Do you suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)? If so, you’re likely looking for ways to manage your symptoms. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide on How to Treat BPH. In this guide, we will explore the different options available to you, such as medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery. We will also discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with each of these treatments. So if you’re ready to learn more about BPH treatment, keep reading!

Understanding BPH

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which is common in older men. As the prostate enlarges, it puts pressure on the urethra and affects the ability to urinate. Common symptoms of BPH include a weak urine stream, frequent urges to urinate, difficulty starting to urinate, and nocturia (urinating at night). The condition occurs when the adenoma (tissue) in the prostate grows, leading to its enlargement. This tissue growth is called adenomaprostate hyperplasia or BPH. It is important to understand that BPH does not lead to prostate cancer, although it can make diagnosis of cancer more difficult.

Causes of BPH

BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It is one of the most common disorders among men over 50. The exact cause of BPH is unknown, but experts believe it’s related to a combination of factors such as aging, genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. BPH occurs when cells in the adenomaprostate (the innermost part of the prostate) multiply abnormally and form a nodule or nodules that enlarge the prostate. This causes the urethra to be blocked, leading to various urinary symptoms.

Treatment Options

When it comes to treating BPH, there are many options available. Some treatments focus on managing the symptoms, while others focus on reducing the size of the adenoma prostate, which can help to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Surgery is typically recommended for more serious cases of BPH, where other treatments have been ineffective. Common surgeries include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and laser ablation. These procedures can reduce the size of the adenoma prostate and help relieve symptoms. However, they may come with side effects and complications such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Medications can help reduce the size of the adenoma prostate and improve urinary flow. Common medications used to treat BPH include alpha blockers, which relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to improve urinary flow; 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which reduce the size of the prostate; and anti-muscarinic agents, which can help relax the muscles in the bladder and improve urinary flow.

There are also a variety of alternative therapies that can help manage BPH symptoms. These therapies include herbal remedies, acupuncture, diet and lifestyle changes, and massage therapy. While these therapies may not be as effective as medications or surgery, they can still help to reduce symptoms.

The best way to prevent BPH is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and managing stress. Additionally, getting regular checkups with your doctor can help identify any potential issues early on and allow for prompt treatment.

Surgery

Surgery is one of the most common treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. The two main types of surgery are transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and laser-assisted resection of the prostate (LARP). TURP is the most common and involves removing excess tissue from the adenomaprostate using a resectoscope passed through the urethra. LARP uses a laser to remove the same excess tissue. Both surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and typically take up to two hours to complete. Both procedures can be done in an outpatient setting.

The main benefit of surgery is that it produces immediate relief of symptoms. Patients generally experience a decrease in urinary frequency, urgency, and nighttime urination. The downside to surgery is that it is not always a permanent solution; some patients may need additional procedures later down the road to manage their BPH. Additionally, side effects can include incontinence, retrograde ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery before deciding if it is the best option for you.

Medications

Medications are a common treatment for BPH and can provide relief from symptoms. They work by relaxing the smooth muscle in the prostate, making it easier to urinate. Common medications used for treating BPH include alpha blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and anticholinergics.

Alpha blockers relax the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. They work quickly and can provide relief from symptoms within a few days. Alpha blockers include alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), silodosin (Rapaflo), tamsulosin (Flomax), and terazosin (Hytrin). Side effects can include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, and sometimes low blood pressure when standing.

5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors:

5-alpha reductase inhibitors work by blocking the action of an enzyme involved in the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone which is thought to cause prostate enlargement. These medications may take several months to take full effect and should be used in combination with other treatments such as alpha blockers or anticholinergics. Common 5-alpha reductase inhibitors include finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart). Side effects can include decreased libido, difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, and decreased semen volume.

Anticholinergics relax the smooth muscle of the bladder and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. They work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in bladder contraction. Common anticholinergics used to treat BPH include oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), solifenacin (Vesicare), and tolterodine (Detrol). Side effects can include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness.