What are the Treatments for a Prostrate Hypertrophy?

Prostate hypertrophy, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate, is a common condition seen in older men. If symptoms such as frequent urination or urinary difficulties are present and bothersome, several treatments are available. The type of treatment chosen will depend on the nature and severity of the condition.

Types

• The types of treatment available for prostate hypertophy include medications that shrink or relax the prostate and several types of surgery to relieve symptoms.

Time Frame

• If prosate hypertrophy is diagnosed without symptoms, some men wait to see if symptoms appear or worsen before considering treatment. In this case, a urologist must perform regular examinations to determine if and when treatment will be given.

Features

• Both conventional surgery and laser surgery can quickly improve symptoms of prostate hypertrophy and the improvement is generally long-lasting. Medical treatments decrease symptoms only as long as the medicine is taken, and may have side effects.

Significance

• By the age of 80, up to 30 percent of all men will have symptoms of BPH severe enough to warrant treatment, according to the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute of the Johns Hopkins Medicine group.

Potential

• Among newer treatments being considered for BPH are a variety of thermal procedures that heat and destroy prostate tissue to resolve symptoms.