Living With BPH

Since the symptoms of BPH occur gradually, men often change their daily routines to accommodate their symptoms instead of finding ways to live their life without interruptions.

Can I Live a Normal Life?

Yes! Although BPH can cause you to have some uncomfortable symptoms, it’s important to try to minimize the impact it has on your life.

Stay active – being inactive can cause problems emptying your bladder
Try to empty your bladder when going to the bathroom
Try to urinate on a schedule every day, whether or not you feel you have to go
Stop drinking liquids after 8 pm to prevent the urges to urinate at night
Limit drinking alcohol

Can It Affect My Sex Life?

You might avoid treating certain BPH symptoms because you’re concerned about side effects related to sex. If you are experiencing certain sexual problems, they might be related to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH.

As men get older, some changes in sexual function, like a decrease in libido and erectile dysfunction, do happen; however, experts have found a link between LUTS due to BPH and certain sexual problems.[1]

It’s important to talk to your doctor about any sexual issues you are having that might be linked to BPH so you may be treated properly.

How does BPH affect urinary function?

Sitting just below the bladder, the prostate gland surrounds the upper part of the urethra (the tube that drains urine away from the bladder to the penis for excretion). As the prostate grows larger, it presses against the urethra, narrowing the passage through which urine flows. Problems with urine flow may result as the urethra narrows due to prostate enlargement.

[1] Kirby, M et al. “Erectile Dysfunction and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Consensus on the Importance of Co-Diagnosis.” International Journal of Clinical Practice 67.7 (2013): 606–618. PMC. Web. 28 Aug. 2015.