Prostate health isn’t always something men think about, until it starts affecting everyday life.
As men get older, changes involving the prostate become more common. Some men may notice a weaker urine stream, difficulty getting started, feeling like the bladder hasn’t completely emptied, more frequent trips to the bathroom, or getting up several times during the night.
While some prostate changes are common with age, new or worsening urinary symptoms shouldn’t simply be ignored or assumed to be a normal part of getting older.
Understanding what to watch for and taking a proactive approach to your health is a good place to start.
Why Does Prostate Health Matter?
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and around part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
One common age-related change is benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. As the prostate enlarges, it can contribute to urinary symptoms such as:
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Getting up multiple times during the night to urinate
- Feeling like your bladder hasn’t completely emptied
But urinary symptoms shouldn’t automatically be blamed on BPH. Other conditions can cause similar problems, which is why persistent, new, or worsening symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Everyday Ways to Support Prostate and Urinary Health
There isn’t one habit or supplement that guarantees a healthy prostate, but taking care of your overall health is still important as you age.
A few practical habits include:
- Stay physically active. Regular movement is an important part of overall health and healthy aging.
- Eat a balanced diet. Build meals around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and other nutrient-rich foods.
- Stay appropriately hydrated. Drink fluids throughout the day, but if nighttime urination is a problem, consider limiting large amounts of fluid close to bedtime.
- Pay attention to caffeine and alcohol. Some men notice that these can worsen urinary urgency or frequency.
- Keep up with routine medical care. Regular visits give you an opportunity to discuss urinary changes and other health concerns.
You can also ask your healthcare provider when prostate cancer screening may be appropriate based on your age, family history, individual risk factors, and preferences.
Could Your Medications Be Affecting Your Symptoms?
Your pharmacist can also be an important resource when urinary symptoms appear.
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect urination in some men. This can be particularly important with some cold, allergy, and decongestant products.
If you notice urinary changes after starting a new medication, or you’re unsure whether an OTC product is appropriate for you, ask your pharmacist before adding or stopping anything on your own.
At Foster Corner Drug, we can review your medications and help identify potential concerns or determine when it would be best to contact your healthcare provider.
A Supplement We Frequently Recommend
For men interested in adding nutritional support to their overall wellness routine, one option available at Foster Corner Drug is Prostate Health Support from Replenish Nutrition.
Prostate Health Support is designed with men’s prostate and urinary health in mind and can be incorporated into a broader wellness routine that includes healthy eating, physical activity, appropriate hydration, and routine medical care.
However, supplements are just that, supplements.
They aren’t intended to diagnose or treat an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, or another medical condition. A prostate supplement also shouldn’t be used to cover up new or worsening urinary symptoms.
If something has changed, get it checked out.
And if you take prescription medications or other supplements, talk with your pharmacist before starting something new so we can check for potential interactions or other concerns.
Don’t Ignore Changes
It can be tempting to write urinary changes off as “just getting older,” but some symptoms deserve a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Schedule an evaluation if you notice persistent or worsening:
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Nighttime trips to the bathroom
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Difficulty starting urination
- Feeling that your bladder isn’t completely empty
- Other noticeable changes in your usual urinary habits
Some symptoms deserve more immediate attention.
Seek prompt medical care if you’re unable to urinate, notice blood in your urine, experience significant pain, or develop urinary symptoms along with fever or feeling very ill.
Have Questions? Ask Us
Being proactive about prostate health doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out on your own.
If you have questions about prostate health or a supplement you’re considering, stop by Foster Corner Drug. We can review your medications and supplements, check for potential interactions, and help you decide whether Prostate Health Support from Replenish Nutrition may fit into your overall wellness routine.
And if your symptoms suggest something that needs medical evaluation, we’ll tell you that too.
Taking care of your prostate is just one part of taking care of your health as you age, and it’s never a bad time to start paying attention.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
