If you're a man having urinary difficulties, you may have BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, though you should see your doctor right away to rule out more serious conditions. Your likelihood of having BPH increases as you age: by age 85, your chance of developing BPH is 85 percent according to The New York Times. Your doctor may recommend prescription medication or surgical treatment for severe BPH. On the other hand, you may be able to manage milder BPH and its symptoms without medical intervention.
Fluids
If you have BPH, reduce or eliminate beverages containing alcohol and caffeine to see if your symptoms improve. Avoid drinking any beverages for the last few hours before bedtime. This may help you to avoid those middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom.
Homeopathy
According to the University of Michigan Health System, a number of homeopathic remedies may help to relieve symptoms of BPH. These include apis mellifica, causticum, clematis, lycopodium and pulsatilla. Sabal serrulata, a homeopathic version of saw palmetto, may also be useful. If you are considering using a homeopathic remedy, consult a trained homeopath for best results.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to treat BPH. Alpha blockers improve urinary flow by relaxing the muscles around the bladder and prostate, while 5 alpha reductase inhibitors help to shrink the prostate. If you are taking prescription medication for BPH, talk with your doctor before adding any complementary therapies.
If you are already taking medications, prescription or over-the-counter, ask your doctor if any of those could be aggravating BPH symptoms, and if there are acceptable alternatives. Antihistamines, decongestants, certain diuretics and some anti-depressants can make BPH symptoms worse. Do not discontinue prescription medication without your doctor's consent.
Herbs
Stinging nettle root is a popular herb used to treat BPH, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Stinging nettle does not actually shrink the prostate, but does help relieve symptoms. Do not use stinging nettle if you are taking anticoagulants, diuretics or certain blood pressure medications. Before taking stinging nettle, check with your doctor, especially if you have diabetes.
Saw palmetto, which may be used alone or in combination with stinging nettle, is often used to reduce BPH symptoms and promote prostate health. While results of clinical studies have been mixed, a number of men have reported that saw palmetto successfully relieved or reduced their BPH symptoms.
