Lifestyle and home remedies

To help control the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, try to:

Limit beverages in the evening. Don't drink anything for an hour or two before bedtime to avoid middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet.

Limit caffeine and alcohol. They can increase urine production, irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms.

Limit decongestants or antihistamines. These drugs tighten the band of muscles around the urethra that control urine flow, making it harder to urinate.

Go when you first feel the urge. Waiting too long might overstretch the bladder muscle and cause damage.

Schedule bathroom visits. Try to urinate at regular times — such as every four to six hours during the day — to "retrain" the bladder. This can be especially useful if you have severe frequency and urgency.

Follow a healthy diet. Obesity is associated with enlarged prostate.

Stay active. Inactivity contributes to urine retention. Even a small amount of exercise can help reduce urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.

Urinate — and then urinate again a few moments later. This practice is known as double voiding.

Keep warm. Colder temperatures can cause urine retention and increase the urgency to urinate.