In the United States, an estimated 14 million men suffer from an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis.
As men age, the prostate often enlarges, putting pressure on the urethra and causing urinary problems such as difficulty urinating, a weak stream, and a sense of incomplete emptying. Enlarged prostate is also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Although an enlarged prostate is not cancerous, it can be uncomfortable and may lead to serious health problems if left untreated. There are several treatments available for enlarged prostate, ranging from lifestyle changes to surgery. The best treatment depends on each individual’s symptoms and health situation.
Lifestyle changes: One of the first things doctors recommend for enlarged prostate is making lifestyle changes. Simple changes such as drinking less fluids before bedtime or going to the bathroom more often can help relieve urinary symptoms. Diet may also play a role in managing an enlarged prostate. Some foods such as caffeine and alcohol can aggravate symptoms while others like saw palmetto may help improve them. Exercise is another important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping an enlarged prostate under control. Regular exercise helps reduce stress which can exacerbate BPH symptoms . It also helps promote weight loss which can improve overall health and reduce pressure on the bladder .
Medications: If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to manage symptoms , there are several types of medications that can be used . The most common medications for treating BPH are alpha blockers . These drugs work by relaxing muscles in the bladder neck and prostates , making it easier to urinate . 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are another type of medication used to treat BPH . These drugs work by shrinking the size of your prostate gland , which relieves pressure on your urethra . Antibiotics may also be prescribed if you have an infection in your urinary tract or kidneys . Need More Info? : In some cases , surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of your prostate gland if you have severe urinary obstruction or other complications from BPH . The most common type of surgery for enlarged prostate is transurethral resection ofthe obstructing tissue (TURP) which involves removing tissue through a small scope inserted into your penis through your urethra . After surgery , you will likely experience some urinary incontinence (leakage) but this usually improves with time . You may also need to take medication long-term after surgery to keep yoursymptoms under control
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, there are a few new and emerging treatments for enlarged prostate that show promise. These include:
Prostate artery embolization: This minimally invasive procedure involves blocking the blood supply to the prostate gland. This reduces the size of the gland and relieves urinary symptoms. It is a relatively new procedure and more research is needed to assess its long-term effectiveness.
High-intensity focused ultrasound: This treatment uses ultrasound waves to heat and destroy tissue in the prostate gland. It is less invasive than surgery and has fewer side effects, but it is not yet clear how effective it is in the long term.
Laser ablation: This treatment uses a laser to destroy tissue in the prostate gland. Like HIFU, it is less