Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that affects many men as they age. The prostate gland enlarges and can cause urinary problems, such as difficulty urinating or a weak stream of urine. There are several potential causes of an enlarged prostate, the most common of which is hormonal changes that take place as men age.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and may include lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. Below we will talk about the nonsurgical and surgical options used to treat an enlarged prostate.
Non-Surgical Treatments for an Enlarged Prostate
There are a number of non-surgical treatments for an enlarged prostate. The most common is medication, which can help to shrink the prostate and relieve symptoms. Other options include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and pelvic floor exercises.
Medications that can help with an enlarged prostate include:
- Alpha-blockers: These work by relaxing the muscles around the prostate, making it easier to urinate.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: These work by reducing the amount of testosterone in the body, which can shrink the size of the prostate.
- Antiandrogens: These block testosterone from binding to receptors in the body, which can also shrink the size of an enlarged prostate.
Lifestyle changes include staying warm, remaining physically active, avoiding caffeinated drinks, and urinating when you feel like it. These steps help men with mild symptoms of BPH experience an improvement in symptoms.
Surgical Treatments for an Enlarged Prostate
Three of the most commonly used surgeries to treat enlarged prostate are prostatectomy, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and UroLift.
- Prostatectomy is surgery to remove the prostate gland. The surgeon will make an incision in the lower abdomen and remove the entire prostate gland. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days after this surgery.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) involves removing part of the prostate through a small incision in the urethra. During a TURP procedure, an instrument called a resectoscope is inserted into the penis through the urethra. The resectoscope has a light and camera on one end and thin wires with electric current on the other side (electrodes). The electrodes are used to cut away excess tissue from around the urethra so that it no longer blocks urine flow.
- The UroLift System is a minimally invasive, permanent solution for men with symptomatic BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) that requires no incisions. It uses patented technology to deliver tiny implants that lift and support the enlarged prostate tissue, relieving urinary obstruction and retention without removing or destroying the gland. More than 90% of patients who have undergone the UroLift procedure report significant symptom relief and improvement in their quality of life.
Enlarged Prostate Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Desiderio Avila Jr. at Ironwood Urology is a board-certified urologist in Phoenix and is highly trained in the treatment of enlarged prostates. Dr. Avila can both prescribe non-surgical treatments and perform highly advanced minimally invasive surgeries to relieve the painful symptoms that prevent you from having a normal life.
To find out what treatment options Dr. Avila will recommend for you, schedule an appointment with him today. Call our urology clinic in Phoenix today at (480) 961-2323 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
