Men often consume excessive alcohol at holiday parties. Doctor Ly Minh Hoang, a specialist in Urology at the Center for Urology - Nephrology - Andrology, Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, states that alcohol acts as a strong diuretic but also suppresses bladder nerves and causes prostate congestion. Consequently, after a night of heavy drinking, men may wake up experiencing lower abdominal pain, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or exhaustion and decreased sexual performance.

If men have consumed a lot of alcohol the previous night, Doctor Hoang suggests several ways to alleviate pressure on the prostate and urinary tract.

Proper rehydration with water and electrolytes

Avoid drinking excessive amounts of water quickly with the intention of sobering up, rehydrating, and rapidly eliminating alcohol. Consuming a large volume of water in a short period can rapidly fill and distend the bladder, increasing the urge to urinate and the frequency of bathroom visits.

Alcohol has a diuretic effect, which can increase urine excretion. Men with an enlarged prostate may already experience urinary flow obstruction. When the bladder is constantly full, symptoms like urgent urination, frequent urination, and nocturia can become more pronounced. Therefore, after a party, men should drink water regularly according to their body's needs, rather than attempting to drink a large amount all at once. Pale yellow urine is typically a sign of adequate hydration.

Take a warm bath or soak

Warm temperatures stimulate blood circulation in the pelvic area, reducing swelling and congestion in the prostate, and relaxing the bladder sphincter. Men can soak in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to facilitate easier urination and alleviate painful spasms.

Avoid prolonged sitting

Lying in bed or sitting on the sofa watching tivi continuously all day after drinking alcohol increases pressure on the perineal area, exacerbating prostate congestion. Instead, men should walk gently around the house and perform a few stretching exercises to support blood circulation, and absolutely avoid holding urine.

Doctor Hoang examines a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Choose a 'detox' and light breakfast

Breakfast after a night of partying should prioritize light, easily digestible dishes like congee, hot soup, and additional drinks such as tomato juice, watermelon juice, or various nuts (pumpkin seeds, walnuts). Avoid strong tea, coffee, spicy or hot foods, or continuing to drink alcohol, as these can further irritate the prostate.

Do not rush to 'regain performance' immediately after drinking

Prolonged drinking sessions can also impact men's sexual health. If consumed regularly in large quantities over an extended period, alcohol can affect nerves, blood vessels, and hormones, increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction.

After days of partying, instead of immediately trying to "regain performance" or continuing to drink alcohol for sensation, men need to prioritize rest to allow their bodies time to recover, drink sufficient water, limit stimulants, and return to a regular routine.

Doctor Hoang notes that these tips help alleviate mild prostate symptoms. If dangerous warning signs appear, such as complete urinary retention, blood in urine, or painful urination accompanied by fever, men must immediately seek medical attention at a urology clinic to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Men currently treating an enlarged prostate or prostatitis must continue medication as prescribed and not discontinue it independently during holidays.

Dinh Lam