The Benefits of Beer and Bourbon for BPH | Austin Urology Institute

Fighting the Frequency

Have you found yourself fighting the frequency to urinate far more often than you used to? Is that frequency even more notable at night, and when you do make it to the toilet, is difficulty urinating and a weak urine stream starting to become apparent?

If you’re a man over the age of 50 and this sounds familiar, you may have some suspicions of something such as a vasectomy infection, but it’s quite possible that you’re suffering from the signs of BHP or Benign Prostate Hypertrophy — also known as prostate gland enlargement.

Worry not, though. BHP is quite common — in fact, about half of all men between the ages of 51 and 60 have BHP, according to UrologyHealth.org. Far more importantly, under the proper care of a first-rate Urologist in Austin, Texas — one such as Austin’s own Dr. Shaw, the premier urological cancer surgeon in Texas, for example — BHP is quite treatable.

Before we dive into how you beat this bad boy, though, it’s worth bearing in mind that the adult beverage you love to enjoy isn’t out of the picture simply because the symptoms you’re suffering from have you seeking out North Austin urology options.

Beer, bourbon, and anything in-between isn’t bad

Those that have symptoms of BPH (benign prostate hypertrophy) or an “obstructive prostate” often suffer from an increase in urinary frequency, urgency, incomplete emptying, or weak stream. Previously, alcohol was thought to worsen those symptoms, as alcohol is a diuretic that often causes more urinary frequency and urgency.

Surely during your heyday of health, you can recall trying to avoid ‘breaking the seal’ to avoid dashing back and forth to that bathroom. Yeah, alcohol can tend to have that effect.

However, a recent review of 19 studies suggests those with BPH or at risk of developing BPH may have cause to actually raise a glass and toast their prostate.

The study found that moderate alcohol consumption (<36 grams of alcohol a day) could benefit the prostate and reduce the risk of BPH.

The prostate is full of blood vessels and studies have found that moderate alcohol consumption actually decreases cardiovascular disease risk — meaning ALL blood vessels, even those in the prostate, benefit. Now that an association with BPH and cardiovascular disease has been established, it makes sense that moderate alcohol consumption may possibly be advantageous to prostate health, reduce BPH risk, and thus, reducing the reasons to seek out North Austin Urology options.

When that time does roll around, though — as it’s sure to do as men age — there’s Dr. Shaw’s urology expertise at the Austin Urology Institute.

Cheers to Your Prostate

Not only is the Austin Urology Institute one of the region’s premier options for those in need of significant procedures such as prostate cancer surgery in Texas, or maybe procedures a little less profound including the middle-aged man with far too many kids seeking a vasectomy in Austin, but it’s where a multitude of men being plagued by prostate problems come to find a cure.

Problems including BHP, for example, and the good news to that end is it’s plenty curable. Common surgical solutions include Urolift, Aquablation, iTind, Rezum, and HoLEP. The right option for you depends on your specific case. Our Austin urologist will assess the right treatment plan upon examination.

So break out the beer, wine, or spirits, (moderately) and enjoy as you schedule a quick consolation with our experts at the Austin Urology Institute. A small glass of wine (100mL), a nip of your favorite liquor (30mL) or one cold beer may reduce your risks and progression of BPH. Cheers!