The Little-Known Ingredient That Could Prevent Nighttime Bathroom Runs If You Have Prostate Problems

One of the more common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (aka an enlarged prostate) is needing to urinate frequently, particularly at night. Lower urinary tract symptoms like these occur because as the prostate gets bigger, it begins to press against your bladder and urethra.

If you have mild symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you could turn to alternative remedies such as rye grass pollen extract. "Some components in the extract may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT promotes prostate growth, so reducing its levels could help manage BPH," Dr. Jason Singh, Chief Medical Officer and Physician at One Oak Medical, told Health Digest.

Singh said there are limited studies that show promise for grass pollen. A 2000 systematic review published in BJU International found that men who took rye grass pollen for 30 days were twice as likely to report a reduction in nighttime bathroom runs compared to a placebo. They also said that their BPH symptoms improved. However, the people taking rye grass pollen said they didn't see improvements in their urinary flow, which is another symptom of BPH.

Before you begin gathering the pollen off your grass outside, it should be noted that the rye grass pollen used in these studies is an extract called Cernilton. Cernilton is sold in Europe as a registered pharmaceutical. There's something about the chemical makeup of rye grass pollen that reduces swelling in the muscles. A typical dose of rye grass pollen extract is 126 milligrams three times a day for BPH.

Singh said taking rye grass pollen is safe, but there might be some risks. Some people might experience side effects such as heartburn or nausea. "Similar to pollen allergies, [people] may experience allergic reactions, ranging from mild (sneezing, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis in rare cases)," he added. "Also, grass pollen extracts might interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting hormones or blood clotting." Because supplements aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, Singh said that taking rye grass pollen supplements may be contaminated during the manufacturing process.

Singh additionally cautions people against treating symptoms of BPH without first seeing a doctor. "BPH symptoms can mimic other conditions, including prostate cancer," he said. "The severity of BPH and individual patient factors (age, overall health, other medications) influence the best treatment approach. A doctor can provide a personalized treatment plan."

If you're diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, your doctor might offer different options for treatment depending on your age, the size of your prostate, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health. Alpha-blockers might be prescribed to help relax the muscles of your bladder to help with urinary flow. Drugs like finasteride and dutasteride are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that provide a long-term treatment by reducing the size of your prostate. Although Cialis treats erectile dysfunction, a 5-milligram dose of Cialis has been approved to treat symptoms of BPH.

You can also find many herbal supplements to alleviate symptoms of BPH, although some might work better than others, according to a 2021 review in Molecules. Pumpkin seed oil and extracts have been found to reduce symptoms of BPH, but some people experience gastrointestinal problems as a side effect. You might also lose electrolytes because it works like a diuretic. Many supplement companies sell saw palmetto extract for prostate health, but the research is still unclear due to the quality of the extract and the proper dosage. The bark extract of the African plum tree can improve urinary symptoms associated with BPH, but the results are mixed. Stinging nettle might be best for people with mild or moderate symptoms of BPH to increase urinary flow and improve bladder emptying. You can take stinging nettle for at least six months to improve BPH symptoms or use it long-term to boost prostate health.