 

Just today I got his report out of the drawer and studied it in more depth and did some more Internet research and have come across a tablet which is supposed to assist the bladder to regain elasticity/feeling, so I'm going to do a little research and contact him to see if I can get onto that for a trial period.
 

[Moonlover]

56 minutes ago, xylophone said:

That's pretty much my routine Moonlover, whereby I empty the bladder via a catheter at around 11 PM before I turn in for the night, and I can sleep right through until 9 o'clock in the morning.

 

The urologist at Bumrungrad recommended that I use a catheter, and that I should try and keep the fluid in the bladder down to 400 ml and below, but very difficult to do that unless I self cath two or three times a day, which I'm not prepared to do.

 

So like you I try and keep the fluids down during the day, although I will not forsake my half bottle of wine and a glass of port in the evening (bad boy, I know) with my meal, but I do get by with the occasional dribble during the day which probably takes the pressure off the bladder, not that I can feel it anyway.

 

Just today I got his report out of the drawer and studied it in more depth and did some more Internet research and have come across a tablet which is supposed to assist the bladder to regain elasticity/feeling, so I'm going to do a little research and contact him to see if I can get onto that for a trial period.
 

Nice to hear from you Xylophone, I do recall you mentioning self cathing a day or two back.

 

I do feel that the urologist's advise regarding the bladder is sound. Although I have occasionally discharged a full 700ml, my feeling is that having the the bladder that full over a long period of time puts extra pressure on the kidneys. And a kidney issue is definitely something to be avoided! So I would rather make that extra bathroom visit.

 

I keep a log of my catheter discharges and my average output is 395ml which I feel comfortable with. I can now feel if I'm getting a bit too bloated and will usually head straight out for a walk. I can usually take the pressure off that way. I live in the country so I can stop and dribble wherever I like.

 

Glad to see that you're still enjoying a wee drop. My nightly comfort glass was whiskey/soda, but I had to quit that as it became obvious that it was causing issues. I might just try it again now that I've settled into this new routine.

 

You're lucky by the way. When I asked our local (and only) urologist what self help I could utilize, he just clamed up. It seems that patients who wish to participate in their own treatment are not to his liking.

 

Thanks for your very interesting posts.

Edited April 17, 2023 by Moonlover

[Somnambulist]

I have been taking saw palmetto for years. It works. Also zinc. Most of the zinc in a man's body is in his prostate. Those with enlarged prostates have a lot less of it there than those whose prostates are in better shape.  Zinc is great for the libido, too. 

[Rumpelstilskin]

On 4/15/2023 at 1:30 PM, BritManToo said:

Get to know the side effects of the treatment!

Incontinence an impotence being the 2 usual side effects of all the treatments.

The only real cure for BPH is death.

Everything being equal, I will keep taking stinging nettle, Cardoxa and minipress with cialis if needed. Dont eat too much dairy and drink psillium husk every day.

[Paradise Pete]

On 4/15/2023 at 1:31 PM, likerdup1 said:

How exactly was it determined you had prostatitis? What tests were done? 

Prostatitis is checked by the doctor massaging your prostate until fluid emerges from your penis. That fluid is tested in the lab.

[simon43]

On 4/16/2023 at 1:31 AM, likerdup1 said:

How exactly was it determined you had prostatitis? What tests were done? I have a similar situation as you did where I have frequent urination. I've been told that my prostate is somewhat enlarged but the Tamsulosin doesn't seem to effect things much at all. I'm on Finisteride now and waiting to see if anything improves. I'm 60 now and have been dealing with the frequent urination for about 12 years already. I'm wondering if prostatitis has been overlooked by my urologist. I don't see how it could be.. but now I'm a bit concerned after reading your post.

As is detailed in other posts, I have been back in the UK for the past few months for investigative tests for prostate cancer, because of a raised PSA number, nodule felt during a DRE and 2 'shadows' on a detailed MRI scan performed at Bumrungrad Hospital.  After a detailed prostate biopsy, it was diagnosed that I didn't have prostate cancer (no cancer cells found in 25 biopsy samples)  but I did have prostatitis, slight BPH (already knew this after DRE test) and multiple UTIs, all of this was raising my PSA numbers.

 

An MRI scan can detect shadows or suspicious lumps inside your prostate, but you would then need to follow up with a biopsy to determine if those lumps are benign or malignant.

[DavisH]

On 4/14/2023 at 10:05 PM, Steven55 said:

Thanks for mentioning Tamsulosin !

 

I was given this or a similar medication when I had a urethral stone. Retrograde ejaculation is a common side-effect - semen enters the bladder rather than leaving the body. It's a rather unusual sensation to say the least ????

[beachbuggy]

I get Tamulosin OTC from different pharmacies. Side effects are dreadful like retrograde ejaculation and difficulty getting erection. I have over the last week started taking ground raw pumpkin seeds in a morning shake and although early days, I have not had to get up at night for the last 2-3 days. Worth a try.

[Moonlover]

1 hour ago, Mark Nothing said:

Common sense and getting actual tangible permanent results is my secret.  And realizing the hospitals, doctor's salaries, and research and development costs have to be paid for.  They know exactly what causes  bph but the income streams from tests, tablets and procedures are too juicy to divulge the real culprit.

 

I had the same reaction as you initially but due to the decades of futility watching my Father trust in medical science to eliminate bph unsuccessfully, I knew there had to be another way. I just had to find it.

 

So I began intensive research, reading books and testimonials from urotherapy users, youtube videos, and joining urotherapy groups and boy am I astounded with the results.  I have been practising urotherapy for years and am ailment free.

 

In essence I upgraded my healthcare from man's inferior theories of science to the divine.

 

Proverbs 5:15  Drink waters from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.

Much of what to you say still make sense. I also seek alternative therapies and actually draw my inspiration from Traditional Chinese Medicine. But drinking urine is beyond the pale for me This 2 minute read was enough to convince me of its lack of efficacy. But whatever floats your boat as they say.

[xylophone]

17 hours ago, Paradise Pete said:

Prostatitis is checked by the doctor massaging your prostate until fluid emerges from your penis. That fluid is tested in the lab.

And if nothing shows up, as is often the case in nonbacterial prostatitis, where then?

 

After that it becomes a case of eliminating other causes and settling on something which "seems" to be the cause.

[xylophone]

On 4/15/2023 at 2:50 PM, Mark Nothing said:

The nuisance of bph can easily be eliminated once you know the cause, which is inorganic mineral buildup calcifying on the prostate due to improper diet and drinking impure water. 

So why doesn't this inorganic mineral buildup which you say calcifies on the prostate due to improper diet and drinking water, happen elsewhere?

 

After all, elements of the diet and drinking impure water start in the throat, then the stomach, then the intestines, also the kidneys and the bladder, not to mention the urethra, are associated with water/fluid transfer – – so why no buildup in those places??

 

The only calcification found in prostates is that which is due to infection in the prostate which hasn't been eliminated/dealt with successfully.

 

Pleased that you are free of BPH, but I don't think your analysis "holds water" (as the saying goes) and as for drinking your own urine, well......

 

Drinking your own urine isn't advisable. It can introduce bacteria, toxins, and medications into your system. There's no reason to think that drinking urine would benefit your health in any way. There are much more effective routes for getting a high dose of vitamins and minerals.Mar 21, 2561 BE

What Are the Risks and Benefits of Drinking Urine? - Healthline

https://www.healthline.com › health › drinking-urine

[scubascuba3]

2 hours ago, beachbuggy said:

I have over the last week started taking ground raw pumpkin seeds in a morning shake and although early days, I have not had to get up at night for the last 2-3 days. Worth a try.

I've not heard that before, you peel all the seeds first?

[xylophone]

15 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I've not heard that before, you peel all the seeds first?

You can eat them whole and they are available in supermarkets here.......

 

Pumpkin seeds contain many nutrients which help to reduce an enlarged prostate. Firstly, they contain protective compounds called phytosterols, which have been found to help reduce an enlarged prostate. Their rich zinc content is another reason why pumpkin seeds are considered to be good for prostate health.

[jaideedave]

19 hours ago, beachbuggy said:

I get Tamulosin OTC from different pharmacies. Side effects are dreadful like retrograde ejaculation and difficulty getting erection. I have over the last week started taking ground raw pumpkin seeds in a morning shake and although early days, I have not had to get up at night for the last 2-3 days. Worth a try.

The Tamulosin side effects were horrible for me.At 1st it worked good but after a few days I tossed it in the bin.I've had BPH for years and saw palmetto used to work but not so much these days.

I use this concoction now and it seems to help.

I also take pumpkin seed extract.All easily available on Lazada.

[Tiber]

Feeling free,  wonderful, no worries, best thing ever did taking the op.

Bleeding problem, after removing tissue, small bleed not much removed, big cutting opposite, 3 days at least to stop bleeding, 

Again it's a wonderful feeling

[lambshankredemption]

On 4/18/2023 at 2:57 PM, xylophone said:

And if nothing shows up, as is often the case in nonbacterial prostatitis, where then?

What seems to help many men (and women) is physiotherapy, both external (stretches in particular) as well as internal (yes, the PT goes into your anus or vagina to massage internal trigger points). It’s widely understood as a muscular issue, where trauma (such as frequent infections, frequent sitting, clenching your muscles because of frequent stress etc.) has causes muscles to tighten. It’s referred to as UCPPS these days, Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Unfortunately there don’t seem to be any PTs in Thailand specializing in this. You can find stretches on Google and buy an “internal wand” to massage the insides of your pelvis yourself. Download the book “A Headache in the Pelvis”. 

[xylophone]

Prostatitis - nonbacterial

 

Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis causes long-term pain and urinary symptoms. It involves the prostate gland or other parts of a man's lower urinary tract or genital area. This condition is not caused by an infection with bacteria.

Causes

Possible causes of nonbacterial prostatitis include:

• A past bacterial prostatitis infection
• Bicycle riding
• Less common types of bacteria
• Irritation caused by a backup of urine flowing into the prostate
• Irritation from chemicals
• Nerve problem involving the lower urinary tract
• Parasites
• Pelvic floor muscle problem
• Sexual abuse
• Viruses

Life stresses and emotional factors may play a part in the problem.

Most men with chronic prostatitis have the nonbacterial form.

 

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000524.htm

[fusion58]

I've been taking either Proscar (Finasteride) or Avodart (Dutasteride) since I was diagnosed with BPH in 2006. Both medications get the job done, i.e., shrink the prostate down to size and mitigate weak stream, etc. Luckily for me, I've never experienced any side effects from either drug.

 

Both drugs are available OTC in Thailand.

[JimmyJ]

On 4/17/2023 at 11:27 PM, simon43 said:

As is detailed in other posts, I have been back in the UK for the past few months for investigative tests for prostate cancer, because of a raised PSA number, nodule felt during a DRE and 2 'shadows' on a detailed MRI scan performed at Bumrungrad Hospital.  After a detailed prostate biopsy, it was diagnosed that I didn't have prostate cancer (no cancer cells found in 25 biopsy samples)  but I did have prostatitis, slight BPH (already knew this after DRE test) and multiple UTIs, all of this was raising my PSA numbers.

 

An MRI scan can detect shadows or suspicious lumps inside your prostate, but you would then need to follow up with a biopsy to determine if those lumps are benign or malignant.

One of many reasons why I decided long ago to not do PSA testing and DREs.

Edited April 24, 2023 by JimmyJ

[scubascuba3]

10 hours ago, JimmyJ said:

One of many reasons why I decided long ago to not do PSA testing and DREs.

I agree, certainly should be discussed. This video about not getting a PSA, it will probably be deleted as it's an alternate view

https://www.drmcdougall.com/education/mcdougall-moments/psa-test/

  

[jerrymahoney]

On this page, Dr. McDougall links to the American Cancer Society

 

https://www.drmcdougall.com/education/common-health-problems/prostate-cancer/

 

The American Cancer Society on its acs.org pages links to the following 'Patient Page' 1 page DOC:

 

https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.3322/caac.20062 where it simply says:

 

Here is what experts know about prostate cancer testing and treatment.
• Testing will find prostate cancer earlier than if no testing is done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 25, 2023 by jerrymahoney

[JimmyJ]

1 hour ago, jerrymahoney said:

 

https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.3322/caac.20062 where it simply says:

Here is what experts know about prostate cancer testing and treatment.
• Testing will find prostate cancer earlier than if no testing is done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"...where it simply says:

 

Here is what experts know about prostate cancer testing and treatment.
• Testing will find prostate cancer earlier than if no testing is done."

 

It simply says that plus about 21 more very relevant sentences casting doubt on whether it is worth testing.

Edited April 25, 2023 by JimmyJ

[jerrymahoney]

Yes it gives criteria as to whom ACS recommends testing -- and that is not every male -- but that doesn't negate the sentence I quoted.

Edited April 25, 2023 by jerrymahoney

[Sheryl]

49 minutes ago, JimmyJ said:

 

"...where it simply says:

 

Here is what experts know about prostate cancer testing and treatment.
• Testing will find prostate cancer earlier than if no testing is done."

 

It simply says that plus about 21 more very relevant sentences casting doubt on whether it is worth testing.

I would not describe this as casting doubt on testing. It sijmply explains the limitationso f the test and the pepek for whom it is most indicated.

 

The issue with PSA testing is not the test itself but the tendency to take unnecessary action based on results that fall in the middle range  of 4-10.

[jerrymahoney]

2 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

I would not describe this as casting doubt on testing. It sijmply explains the limitationso f the test and the pepek for whom it is most indicated.

 

The issue with PSA testing is not the test itself but the tendency to take unnecessary action based on results that fall in the middle range  of 4-10.

Yes -- but that middle range can be  further narrowed by a 'Free PSA' test before there would be any surgical intervention

 

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, jerrymahoney said:

Yes -- but that middle range can be  further narrowed by a 'Free PSA' test before there would be any surgical intervention

 

And by findings of DRE. And by the trajectory of the PSA over time. And presence or absence of infection.

 

The problem is that, especially in the US where everyone is so law suit conscious, patients often demand 100% assurance they do not have cancer and that can lead to unnecessary biopsies.

 

IMO PSA is a valuable tool as long as used sensibly.

[jerrymahoney]

From: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Use-of-the-percentage-of-free-prostate-specific-to-Catalona-Partin/a77cbe85ddc742e46390b1d71fa36e9a46aab27a

[xylophone]

On 4/15/2023 at 8:52 AM, giddyup said:

That might possibly help in very mild cases, but not in chronic enlargement of the prostate.

Agree and this extract from "Consumer Lab" puts the herbal remedies under the spotlight.............

 

Supplements to treat nocturia (and possibly BPH) in men. 

 

Possibly beneficial
Beta-sitosterol is a common ingredient in prostate supplements, and most (although not all) studies have found that beta-sitosterol can improve urologic symptoms in men with BPH.

 

Pumpkin seed oil contains small amounts of beta-sitosterol and may modestly help treat urinary symptoms in men with BPH. Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed extract have also been evaluated for this condition, but results have been generally negative.

 

Pygeum bark, an ingredient commonly found in prostate supplements, may help reduce the frequency of nighttime urination in men with BPH.

 

Taking the standardized pine bark extract Pycnogenol along with standard BPH management (i.e., regular hydration, exercise, frequent voiding, and avoidance of long periods of sitting and of drugs that restrict urine flow) seems to improve symptoms of BPH — including waking at night to urinate — better than standard management alone or some medications for BPH (dutasteride and/or finasteride).

 

Taking a whole-tomato food supplement containing lycopene may reduce prostate symptoms, including the need to urinate during the night, among HIV-positive men with BPH.

 

Cranberry powders and extracts may reduce lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as frequency, urgency and nighttime urination, in men with non-bacterial prostatitis or BPH, as well as in men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

 

May not help
Saw palmetto is commonly promoted for improving symptoms of BPH, including increased frequency of urination during the day and night, but the evidence of saw palmetto's benefit is conflicting and a number of studies have failed to show any benefit over placebo.

 

There are many causes of nocturia, and some supplements may be helpful in certain situations. For example, beta-sitosterol, pygeum bark, pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), lycopene and cranberry seem to help reduce nighttime urination in men with BPH and other prostate conditions. On the other hand, although saw palmetto is commonly promoted for improving symptoms of BPH (including nocturia), many studies suggest it doesn't help.

 

[BigStar]

16 hours ago, xylophone said:

May not help
Saw palmetto is commonly promoted for improving symptoms of BPH, including increased frequency of urination during the day and night, but the evidence of saw palmetto's benefit is conflicting and a number of studies have failed to show any benefit over placebo.

Never underestimate the placebo effect. Seems working well for @BritManToo, as I seem to recall.