How to Reduce an Enlarged Prostate

The prostate is a male gland responsible for manufacturing semen. According to the Mayo Clinic a man's prostate gland will develop from pea-size to that of a walnut over the course of the individual's first 40 to 45 years. A second spurt of growth in the years after this can enlarge the prostate further, making it compress the man's urethra, which is surrounded by the prostate. This compression can eventually result in the man having a very difficult time urinating and lead him to seek ways to reduce the size of the prostate gland.

Instructions

How to Reduce an Enlarged Prostate

• 1

  Relax in a tub or hot water or a warm bath two to three times a day for up to 20 minutes at a time. The Male Health Center recommends this treatment to bring down the swelling in the prostate. It is also prudent to avoid sitting for long stretches of time if you suffer from an enlarged prostate, as this can aggravate the condition due to where the prostate is located.

• 2

  Treat an enlarged prostate with medications such as Avodart and Proscar. These drugs work by affecting an enzyme that causes the tissue in the prostate to grow. Ask your doctor about theses medications, which can take anywhere from one to six months to begin to reduce the size of the prostate gland.

• 3

  Undergo microwave treatments to shrink the prostate. Urologists will employ this treatment for those instances of prostate enlargement that are not so severe, with the microwaves bombarding the gland via a catheter that gains access to the gland through the man's penis. The effect of these microwaves can reduce the enlargement.

• 4

  Opt for prostate gland surgery. There are procedures available today that can shave down the enlarged prostate to the point where urinary flow is brought back to normal levels. Known as a trans-urethral resection, this operation requires a hospital stay and for the patient to be under anesthesia, with a catheter put in place for as long as three days.

• 5

  Cut down on the amount of fat you consume in your diet. Stay clear of antihistamines and avoid exposure to cold weather. Engage in healthy exercise and focus on relaxing. These are some of the things that can help to reduce your enlarged prostate over time.