Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a common condition that many men face as they get older. It happens when the prostate gland gets bigger. This can cause problems like needing to urinate often, trouble peeing, or feeling like your bladder is not empty. BPH is not dangerous, but these symptoms can be frustrating and affect your daily life.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to manage and treat BPH. This article will explain BPH treatment options, so you can feel confident about finding what works best for you.
1. Watchful Waiting and Lifestyle Changes
If your BPH symptoms are mild, you might not need immediate treatment. Instead, you can try “watchful waiting.” This means keeping an eye on your symptoms and making some tweaks to your daily habits to feel better.
Here is how you can manage it:
- Be Smart About Staying Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day, but do not drink too much at once.
- Watch What You Drink: Cutting back on coffee, tea, and alcohol might help since these drinks can irritate your bladder.
- Take Your Time in the Bathroom: Make sure you fully empty your bladder each time you go. Rushing can leave urine behind, worsening symptoms.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise and eating well can ease your symptoms and improve your overall health.
- Check Your Medications: Some cold or allergy medicines might make it harder to urinate.
These small changes can help you feel more comfortable and may prevent the need for further treatments.
2. Medications for BPH
If making changes to your lifestyle is not enough to improve your symptoms, medications might help. Doctors often suggest these to ease discomfort and target what is causing the problem.
Here are the main types:
Alpha Blockers
These medicines help relax the muscles around the bladder and prostate, making it easier to urinate. They work quickly to give relief but do not shrink the prostate. Examples include tamsulosin and alfuzosin.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
These medications help shrink the prostate by blocking hormones that make it grow. They take longer to work—sometimes a few months—but can give long-term improvement. Finasteride and dutasteride are common options.
Combination Therapy
Sometimes, using both alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors works better than using just one. This approach can provide stronger relief for some men.
Tadalafil (Cialis)
While originally created to treat erectile issues, this medication also helps some men with BPH symptoms. Tadalafil makes it easier to urinate.
It is important to talk to your doctor to find the medication that suits you best. Your health history and specific symptoms will help guide the right choice for your needs.
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Sometimes, medications might not be enough. In these cases, minimally invasive BPH treatment options offer aid without the need for extensive surgery.
These procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
- Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT): This procedure uses microwaves to heat and destroy excess prostate tissue.
- Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA): TUNA uses radiofrequency waves to eliminate prostate tissue that blocks urine flow.
- Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift): Small implants are placed in the prostate to hold it away from the urethra, improving urine flow.
- Water Vapor Therapy (Rezum): This innovative treatment injects water vapor into the prostate, causing excess tissue to shrink.
Minimally invasive options are often preferred for men who want a quick recovery. These BPH treatment options are also great for those who want minimal impact on their daily lives.
4. Surgical Options
For severe cases, surgical BPH treatment options may be the best option. While more invasive, surgical treatments are highly effective and often provide long-term relief. There are three approaches to surgery:
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
This is the most common surgical procedure for BPH. It involves removing excess tissue to relieve oversized prostate symptoms. TURP is a minimally invasive surgery, and patients can typically leave soon after the procedure. Some patients may elect to remain in a hospital for a short recovery and observation period.
Laser Surgery
Laser techniques use high-energy lasers to remove overgrown prostate tissue. One example is holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP).
Open or Robotic Prostatectomy
These advanced methods involve removing part of the prostate gland and are typically reserved for very large prostates.
Surgery is usually the best approach if other treatments have not provided the desired results.
5. Experimental and Emerging Treatments
Research into BPH treatments is ongoing, and new options are constantly being developed. Some emerging treatments include targeted drug delivery systems and advanced laser techniques. While these options may not yet be widely available, they offer hope for improved outcomes in the future.
6. Trust a Specialist for Personalized Care
It is crucial to consult a urologist who specializes in BPH and prostate health. Every man’s situation is unique, meaning the treatment for high PSA levels also varies. Working with an expert ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs and lifestyle.
Effective BPH Treatment Options in Phoenix & Gilbert, AZ
Living with BPH can be frustrating, but you do not have to face it alone. By understanding your treatment options, you can take control of your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Whether you are considering medications or other BPH treatment options, a personalized approach is key.
At Ironwood Urology, you will find expert care and compassionate support. Our very own fellowship-trained urologist, Dr. Desiderio (Desi) Avila, Jr., has extensive experience in helping men manage BPH effectively. If you are ready to explore your BPH treatment options, call us today at (480) 961-2323. You can also request a consultation to learn more. Take the first step toward relief, and trust Ironwood Urology to guide you every step of the way.
The best urologist near you looks forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9100-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
