Avoid generally stressful exercises, like heavy weight training, and exercises that add extreme, repetitive stress to the pelvic area, like cycling and rowing. These can irritate the area around the prostate and make your symptoms worse. Kegel exercises, like tightening the muscles around your scrotum and anus, can help strengthen your pelvic region and reduce symptoms of BPH.

If you have trouble cutting down, try slowly reducing your intake over a series of multiple weeks. Switch to non-caffeinated beverages if you have trouble cutting out sugar.

Hold in your urine for a small period of time whenever you have to pee. Start by holding for 1 to 2 minutes, then add more minutes once you can hold it successfully. Waiting a few minutes after peeing to try and make more urine come out, known as double-voiding.

Foods rich in beta-sitosterol, like pumpkin seeds, may be used in addition to or instead of dietary supplements. Beta-sitosterol it is often used to treat high cholesterol, so expect lower levels during active use. When taken at recommended doses, beta-sitosterol tablets are generally recognized as safe, having no major side effects or negative interactions aside from a reduction of how many A-carotene, B-carotene, and E vitamins your body can absorb. [8] X Research source

In some studies, saw palmetto extract was found to be more effective than prescription drugs. Though viewed as safe for most people, side effects of saw palmetto may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, or impotence. [10] X Research source Stop taking saw palmetto if you begin to bruise or bleed easily, have bloody stools, cough up blood, or experience pain in your upper stomach or liver. If you are currently on hormone replacement therapy, blood clot medicine (such as clopidogrel, dalteparin, and warfarin), or an NSAID drug like aspirin or ibuprofen, consult with your doctor before taking saw palmetto extract.

Because alpha blockers were originally used for people with high blood pressure, the most common symptom experienced is decreased blood pressure. Alpha blockers can lead to decreased ejaculation and should not be combined with erectile dysfunction medication. Check with your doctor before using alpha blockers with erectile dysfunction medication, blood pressure medication, medicine to treat HIV/AIDS, antibiotics, antidepressants, or water pills. Medical treatments are often effective at the start of the condition but can become less effective over time. [12] X Expert Source Scott Tobis, MDBoard Certified Urologist Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.

Be aware that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can artificially lower PSA levels, making it difficult to screen for prostate cancer. Before taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, tell your doctor if you use conivaptan, imatinib, isoniazid, antibiotics, antifungal medications, antidepressants, heart or blood pressure medication, or medicine to treat HIV/AIDS.

Before use, be aware that researchers are still looking into the long-term treatment effects of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors on BPH. Common side effects of BDE5 inhibitors include headaches, nausea, muscle pain, sleep problems, blurry vision, and stuffy noses. Check with your doctor before taking BDE5 inhibitors with alphas blockers, antibiotics, antifungal medication, medicine to treat HIV/AIDS, seizure medicine, or high blood pressure medications.

After undergoing TURP, you will be limited to light activities, may need to use a catheter, and will stay in the hospital for up to 48 hours. [18] X Research source

HoLEP procedures are known for their short recovery time, though expect to use a catheter for 1 to 2 days after.

Due to its invasive nature, a TUIP procedure may lead to urinary tract infections, dry orgasms, urinary incontinence, or erectile dysfunction.

Simple prostatectomies often have longer recovery times than other procedures, ranging from 4 to 6 weeks, and can put you at risk of bleeding, urinary incontinence, dry orgasms, and erectile dysfunction.