What is the Best Treatment for Enlarged Prostate?

Best Treatment Plans for Enlarged Prostate: What You Need to Know?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous increase in the prostate gland's size. Commonly affecting men as they age, it can cause unpleasant urinary symptoms, including a weak stream, frequent urination, and trouble draining the bladder.

However, early symptoms are often overlooked until they start affecting daily life.

BPH is highly treatable and can be customized to fit each person's needs, from lifestyle modifications to medications and surgical procedures.

This guide explores the most effective treatments based on symptom severity, prostate size, and overall health.

What Lifestyle Changes Help Manage Mild BPH Symptoms?

Men with mild or manageable symptoms can usually start by making lifestyle changes to help them control benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can reduce urinary frequency, which irritates the bladder. Cutting pre-bedtime fluid consumption also helps to stop nighttime peeing.

Keeping a good weight and engaging in regular exercise could help lower the risk of worsening symptoms. Additionally, timed or double voiding (urinating, then waiting a few moments to urinate) can improve bladder emptying.

What Medications are used to treat BPH?

When symptoms worsen, medications are often prescribed. Two primary types are:

• Alpha Blockers(e.g., tamsulosin, alfuzosin): They relax prostate and bladder neck muscles to help urine flow. They run fast, usually within weeks or days.
• 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors(e.g., finasteride, dutasteride): These inhibitors gradually shrink the prostate by inhibiting a hormone implicated in prostate development. Usually taking three to six months, they could lower the risk of problems like urinary retention or the need for surgery, but they work slower.
• Combination Therapy: In certain instances, especially in men with much-enlarged prostates, both medications are administered simultaneously for greater potency.

Although these medications are typically well tolerated, they may have side effects, including drowsiness, tiredness, or lower libido.

What are the Minimally Invasive Procedures for BPH?

Several minimally invasive treatments may be evaluated if drugs prove either ineffective or have unwanted side effects. These therapies seek to lessen obstruction and reduce harm to nearby tissues.

• Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy: This works by injecting steam into prostate tissue, enabling it to gradually shrink naturally over time.
• Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE): A nonsurgical procedure that lowers prostate blood flow, causing the gland to shrink slowly.
• Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT): Using microwaves' heated output to remove extra prostate tissue.
• UroLift: It uses tiny implants to raise and keep enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, therefore enhancing flow without cutting or removing tissue.

These methods have shorter recovery times than surgery and are usually carried out in outpatient facilities.

When is Surgery Needed for BPH?

Surgery may be best for men with very large prostates, severe symptoms, or problems, including urinary retention or bladder stones.

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): The gold standard for surgical BPH treatment, TURP involves removing a portion of the prostate to relieve obstruction.
• Laser Surgery (e.g., HoLEP or GreenLight Laser): Laser methods remove or vaporize overgrown prostate tissue, reducing bleeding and shortening hospital stays.
• Aquablation Therapy: A robotic-assisted procedure that preserves sexual function by removing prostate tissue with a high-velocity water jet, avoiding injury to surrounding nerves.
• Optilume BPH Catheter System: This cutting-edge technology relieves symptoms by dilating the urethra and administering a medicinal drug.

Surgical approaches are usually reserved for patients with more severe BPH or when other therapies have failed.

The optimal therapy for an enlarged prostate depends on the person's symptoms, medical history, and treatment objectives. For many, lifestyle changes and medications provide sufficient relief. Minimally invasive techniques or operations could help other people.

Working closely with a healthcare provider to identify the most suitable course of action is crucial with a wide range of choices. Early diagnosis and treatment of BPH can significantly enhance quality of life and help to avoid further complications.

BPH treatments may fall under general health insurance coverage. At Star Health, we provide various plans that may cover hospital stays and surgical procedures, depending on the chosen policy.