ATTENTION

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for 24/7 free and confidential crisis support. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Access more info and resources on suicide prevention, emotional and mental health support

toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Enlarged Prostate: Bathroom Tips

Enlarged Prostate: Bathroom Tips

Overview

The following tips may make it easier to deal with your benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms.

  • Practice "double voiding" by urinating as much as possible, relaxing for a few moments, and then urinating again.
  • Try to relax before you urinate. Tension from worrying about your symptoms can make them worse. Anxiety may cause the smooth muscle in the prostate and the muscles at the opening of the bladder to stay tense and not relax. If these muscles do not relax, urination will be difficult.
  • Take plenty of time to urinate.
  • Try sitting on the toilet instead of standing. Or, after urinating while standing, sit on the toilet and try to urinate a little more.
  • Think of other things or read while you are waiting.
  • Try turning on a faucet or picturing running water in your mind. Some men find that hearing running water helps get their urine flowing.

If dribbling is a problem, wash your penis daily to avoid skin irritation and infection.

Credits

Current as of: June 16, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
J. Curtis Nickel MD, FRCSC - Urology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.