Did you know that 50% of males over the age of 50 are affected by an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)? This health issue causes difficulty urinating and constant urination that increases the risk of urinary tract infection. If ignored, BPH can even lead to more severe health problems, like bladder stones or kidney damage.
The good news is a comprehensive overview of several treatment options for BPH will be discussed in this section.
What Is BPH?
While BPH is the enlargement of a prostate gland, it is not cancerous. When the prostate gland that borders the tube that takes urine from the bladder out of the body becomes too big, it makes it tough to pee, makes an individual go often, or causes a weak stream. It is additionally believed that age and hormone alterations can cause an enlarged prostate, which is why it is more typical in older men.
Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate
Lifestyle Change
Changing your everyday routine can help relieve the symptoms of BPH. For instance, exercising on a regular basis and keeping a healthy weight can reduce the level of signs and symptoms. Less red meat and increased fiber intake can help enhance urinary function. Lowering caffeine and alcohol intake can help restrict the frequency of urination.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
There are now several minimally invasive procedures that can help reduce symptoms. Here are some of them:
- Transurethral microwave therapy. This utilizes heat produced by microwaves to damage excess prostate tissue.
- Prostatic urethral lift. It utilizes small implants to raise and hold the enlarged prostate tissue.
- REZUM. This therapy utilizes steam to reduce excess prostate tissue and is also an outpatient BPH procedure.
All these minimally invasive procedures can be done in a doctor’s office by a dedicated urologist in Hamilton, require little healing time, and have proven effective in reducing the signs and symptoms and improving the quality of life for those affected.
Surgery
Surgical treatment might be necessary for more severe cases of BPH. However, several factors must be taken into consideration, like the size of the prostate, the patient’s health, medical history, and diagnostic test for BPH, before surgery might be advised. Some instances of surgical treatment are transurethral resection of the prostate, laser surgery, and open prostatectomy. Bear in mind that the decision of which treatment to go with should be made by a licensed physician based on the patient’s needs and medical history.
Alternative Therapies
Aside from medical and surgical treatments, an additional method to reducing the symptoms of BPH is:
- Herbal supplements (e.g., saw palmetto, pygeum, rye grass pollen extract).
- Acupuncture.
- Yoga and relaxation techniques.
- Bladder training and pelvic floor exercises.
- Prostate massage (executed by a trained specialist).
While it’s great to have a lot of options, it is best to seek advice from a medical professional prior to attempting any alternative treatment.
Conclusion
While BPH can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, many effective therapies are now readily available, including lifestyle changes, minimally invasive procedures such as REZUM, surgery, and alternative therapies. It is essential to see a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan if you are experiencing any symptoms of an enlarged prostate. As always, working with specialists can enhance your quality of life and manage the symptoms.