Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate, is a common ailment that affects men as they age. Numerous urinary issues, such as poor urine flow, difficulty initiating urination, and frequent urination, can result from this illness.

Certain men may need to undergo surgical operations in order to relieve their discomfort, even while medication and lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms. The common treatments available for treating an enlarged prostate will be examined in this article.

Prostate Enlargement Diagnosis

A healthcare practitioner will usually do a number of diagnostic tests before deciding on the best course of action. These tests may include:

• Medical history: Talking about any past medical conditions and symptoms.
• Physical examination: Measuring the size and tenderness of the prostate by doing a digital rectal exam (DRE).
• Urine tests: To look for anomalies or infections.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): Levels are measured as part of  blood tests procedures to rule out prostate cancer.
• Urodynamic tests: Evaluation of urine flow and bladder function.

Modifications to Lifestyle

Certain lifestyle modifications, in addition to medicine, can help reduce the symptoms of BPH:

Cutting back on alcohol and caffeine – Drinking less water before bed – Practicing double voiding (peeing once, then waiting a short while and trying to urinate again)

Options for Surgical Treatment

A number of surgical alternatives may be taken into consideration if non-surgical treatments are deemed insufficient or if the symptoms are severe.

1. Prostate transurethral resection (TURP): The most popular surgical treatment for BPH is TURP. Using a resectoscope, a portion of the prostate tissue is removed through the urethra. This operation, which is typically carried out under local or general anesthesia, can dramatically improve problems related to the urinary tract. Most people see rapid symptom relief, but there could be dangers like erectile dysfunction, bleeding, or infection.
2. Laser Treatment: Prostate tissue can be eliminated or destroyed using laser therapy by using concentrated light energy. There are several different laser methods.
3. Prostate enucleation with a Holmium Laser (HoLEP): This minimally invasive technique involves the removal of prostate tissue and is helpful for bigger prostates.
4. Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP): This technique uses a laser to vaporize prostate tissue, which reduces discomfort and speeds up healing. Compared to traditional surgery, laser therapy typically has fewer side effects and requires less time recovering from the procedure and hospital stays.
5. Uro Lift, or Prostatic Urethral Lift: In order to relieve pressure without removing tissue, the Uro Lift treatment involves putting tiny implants to raise and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. Under local anesthetic, this minimally invasive surgery can be carried out in a doctor’s office and usually results in a quicker recovery with fewer side effects.
6. Prostate Transurethral Incision (TUIP): Small incisions are made in the prostate gland during the less invasive TUIP technique in order to release pressure on the urethra. It can be done under local or general anesthesia, and it is appropriate for men whose prostates are smaller.
7. Transplanting a prostate: An open prostatectomy might be required in situations where the prostate is exceedingly big. An abdominal incision is used during this invasive treatment to remove the prostate. It has a longer recovery period and a higher risk of complications, but it may also significantly relieve symptoms.

Conclusion

A man’s quality of life can be greatly impacted by an enlarged prostate, but there are several treatment options available. Men with BPH can find customized relief from drugs, lifestyle modifications, minimally invasive procedures, and traditional surgery.

Seek advice from a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action if you exhibit signs of an enlarged prostate. A higher quality of life and greater results can result from early intervention.