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Treatments for BPH

According to the Mayo Clinic, an enlarged prostate, otherwise known as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), can slowly grow to obstruct urine flow and can lead to other complications, such as urinary tract infections (UTI); kidney trouble, such as blood in urine and kidney failure, and stones in the bladder. While this is generally diagnosed from exams and X-rays, getting treatment is usually the first thing on the newly diagnosed patient's mind.

  1. Behavior Therapy for BPH

    • There are times when there will not be a need for medication and surgery to treat BPH. In these situations, behavior therapy has been found to be beneficial. The Mayo Clinic found that by reducing the amount of fluids given at night and by going to the bathroom at regularly scheduled intervals, BPH may be controlled. Other items that help are eliminating caffeine and alcohol from the diet, exercise and a process known as "double voiding" (or going to the bathroom twice) within just a few moments.

    BPH Medications

    • BPH patients can find that some medications, or a combination of drugs, can help treat their symptoms quite well. These can include anticholinergics that prolong the frequency of urination and increase the capacity of the bladder. Alpha blockers are other medications that are found to be helpful. Alpha blockers relax the bladder muscles, and the FDA has approved several to treat BPH, such as Flomax (tamsulosin), Cardura (doxazosin), Hytrin (terazosin), and Uroxatral (alfuzosin).

    BPH Surgery Treatment Option

    • BPH patients with small prostate issues can opt for the TUIP procedure, or transurethral incision of the prostate. The doctor goes through the urethra to make incisions in the prostate, reducing pressure and making it easier to urinate. This only requires a one- to three-day hospital stay.

      BPH patients with larger prostate issues can opt for an open prostatectomy. For this, the doctor will go in through the abdomen and remove the prostate's inner core. This requires several days in the hospital and pain medication due to moderate post-operative pain. A catheter will also be required upon leaving the hospital.

    When to Go for Treatment

    • Some men will never have to seek treatment even when they are showing signs of BPH. According to the American Urological Association, whenever your signs are interfering with your daily life or if it's so severe that it's complicating your sexual or general health, then you should seek treatment. Only you and your doctor will know when the right time to seek treatment is.

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