Drinking alcohol with prostate adenoma is prohibited in most cases. The exception is the period of remission and very limited doses of alcoholic beverages. Drinking dry red wine can also be beneficial, but only with an extremely responsible approach. In almost all other cases, alcoholic drinks will only provoke complications.
Effect on the prostate with BPH
Ethyl alcohol is processed after entering the body; the main metabolic product is acetaldehyde. This substance is characterized by strong toxic, mutational and carcinogenic effects. All this has an extremely negative impact on the functioning of all organs of the reproductive system, including the prostate gland.
The effect of alcohol on prostate adenoma is complex and negative, which as a result can lead to the appearance of a tumor or exacerbation of an existing process:
- Irritation of the prostate ducts, which leads to worsening of the tumor.
- Formation or strengthening of stagnation. Under the influence of alcohol, blood flow to the pelvic organs increases, but the outflow is disrupted, as a result of which the tumor progresses.
- Vasoconstriction and impaired microcirculation of the prostate.
- Swelling of the urinary tract, which causes acute urinary retention, which also aggravates BPH.
- Washing out zinc, which is an essential trace element for the normal functioning of the prostate.
- Suppression of the body's immune function.
- Hormonal imbalances.
If hyperplasia has already been diagnosed and treatment has been prescribed, alcohol consumption can further complicate the situation. Most medications are ineffective when consumed with alcoholic beverages. If they are used simultaneously, the therapy will not have the desired effect, and the progression of the pathology will accelerate, which can cause serious complications - transition to a chronic form, oncological process and infertility.
Prostate adenoma and alcohol are compatible only in the stage of remission of the disease and only in very limited quantities - no more than 50 ml in ethyl equivalent and no more often than once every 3 days.
The course of benign hyperplasia is almost always characterized by erectile dysfunction. When drinking alcohol, there is an increase in blood flow, including to the pelvic organs, which promotes erection. This phenomenon can be misinterpreted by patients, because in fact, the situation is not improving, but worsening, because as a result of these processes, congestion and circulatory disorders occur.
How do different drinks work?
The effect of alcohol may vary depending on the type of drink, because in addition to alcohol, they also contain other substances that have one or another effect.
Drinking vodka if you have prostate adenoma is strictly prohibited. Of the strong alcoholic drinks, only drinking a very limited amount of cognac (no more than 50 ml) is permissible no more than 2 times a week.
Red wine for prostate adenoma can actually have a slight positive effect. Its moderate amount (20-30 ml per day) stimulates the cardiovascular system and blood flow. However, this is true only in the case of dry wine. Fortified and white wines only have a negative effect.
Drinking beer with prostate adenoma is prohibited due to the fact that hops, which are present in its composition, contain a substance similar to the female hormone estrogen. It has a depressing effect on the male hormonal system in general and in particular on the genitals.
After surgical removal
Alcohol after removal of prostate adenoma can cause the greatest complications. During the rehabilitation period, the body is weakened, the immune system works poorly, and damaged tissues are restored. Ethyl alcohol will worsen all these processes. The duration of abstinence from alcohol is determined by the attending physician. It may vary depending on the type of operation and its complexity.
In addition, after surgery, antibiotics and other drugs are prescribed, which also cannot be combined with drinking alcohol.
