Men with an enlarged prostate often urinate more frequently or suffer pain during visits to the bathroom. Although most males will experience the condition at some point during the aging process, the exact reason for prostate enlargement remains unknown. Exercise is unlikely to enlarge the size of your prostate, as doctors typically recommend regular activity as an effective method to control the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and help you maintain a normal lifestyle. Separate the fact from fiction regarding exercise and your prostate to ensure your overall health.
Understanding Enlarged Prostate
Your prostate is a reproductive gland that produces fluid to help sperm travel through the penis during the ejaculation process. When the gland expands, also called enlarged prostate or BPH -- benign prostatic hyperplasia -- the uretha, or the tube that carries urine, suffers increased pressure. Common symptoms of BPH include an inability to urinate, frequent urination or pain. Most men experience prostate enlargement at some point in life. Although the exact cause of BPH is a mystery, doctors believe the condition is linked to changes in certain sex hormones. Kidney or bladder problems often result when BPH remains untreated.
Exercise & Your Prostate
Doctors often recommend regular exercise as a self-care method to control BPH, as the symptoms typically worsen after periods of inactivity. Walking represents a safe form of aerobic activity for most people and can be performed throughout the year either indoors or outdoors. Aerobic activities use the largest muscles in your body and cause your heart to beat faster and more efficiently, which improves the overall function of your body. Additional aerobic methods include stair climbing, aerobic dancing, soccer, swimming, jogging and riding a bicycle. An effective and safe aerobic regimen typically consists of workouts on most days for at least 30 minutes. Your doctor can help determine an appropriate duration for your exercise based on a review of your condition.
Pelvic Strengthening Exercise
Men with BPH often benefit from daily Kegel exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic area. A typical Kegel exercise starts with lying down after your bladder is empty. Slowly contract your pelvic floor muscles -- or the muscles that allow you to temporarily stop the flow of urine -- for about three seconds. Relax for a few seconds and then try the exercise two to three more times. Avoid flexing the muscles in your thighs, abdomen or buttocks for best results and breathe normally. Most men notice improvements, including better urination and less leakage, within a period of a month to six weeks. Kegel exercises are also performed when standing or sitting.
Protecting Your Future
Alert your doctor if you think you may have an enlarged prostate, especially if you suffer fever, pain in the abdomen, back or side, as well as blood in your urine. Some medications like antihistamines or sedatives often trigger urinary problems, although get your doctor's permission before you attempt to adjust your dosage or switch to another medicine. Even exercise approved by your doctor is unsafe when approached without caution. Lower your risk for injury by starting in moderation and working up to a higher intensity over time. Stop any workout and seek care if you feel pain, nausea or dizziness.
References
- Johns Hopkins Health Alerts.com: Get Moving to Protect Your Prostate
- MedlinePlus: Enlarged Prostate
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Choosing the Right Exercise
- MayoClinic.com: Prostate Gland Enlargement
- President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition: Exercise and Weight Control
- MayoClinic.com: Kegel Exercises for Men: Understand the Benefits
