[walker2006]

It's hard to believe that I would have these symptoms at my age, but I do. I'm very active and eat well and otherwise very healthy, but just have had my bph issue for over 5 yrs now. I've tried meds but they are only slightly helping. I go often, get up at least twice or more per night, very weak stream, etc... I see more negative stories than positive on the internet, but I'm sure that's the case with all experiences (the negative get posted more), or at least I hope. I had ACL surgery and saw a lot of negative posts, but I had no big issues.

Anyhow, just curious what route I should go with treatment at my age. I want this fixed, because I'm just always exhausted. I have a young family, demanding job (and wife) and like to work out, so this issue is really starting to affect my personality and psyche. I think the laser option looks like a good option, but just want to make sure it's durable (long lasting). I'm a little worried about the sexual function loss too. I'm only guessing that because I'm a little younger than most that have this surgery that maybe I'll recover faster than average, or maybe that's just optimism.

Please feel free to offer up advice, opinion, experience. I would really appreciate it.

[gott1936]

Walker 2006, you are right. Most of the stories on this website are negative. I am over twice your age. At your age, I would recommend you obtain a copy of the " Johns Hopkins, White paper for Prostate Disorders ", It only cost $19.95. Everything you want to know is in it.
The prostate has three zones. A left, right and center. My left and right are expanding, but my center zone is not, therefore, at 72 years old, my urinal problems are minor. It sound like your center zone is expanding which can cause problems. Good luck, and do not give up! They are a lot of solutions out there.

[mrcoyote]

OK, once again I feel I should voice my opinion. First thing to remember is that everybody is different.
I have a 37 year old friend who was diagnosed with prostate cancer a year after his first PSA reading which was very low. So, anything can happen. Now.....you have BPH as diagnosed by a urologist, right?
And he has prescribed the usual medications people take for this. Is he the one who has or has not talked to you about laser TURP? I ask you this because most urologists try to control BPH with drugs as long as they can, and typically put off the surgery for a few reasons, especially in young people. First, this type of surgery (which I have had) most often results in retrograde ejaculation. It probably would with you. You will have to sign a document saying you are aware of the possible side effects before they will do the surgery. So, this can be a big deal for a younger guy. Secondly, the surgery doesn't last forever. My doctor told me I would probably be good for ten years or more, but that depends greatly on the person. So, what I'm trying to say is, that you pretty much have to be a "candidate" for this type of surgery before they will be keen on doing it. The quality of life that you are experiencing also makes a big difference in whether or not they will want to do it at your age. Let me suggest you talk to your urologist about this and tell him the drugs are not cutting it and you are not getting the results you require to live a happy life. But I wouldn't really expect them to be eager to do Laser TURP on you.
And please remember, ONLY talk to a Board Certified Urologist who has done many, many of these procedures and is on top of their game with this stuff. Research is your key to success.

[gizzmo]

Greetings
I've just read your post i have had bph since my late twenties now im 59 i had a turp 2 years ago ive tried every thing before that flomax killed my sleep saw palmetto wate time other drugs waste time best thing that helped me was hytrin 10 ml. they start you out 2m work you up to 10m this help my stream better than anything very inexpensive drug turp would be my last option also caffeine high acid foods can agitate this problem this was my experience hope it helps.

[YNOT]

I am 37 years old and have the same situation as you do. Have you tried any thing else? I am curios to what has worked. Most of the things I read are for older men. Have you tired any of the following?
Flomax or Rapaflo
More frequent ejaculation
Prostate massage
Saw palmetto
Heat packs
or any other remedies?
If anyone has more info, please post them. Thanks

[ploddingalong98]

Here are some non perscription and non surgical suggestions I found on the Internet.

Exerpt from "my noncancerous Prostat Emlargement" by Lawrence J. Bookbinder, PH.D on internet.


"Lifestyle Changes for Alleviating BPH Symptoms oooooooo

Unfortunately, none of the urologists I consulted recommended these changes. I learned about them about three years after I received my prostate cancer diagnosis. These changes may control the symptoms of BPH and might stop your problem from getting worse:

Limit fluids at bedtime. Stop drinking fluids a few hours before going to sleep to reduce the number of times you have to wake up to go to the toilet. I have difficulty following this recommendation, which contributes, as of May, 2006, to interrupting my sleep two times a night.

In about 2004, during a prostate cancer support group meeting, one of the men, who also had BPH, startled me when he disclosed that he does not eat or drink anything after 3:00 PM.

Empty your bladder When you urinate, try to release as much urine as you can. What helps me do this is to sit on the toilet whenever one is available. After my first round of urination, I wait but do not try to force urine out; often I will then experience a second round of urination.

Limit alcoholic beverages. When you drink alcohol, you produce more urine and you can cause your prostate to become congested.

Limit over-the-counter decongestants. They can cause your urethral sphincter (think of a valve) to tighten, causing urination to be more difficult.

Exercise. Being inactive leads to urinary retention. Only a minimal amount of exercise can ease this problem.

Keep warm. If you feel cold, you will experience urinary retention.

Avoid delaying urination.24

Avoid caffeine. Also limit spicy or salty foods."

[mrcoyote]

I wholeheartedly agree with those suggestions and have used many of them myself, even though you might not get an "endorsement" from your doc, I don't see any harm in trying these. If they help you, then great! I think these suggestions are great and thanks for posting them.

[gjenkins]

Would suggest trying over-the-counter supplements to see if they alleviate the symptoms. Won't cure them, but may help alleviate some of what you feel. Have tried and had decent results with one I buy at Rite-Aid called Urinozinc, although I think most are pretty similar. A good measure is usually whether or not it reduces the amount of times you have to get up during the night or go to the bathroom during the day. By this measure it's worked for me. Hope it helps

[ploddingalong98]

Some additional thoughts:

- If using sitting down method to urinate, bend upper body forward to increase downward pressure on bladder. I've used this and it helps.
-(tapping) tapping on lower abdominum over bladder while urinating. I've used this and it helps.
-If you've got severe BPH, you probably strain to start your stream or to start another one. The straining most men with BPH start unconciously using has a name. It's called the Valvalsa manuever. (there are side effects). I've been using this unconciously for years and didn't realize it.

[ploddingalong98]

Tapping or gently but firmly poking the area over your bladder (beneath your belly button) to stimulate the normal bladder voiding reflex seems quite effective. I've been trying to find out if there are any side effects, but so far I've been unable to find any. Seems like a good way to go to help toward eliminating self cathing.

I found the Crede maneuver, which at first seemed like a great solution. But now I've found that it can have dire side effects. They used to teach it to people with muscular sclerosis as a way to get rid of the catheter. But, they found out that sometimes the urine can go the wrong way back into your kidneys. So, forget that.