Can Hydrogen Peroxide Shrink an Enlarged Prostate?

Can Hydrogen Peroxide Reduce Prostate Size?

An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition affecting many men as they age. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. As the prostate grows larger, it presses on the urethra, causing urinary symptoms.

Seeking treatment for an enlarged prostate is important to alleviate troublesome symptoms and avoid complications. Lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery are conventional BPH treatments. Some alternative practitioners recommend using diluted hydrogen peroxide to potentially shrink prostate size.

Symptoms of BPH

Signs that the prostate is enlarged and interfering with urine flow include:

Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
Difficulty starting a urine stream
Weak stream of urine
Dribbling at the end of urination
Straining or pushing to empty the bladder
Sudden, urgent need to urinate
Inability to fully empty the bladder
Pain or burning during urination

BPH symptoms typically start slowly and increase in severity over time. They greatly affect quality of life by disrupting sleep and normal daily activities.

Causes of an Enlarged Prostate

The prostate naturally grows larger as men age. The specific causes are not fully understood, but appear to involve changes in hormone balance and cell growth.

Factors that may contribute to an enlarged prostate include:

Aging - BPH is very common in men over age 50
Hormone imbalances - increased estrogen and decreased testosterone
Genetics and family history
Lifestyle habits like diet
Chronic inflammation
Oxidative cell damage

BPH is not cancer and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer. But an enlarged prostate can cause serious complications if left untreated.

Complications of BPH

Potential problems associated with BPH include:

Acute urinary retention - inability to urinate at all
Recurring urinary tract infections
Bladder stones
Bladder damage
Kidney damage from back pressure on ureters
Erectile dysfunction
Loss of bladder control

Seeking medical treatment can prevent complications and avoid emergency situations like sudden inability to urinate. There are various medical and surgical options available.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide for BPH

Some alternative practitioners recommend using diluted hydrogen peroxide taken orally or administered intravenously to reduce prostate size. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that releases oxygen inside the body.

Little scientific research supports using hydrogen peroxide for BPH. But possible mechanisms include:

Killing prostate cells
Reducing cellular waste products
Decreasing prostate inflammation
Improving prostate blood flow

More studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of hydrogen peroxide for treating enlarged prostate. Talk to your urologist before attempting to use hydrogen peroxide.

Dangers and Side Effects

Hydrogen peroxide can be caustic and toxic if used incorrectly. Potential dangers include:

Chemical burns to skin, eyes, mouth, and throat
Gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, and bleeding
Gas embolism from intravenous use
Allergic reactions
Kidney and liver damage
Headache, nausea, vomiting, and fainting

High concentrations or excessive amounts can be fatal. Always dilute hydrogen peroxide properly and use extreme care when handling it.

Oral Administration

Some health providers recommend taking diluted hydrogen peroxide by mouth to shrink the prostate. Possible protocols include:

Mixing 1-3 drops of 35% food grade peroxide into 6-8 oz of distilled water and drinking
Starting with 1 drop 3x daily and increasing weekly up to 25 drops 3x daily
Taking on an empty stomach and avoiding food/drink for 30 minutes after
Swishing around the mouth briefly before swallowing

Effects may take several months. Oral hydrogen peroxide has not been well studied and carries risks. Proceed with extreme caution under a doctor's supervision.

Intravenous Infusion

Hydrogen peroxide can also be administered intravenously, after diluting to very low concentrations of 0.03% or less. Some clinics claim IV hydrogen peroxide can shrink prostate tumors.

During infusion it is thought to enter cells and release oxygen to kill abnormal tissue. There is no scientific proof IV hydrogen peroxide treats BPH effectively or safely.

Risks of intravenous use include gas embolism, allergic reaction, and electrolyte imbalances. Seek treatment only from very experienced practitioners due to the dangers involved.

Other BPH Treatment Options

Many effective options exist to treat an enlarged prostate that have been well studied. Discuss all the pros and cons with your doctor.

Watchful Waiting

If symptoms are mild, simply having regular checkups to monitor progression may be appropriate. Take precautions to avoid complications like urinary tract infections.

Lifestyle Changes

Making certain lifestyle adjustments may help relieve symptoms:

Limiting fluids before bedtime
Following a timed voiding schedule
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
Keeping healthy weight
Performing Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles

Medications

Types of medications used for BPH include:

Alpha blockers - relax prostate and bladder neck muscles
5-alpha reductase inhibitors - shrink prostate size
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors - relax muscles
Antibiotics - for urinary tract infections

Medications must be taken long-term to control symptoms. Side effects may occur. Check with your doctor.

Surgery

If medications are not effective, surgical options include:

Transurethral resection of prostate - shaves excess prostate tissue
Laser vaporization - destroys prostate tissue with laser
Prostate artery embolization - cuts blood flow to prostate
Prostate stents - prop open the urethra

Surgery provides lasting relief in most men and is done on an outpatient basis. Discuss the best options for your individual case with your urologist.

The Bottom Line

See your doctor if you have symptoms of an enlarged prostate that disrupt your quality of life. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of all treatment options. Hydrogen peroxide use is controversial - proceed with extreme caution and medical supervision.

FAQs

How can an enlarged prostate cause problems?

As the prostate grows larger, it presses on the urethra and restricts urine flow. This causes symptoms like a weak stream, difficulty urinating, and frequent urination.

What are the risks of using hydrogen peroxide?

Potential dangers of hydrogen peroxide include chemical burns, gastrointestinal damage, gas embolism with IV use, allergic reaction, and toxicity. Use extreme caution and only under medical supervision.

How is oral hydrogen peroxide administered?

Some protocols suggest starting with 1 drop diluted in water 3 times daily and gradually increasing the dose over time up to 25 drops 3 times daily. Effects may take months.

Does intravenous hydrogen peroxide treat BPH?

Some clinics claim IV hydrogen peroxide can shrink prostate tumors, but there is no scientific evidence to support this. IV use carries risks like gas embolism.

What are other BPH treatment options?

Other options include lifestyle changes, medications like alpha blockers, surgical procedures such as TURP, laser vaporization, artery embolization, and stents. Discuss all options with your doctor.