This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.
Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
The treatment options for an enlarged prostate include the following methods:
Self Care
Self care can be beneficial in treating mild symptoms.
- Patients should urinate as often as they feel the urge to urinate or even if they don't feel the urge.
- Patients should avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol, particularly after dinner.
- When drinking fluids, patients should avoid drinking a large amount at once. Patients should not drink anything two hours before bedtime.
- Over-the-counter medicines for sinus and cold may have decongestants or antihistamines, which can raise the symptoms. So, patients should avoid these.
- Patients should learn and practice exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles, like Kegel exercises.
- Patients should consider lowering tension and stress levels, which often cause recurrent urination.
Medication
A few types of medication can be beneficial to people suffering from enlarged prostate.
The type of medication used has to be discussed with your physician.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a herb used by many patients affected with an enlarged prostate. There is no evidence to prove the effectiveness of saw palmetto in treating the condition of prostate enlargement. Research on this is still required. Patients may use saw palmetto after consulting with the doctor.
Surgery
Surgery is recommended if the symptoms are severe, for instance:
- Kidney failure
- Frequent discharge of blood in the urine
- Incontinence
- Urinary retention
- Bladder stones
Surgical methods that are used to treat enlarged prostate are as follows:
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
This is a widely used surgery for treating prostate enlargement. An endoscopic device is inserted through the penis to remove the prostate in pieces.
- Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP)
This surgery is similar to TURP; however, it is performed more among patients with smaller prostates. An endoscopic device is inserted through the penis to reach the prostate. Then an incision is made in the prostate that increases the size of the opening of the urethra and bladder.
- Simple Prostatectomy
During this surgery, an incision is made in the abdomen to remove the interior portion of the prostate gland. The exterior part is left intact. It is performed using general anesthesia and the patient usually needs to stay for 5 to 10 days in the hospital.
Less Invasive Treatments
Some of the techniques of less invasive treatments are:
- Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA)
- Transurethral electro vaporization (TUVP)
- Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT)
- Interstitial laser coagulation (ILC)
- Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)
- Water-induced thermotherapy (WIT)
Learn more about Enlarged Prostate