Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Or BPH) Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Problems, And Treatments

12. Medications

Medications such as alpha-blockers help relax muscle fibers in the prostate, easing symptoms. Examples of alpha-blockers are terazosin, tamsulosin, alfuzosin, doxazosin, and prazosin. Alpha blockers have been shown to shrink the prostate in some men.

Other medications include 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, PDE5 inhibitors, antimuscarinic drugs, and desmopressin. Nonetheless, it is best to get with a doctor to see which medication works best.

11. Surgery

Surgery can help reduce the frequency and weak flow of urine. It can also help relieve symptoms related to incomplete emptying of the bladder. Surgical procedures to treat BPH are minimally invasive, such as transurethral needle ablation (TUNA).

These procedures involve the use of radio waves to burn the excess tissue inside the prostate. There is minimal bleeding, and most people see results almost immediately after the procedure.

10. GreenLight Laser Therapy

GreenLight Laser Therapy is an excellent treatment option for patients suffering from an enlarged prostate. It works by delivering laser energy through a small fiber placed in the urethra through a cystoscope.

The energy destroys the enlarged prostate tissue and promotes urinary flow. The procedure generally takes a few hours and results in relief from symptoms within a day. GreenLight laser therapy is a less invasive alternative to surgery to treat BPH.

9. Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy targets the production of male sex hormones called androgens. These hormones are produced in the testicles and the adrenal glands. By blocking their production, hormone therapy can reduce the fuel that prostate cells need to grow.

In high-risk cases, patients with an enlarged prostate may be eligible for hormone therapy. These therapies are generally given in conjunction with radiation therapy or surgery.

8. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a nonsurgical procedure that uses liquid argon to freeze prostate tissue. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses cold temperatures to shrink the prostate. The procedure involves the use of freezing gases that are passed down needles placed into the prostate.

The temperature of the prostate tissue is lowered to –40°C. The procedure can be repeated a number of times.

7. Rezum Water Vapor Therapy

Rezum Water Vapor Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment for BPH that can improve urinary function and allow patients to return to normal activities soon after the procedure.

This treatment works by using water vapor thermal energy from radiofrequency power to remove targeted prostate tissue. Unlike traditional prostate surgery, Rezum Water Vapor Therapy is painless and requires only local anesthesia.

6. Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HoLEP)

Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) is a modern surgical procedure that removes prostate tissue. Once removed, it can ease the flow of urine.

The technique has been proven to be effective in treating an enlarged prostate. It has the added benefit of being minimally invasive and reducing postoperative pain. The procedure results in an immediate increase in urinary flow and long-term relief from the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

5. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

Prostatic artery embolization is one of the minimally invasive procedures for treating BPH. A catheter is inserted through the groin and guided toward the prostate. After the catheter is in place, tiny particles are injected into the artery that supplies blood to the prostate.

These microspheres block the blood flow and shrink the prostate. The procedure takes about one to four hours depending on the size of the artery and the prostate.

4. Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT)

Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT) is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat BPH symptoms. The procedure involves inserting a catheter containing a microwave antenna into the prostatic urethra. This microwave energy causes the prostate to heat up.

The heat from microwaves kills prostate tissue. This particular type of therapy helps reduce symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty in urinating, and urinary tract infections.

3. Transurethral Resection Of The Prostate (TURP)

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a procedure that removes the inside part of the enlarged prostate. The procedure involves passing a thin instrument up the urethra through the tip of the penis.

The thin instrument is used to guide the surgical process by cutting the abnormal tissue inside the prostate. Then, the surgeon seals broken blood vessels and removes the abnormal tissue.

2. Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA)

Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) is an outpatient procedure that uses high-frequency radio waves to destroy the tissue surrounding the enlarged prostate. The procedure begins by inserting a thin, lighted tube into the urethra.

Two needles are then passed through the urethra and into the prostate gland. The needles are then heated by radiofrequency energy to destroy the tissue around the enlarged prostate.  The radio waves that bounce back from the prostate gland destroy the tissue surrounding the needles.

1. Transurethral Incision Of The Prostate (TUIP)

TURP, or Transurethral Incision of the Prostate, is a surgical procedure that removes part of the prostate gland. This procedure will open up the urinary passage and relieve pressure on the prostate gland.

The doctor will use a resectoscope to cut a section of the prostate gland. Once the incision has been made, a catheter is inserted into the urethra to flush out any blood or debris.

These are BPH treatments, remedies, and care worth knowing about.