[PT2021] How to Treat BPH: Understanding Your Options for Managing Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

[IOS 20]

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) which is also known as an increased
prostate is a very common condition which affects many men who are aging.
It refers to the development of the prostate gland that may trigger urinary
problems, such as difficulty starting urination, frequent urination, and a
weak stream of urine. BPH can be effectively managed through a variety of
treatment options that include lifestyle modifications medication, as well
as in some instances, surgical intervention. This article will go over the
various treatment options available for BPH.

*Understanding BPH and its symptoms:*

Prostate glands are a small shape, walnut-shaped gland which is part of the
male reproductive system. It's located just below the bladder and surrounds
the urethra, the tube that is responsible for carrying urine out into the
body. In BPH, the prostate gland grows in size, placing tension on the
bladder. This can lead to producing urinary symptoms.

*Diagnosis and Assessment for BPH:*



If you're experiencing symptoms associated with How to Treat BPH
<https://adenomaprostate.com/en/articles/4_3/>, it's important to see a
doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. A doctor will conduct an
examination that includes a digital rectal exam (DRE) which allows them to
feel the prostate gland and determine the size. Other tests that may be
carried out include a prostate-specific antibody (PSA) analysis of blood,
urine flow study, and a urinary symptom score questionnaire.

*Conservative Therapies to Treat BPH:*



- Lifestyle Changes: Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage BPH
symptoms, including:

- drinking plenty of water

- Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake

- Going to the bathroom frequently

- Refraining from urinary irritations, like spicy food

- Beware of bladder stimulating activities, such as smoking cigarettes

- Medical Treatment: There are several drugs available to relax the muscles
in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urine. These
medications include:

- Alpha-blockers. These medicines relax the muscle fibers in the prostate
and bladder neck making it easier to flush.

- 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors: These medications reduce the prostate
gland's size by preventing the production of an hormone that encourages the
growth of the prostate.

*Operative Treatments For BPH:*

In certain instances, BPH symptoms may not be adequately treated with
conservative treatment, and surgical intervention may be required. One of
the options for surgery available for BPH include:

- The Transurethral Resection Prostate (TURP) This is the most common
surgical procedure for BPH. It involves removing the obstructing portion of
the prostate via the urethra, relieving the tension on the urethra, and
improving urinary symptoms.

- Laser Prostate Surgery: Laser prostate surgery, including Holmium
laser-enucleation (HoLEP) of the prostate (HoLEP) is a procedure that uses
a laser to remove the obstruction of the prostate gland. It is less
invasive than TURP and has a quicker recovery time.

- open prostatectomy. An open prostatectomy is an invasive surgical
procedure that involves making an incision in the abdomen for access to the
prostate gland. It is typically used for patients with larger prostate
glands that aren't treated with lesser invasive procedures.

- Transurethral incisions of the Prostate (TUIP) The procedure involves
making a small incision into the prostate gland to ease from pressure that
is placed on the urethra. It is generally used by patients with
small-to-medium-sized prostate glands, as well as mild or moderate symptoms.

https://adenomaprostate.com/en/articles/4_3/
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