Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition unique to men, has an extremely high incidence rate and poses significant health risks. If left untreated, BPH can severely disrupt a man's daily life.
Symptoms of Prostatic Hyperplasia
1. Hematuria
As the prostate enlarges, its capillaries may rub against the bladder wall, causing bleeding. This blood is expelled during urination, resulting in hematuria. This is a common cause of blood in urine among older men.
2. Difficulty Urinating
Prostate enlargement obstructs the urethra, causing urinary difficulties. As the condition worsens, the prostate further compresses the urethra, narrowing it and making urination difficult. This often results in painful urination, with the discomfort intensifying as the disease progresses.
3. Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is the most typical symptom of BPH. Initially, it manifests as a strong urge to urinate at night, with each voiding producing only a small amount of urine. As the condition worsens, the frequency of urination increases significantly.
4. Bladder Stones
BPH can cause urinary retention and urethral obstruction, leading to residual urine lingering in the bladder. Over time, this stagnant urine may crystallize into stones within the bladder. Thus, bladder stones may indicate underlying BPH.
What Causes Prostate Hyperplasia?
1. Poor Lifestyle Habits: Excessive sexual activity, frequent masturbation, prolonged bicycle riding, and prolonged sitting can all cause chronic prostate congestion, potentially triggering hyperplasia.
2. Inflammatory Stimulation: Untreated chronic prostatitis can cause prostate congestion and edema, leading to localized accumulation of inflammatory substances that stimulate hyperplasia. Other inflammations like urethritis or cystitis may also cause prostate congestion and stimulate hyperplasia.
3. Psychological Factors: Men with chronic acute BPH often experience negative emotions, which can exacerbate the inflammatory condition of BPH.
4. Chronic Alcohol Consumption: Regular alcohol intake or prolonged consumption of spicy, irritating foods can contribute to BPH. Alcohol strongly irritates the prostate, causing persistent congestion. Individuals with BPH should avoid long-term alcohol consumption.
How to Prevent Prostate Hyperplasia?
1. Drink Water Frequently to Flush the Urethra
Develop the habit of drinking ample water daily—1500 to 2000 milliliters of plain water or tea—to flush the urethra and maintain prostate cleanliness and health.Insufficient water intake not only causes dehydration but also hinders the cleansing effect of urination on the urinary tract, increasing the risk of concentrated urine forming insoluble stones. Therefore, while reducing fluid intake at night to prevent excessive bladder filling during sleep, ensure ample daytime hydration.
2. Maintain a balanced diet
Adopt a scientifically sound, nutritionally balanced diet: prioritize vegetables while limiting high-fat, high-oil foods;Increase intake of fresh fruits and whole grains while reducing refined sugar and white flour; consume more green tea and honey while limiting coffee, spirits, and highly acidic foods like citrus fruits and orange juice; opt for light, bland meals and minimize spicy or greasy foods. During summer, increase consumption of winter melon soup, watermelon, and mung bean soup—particularly beneficial for those experiencing bladder heat or painful urination.
3. Maintain a Regular Lifestyle
Adhere to a consistent daily routine with regular sleep and wake times. Balance work and rest, ensuring adequate sleep. Cultivate healthy sexual habits and practice moderation. Engage in scientific fitness training to strengthen your physique through regular exercise, focusing on pelvic floor, perineal, abdominal, and lumbar muscles.
4. Massage and Kegel Exercises
Prostate enlargement patients can incorporate home rehabilitation methods for prevention and treatment: 1. Sitz Bath: Use warm water for a sitz bath, adjusting temperature to tolerable warmth. Perform 1–2 times daily for 10–20 minutes each session.During the bath, relax the anal sphincter and use fingers to press the perineum and anal area in the water. Warm water jets can also be directed at the anal region. 2. Massage: Use fingers to massage the perineum, applying intermittent deep pressure until a sensation of soreness, numbness, fullness, or mild pain is felt locally. Massage 1–2 times daily, preferably during afternoon rest and before bedtime.3. Anal Sphincter Exercises: Regularly contract the anal sphincter and levator ani muscles to improve blood circulation in the pelvic and perineal regions, reducing local congestion. Perform 1–3 times daily for 10 minutes each session. 4. Frequent Consumption of Floating Wheat: Take 50 grams of floating wheat, roast until golden brown, steep in water, and drink daily as tea. This has a beneficial therapeutic effect for patients with enlarged prostate.