Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for an enlarged prostate

by Kristy Corwin Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication is the most common treatment for mild to moderate symptoms of prostate enlargement. The options include: Alpha blockers. These medications relax bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate, making urination easier.

Medication

What to Do

  • Consume a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds a couple of times per day.
  • As an alternate remedy, you can crush a handful of fresh seeds in 1 cup of boiling water.
  • Remove them from the heat, cover and allow them to steep until the liquid is room temperature.
  • Strain and drink this infused water a couple of times per week.

Procedures

  • Always wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after touching your catheter or drainage bag.
  • Wash the catheter and the area around it at least twice a day with warm water and unscented soap. ...
  • Drink plenty of fluids (1.5 to 2 litres, or 3 to 4 pints a day).

More items...

Nutrition

Traditional Treatment Methods for Enlarged Prostate

  • BPH treatment options. Don’t resign yourself to living with BPH. ...
  • Alpha blockers for BPH. ...
  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for BPH. ...
  • Medication combo. ...
  • Stand the heat. ...
  • TUNA treatment. ...
  • Getting in hot water. ...
  • Surgical choices. ...
  • Laser surgery. ...
  • Open simple prostatectomy. ...

More items...

See more

To treat an enlarged prostate, start with lifestyle changes like exercising more often and lowering your caffeine and alcohol consumption. You can also strengthen your bladder muscles by holding your urine longer every time you have to pee. If you need additional relief, over-the-counter beta-sitosterol tablets can offer short-term improvement ...

What is the best natural remedy for an enlarged prostate?

How do you heal an enlarged prostate?

What surgical options are available for enlarged prostate?

How do you cure prostate enlargement?

See more

How to treat enlarged prostate?

What is a 0 to 7 prostate?

Can BPH cause erection problems?

Can you treat enlarged prostate without treatment?

See more

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Can enlarged prostate Be Cured?

Although there is no cure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate, there are many useful options for treating the problem. Treatments focus on prostate growth, which is the cause of BPH symptoms. Once prostate growth starts, it often continues unless medical therapy is started.

What is the fastest way to shrink an enlarged prostate?

You can take alpha-blockers such as terazosin (Hytrin) or tamsulosin (Flomax) to help relax the prostate and bladder muscles. You can also take dutasteride (Avodart) or finasteride (Proscar), a different kind of medication for reducing BPH symptoms. These block the hormones that cause the prostate to grow.

What is the latest treatment for enlarged prostate?

- Rezum is the newest, minimally invasive treatment that reduces BPH symptoms without the side effects commonly associated with medication. This procedure uses the thermal energy stored in a few drops of water to treat the excess prostate tissue.

What are causes of an enlarged prostate?

The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but it's believed to be linked to hormonal changes as a man gets older. The balance of hormones in your body changes as you get older and this may cause your prostate gland to grow.

What is the latest treatment for enlarged prostate 2021?

Physicians at UC San Diego Health are now offering prostate artery embolization (PAE) as a new treatment option for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. The minimally invasive procedure is an alternative to surgery, with no hospital stay, little operative pain and lower cost.

What happens if you leave an enlarged prostate untreated?

Left untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to a sudden inability to urinate, cause urinary tract infections and bladder or kidney damage.

How can I shrink my prostate without surgery?

MedicationAlpha blockers. These medications relax bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate, making urination easier. ... 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. These medications shrink your prostate by preventing hormonal changes that cause prostate growth. ... Combination drug therapy. ... Tadalafil (Cialis).

Can an enlarged prostate go back to normal?

Can an Enlarged Prostate Be Cured? For most patients, BPH (enlarged prostate) is curable. Some people see a significant reduction in symptoms with medication alone. If medicine does not work, or your prostate is too large, surgery will often remove enough of the prostate to provide you with relief.

At what size of prostate requires surgery?

TURP developed itself to become the gold standard of surgical treatment for medium sized prostates. The EAU guidelines, based on grade A evidence, recommends TURP for prostates between 35 and 80 ml. Over that limit, open surgery seems to remain the only option for treating BPH, according to available clinical evidence.

What foods should you avoid if you have an enlarged prostate?

Limit your consumption of red meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and goat, and processed meats, such as bologna and hot dogs. Fish, skinless poultry, beans, and eggs are healthier sources of protein. Choose healthful fats, such as olive oil, nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), and avocados.

What is the best thing to drink for your prostate?

Both green tea and hibiscus tea are among the top drinks for prostate health. Both types of tea contain potent antioxidants. Studies show that green tea can help prevent prostate cancer from forming and may also slow the growth of aggressive prostate cancer.

What should you not drink with an enlarged prostate?

You should avoid drinks that increase your urination. These can dehydrate you. These include caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee, green tea, black tea and soft drinks or sodas. Alcohol can also dehydrate you.

Best drugs to shrink prostate?

have you tried or heard of Preminal MenCare+ ,I have started using these and in my opinion they seem to work for me, my flow rate and pressure has become stronger and they certainly have improved on less trips to the toilet , and no longer have to get up through the night to go to the toilet , ,just thought I would mention these to you or anyone that might find this useful,,

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Flomax Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 17 June 2022), Cerner Multum™ (updated 3 June 2022), ASHP (updated 16 May ...

Treatment options for enlarged prostate - Mayo Clinic News Network

For men over 50, prostate problems are common. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and surrounds the top portion of the urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder. The prostate's primary function is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. As men age, the prostate gland […]

What is the best medication for prostate cancer?

This class of medications works by relaxing the bladder neck muscles and the muscle fibers in the prostate. The muscle relaxation makes it easier to urinate. You can expect an increase in urine flow and a less frequent need to urinate within a day or two if you take an alpha blocker for BPH. Alpha blockers include: 1 alfuzosin (Uroxatral) 2 doxazosin (Cardura) 3 silodosin (Rapaflo) 4 tamsulosin (Flomax) 5 terazosin (Hytrin)

What percentage of men in their 50s have an enlarged prostate?

You’re not alone — the Urology Care Foundation estimates that 50 percent of men in their 50s have an enlarged prostate. The prostate is the gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm. It grows larger with age.

How does laser surgery work for BPH?

Laser surgery for BPH involves inserting a scope through the penis tip into the urethra. A laser passed through the scope removes prostate tissue by ablation (melting) or enucleation (cutting). The laser melts excess prostate tissue in photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP).

How does a prostatectomy work?

In open simple prostatectomy, the surgeon makes an incision below the navel or several small incisions in the abdomen via laparoscopy. Unlike prostatectomy for prostate cancer when the entire prostate gland is removed, in open simple prostatectomy the surgeon removes only the portion of the prostate blocking urine flow.

How does hot water work on prostate?

Hot water is delivered through a catheter to a treatment balloon that sits in the center of the prostate in water-induced thermotherapy. This computer-controlled procedure heats a defined area of the prostate while neighboring tissues are protected. The heat destroys the problematic tissue.

What is the name of the condition that blocks the urethra from urinating out of the pen

An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can block the urethra from transporting urine from the bladder and out of the penis. Keep reading to learn about traditional treatments for BPH.

What are the treatment options for kidney failure?

In severe cases it can lead to kidney damage. Treatment options include medications and surgery. You and your doctor will consider several factors when you evaluate these choices. These factors include: how much your symptoms interfere with your life. the size of your prostate. your age. your overall health.

What is the best treatment for an enlarged prostate?

The first higher-level treatment is to begin taking prescription drugs for an enlarged prostate. One class of medication is an alpha blocker. These medications, such as Flomax, Rapaflo, and Cardura, work by relaxing the affected muscles around the prostate to encourage urine flow. Another type of medication is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.

What is the best treatment for BPH?

For moderate to severe BPH, you may need a medical procedure to relieve your symptoms. There are a variety of procedures, including laser therapy, microwave heat, or prostate tissue compression. Partial prostate removal and full removal are more invasive but may be necessary for extremely large prostate glands.

How do you know if you have a prostate?

Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include frequent and urgent urination, troubles with urine stream, incontinence and dribbling, pain after urination, and urine remaining in the bladder. About 50 percent of men in their 50s and 60s show symptoms ...

Why is BPH important?

The prostate is a significant organ in the male reproductive system because it helps produce fluid for semen. Beginning around age 25, the prostate begins a natural growth period that continues throughout a man's life.

How to stop dribbling in urine?

You can also try Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles and reduce urine dribbling. To do these exercises, squeeze the muscles that affect urine flow and then release, repeating several times to train the muscles.

Is prostate cancer non-cancerous?

This condition, often called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, is non-cancerous but can sometimes have similar symptoms to prostate cancer.

Does exercise help with prostate health?

Exercise can improve with your overall fitness, as well as benefit your prostate health. Studies have shown a connection between increased physical activity and reduced risk of BPH, with exercise of any type having some degree of benefit.

Drugs can often help, but sometimes surgery is needed

As men age, they often experience a new kind of growth spurt, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate gland.

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As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs when the prostate and surrounding tissues expand. Typically, a male’s prostate is roughly the size of a walnut or golf ball, however, it has the potential to grow up to the size of an orange as the gland grows.

Treating BPH With Rezūm Water Therapy

Rezūm water therapy is a great option to provide lasting relief for those who do not want to treat BPH with medication or invasive surgery. This is a non-surgical treatment that uses the power of water, vapor, or steam, to remove excess prostate tissue that is pressing against the urethra, causing lower urinary tract symptoms.

Benefits of Using Rezūm Water Therapy

Having BPH can mean frequent trips to the bathroom and even interrupted sleep. The greatest benefit of Rezūm water therapy is how it works to relieve frustrating BPH symptoms that otherwise may still be present. Rezūm water therapy does not require painful surgery or medication, and is minimally invasive.

Treating BPH with UroLift

Similar to Rezūm, UroLift is a one time, in-office procedure that provides rapid relief and recovery for men living with symptoms of an enlarged prostate. The UroLift system is a relatively straightforward procedure that utilizes tiny implants to lift the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra so that urine is no longer blocked.

Benefits of Using UroLift

As you know, benign prostatic hyperplasia can have a negative impact on a man’s quality of life. An advantage of UroLift is that it doesn’t just treat BPH symptoms, but it completely removes the blockage to the urethra so that lower urinary tract symptoms do not worsen or reoccur.

Which Treatment is Right for Me?

Ultimately, the decision of which treatment would be best for your enlarged prostate should be decided between you and your healthcare provider. It’s important to discuss the process for each procedure with your doctor to determine the best treatment for enlarged prostate.

Other Available BPH Treatments

Although Rezūm and UroLift are the best treatment for enlarged prostate, they aren’t the only methods available to you. The severity of BPH varies from person to person, so not every treatment will be effective for every patient.

What is the best treatment for prostate cancer?

Alpha Blockers. Alpha blockers relax the smooth muscle around the bladder neck and within the urethra. Inhibitors. Inhibitors stop the conversion of the male hormone testosterone to DHT to reduce the prostate's size, eliminating blockage.

Why is a healthy prostate important?

To begin with, a healthy prostate is important in supporting sperm nourishment and transport. When a man ejaculates, the prostate produces the semen that propels the sperm. In a post-pubescent male, the prostate is about the size of a walnut and stays that way until age 40.

Why does my prostate grow again?

There is not a consensus among physicians on exactly why the prostate begins to grow again, though it is widely speculated that an excess of certain hormones may be the catalyst. One study has shown a high correlation between DHT levels (dihydrotestosterone) in the blood and enlarged prostates.

What is the difference between prostate surgery and laser surgery?

Laser surgery - Laser surgery uses laser energy to destroy prostate tissue and shrink the prostate. Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP). This surgery does not involve removing prostate tissue.

How big is a prostate?

In a post-pubescent male, the prostate is about the size of a walnut and stays that way until age 40. For a still unknown reason, the prostate experiences a second growth spurt and can grow to the size of an apricot or even a lemon.

What is it called when a man has minimal symptoms of BPH?

Men experiencing minimal symptoms of BPH may choose to practice what is called active surveillance. This means to simply monitor your condition and continue to meet with his physician regularly until changes warrant intervention.

Is the position in relation to the urethra more important than the actual size?

As with real estate , it’s all about location, location, location. The position in relation to the urethra is more important than the actual size. What must be remembered is if you recognize any of the enlarged prostate symptoms below, you need to ask for clinical testing to determine obstruction.

Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Bph

While each patient may experience different individual or combined symptoms, the most common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include:

Prostate Artery Embolization Relieves Urinary Symptoms Of Bph Without Causing Major Side Effects

A minimally invasive treatment that reduces urinary tract symptoms for men with enlarged prostates maintains its effectiveness for at least three years after patients undergo the therapy, according to new research. This study of 1,000 men is the largest of its kind to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of prostate artery embolization .

Diagnosis Of An Enlarged Prostate

The doctor will ask some detailed questions about the symptoms and by doing a physical exam. This will include:

What Is The Latest Treatment For Enlarged Prostate

Prostatic enlargement is a common condition men have with aging. More than 50% of men above 60 years of age have this condition.

Questions To Ask Yourself About Enlarged Prostate Treatment

When you discuss the treatment options for an enlarged prostate with your doctor, keep these points in mind:

How To Treat Prostate Enlargement

The treatment prescribed depends on the degree of the enlargement and the severity of symptoms. Heres how a normal treatment plan works:

Find Your Bph Symptom Score

The International Prostate Symptom Score is a common method for screening and diagnosing benign prostatic hyperplasia . The survey asks seven urinary symptom questions and one quality of life question to help determine the severity of your BPH.

How to treat enlarged prostate?

The AUA recommends the following treatment for an enlarged prostate based on the severity of symptoms: 1 Mild symptoms that don't bother you (AUA score 0 to 7): If you are not bothered by your symptoms, and they don't affect your daily life, watchful waiting is the best option for you. You should get regular checkups to make sure that you are not developing complications. 2 Moderate to severe symptoms (AUA score of 8 or more): If you are not bothered by your symptoms, you may choose watchful waiting. However, if your symptoms do start to interfere, you may choose medication, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgery. 3 Moderate to severe symptoms (AUA score of 8 or more) with complications: If symptoms are bothersome and you have developed complications such as inability to urinate, you may need a catheter, surgery, or other treatment.

What is a 0 to 7 prostate?

A score of 0 to 7 is considered a mild symptom score; 8 or over is considered moderate to severe. The AUA recommends the following treatment for an enlarged prostate based on the severity of symptoms: Mild symptoms that don't bother you (AUA score 0 to 7): If you are not bothered by your symptoms, and they don't affect your daily life, ...

Can BPH cause erection problems?

Side effects of treatments: Some BPH treatments cause erection problems, although that risk is low. Men who have normal erections before surgery will not likely have trouble afterward.

Can you treat enlarged prostate without treatment?

If your enlarged prostate symptoms are mild and not bothersome, there's likely no need for treatment. One-third of men with mild BPH find that their symptoms clear up without treatment. They may just watch and wait.

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Prognosis

Treatment

Mechanism of action

Results

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Pawan Katti
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment depends on the size of the prostate, age and overall health of the patient.
Medication

Alpha blockers: Relax the bladder neck muscles and prostate muscles for easier urination.

Alfuzosin . Doxazosin . Tamsulosin


5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Prevent hormonal changes and shrink the prostate.

Finasteride . Dutasteride

Procedures

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): Whole except the outer part of the prostate is removed.

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP): One or two cuts are made in the prostate.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT): Inner portion of the prostate is destroyed by inserting an electrode.

Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA): Excess prostate tissue blocking urine flow is destroyed by radio waves.

Laser therapy: Laser beams are used to destroy the overgrown prostate.

Prostate lift: Sides of prostate are compressed using special tags.

Embolization: Size of prostate is decreased by blocking the blood supply.

Open or robot-assisted prostatectomy: Prostate is removed by making an incision on lower abdomen.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Food rich in vitamin C like broccoli, sprouts, cauliflower, and tomatoes
  • Food rich in zinc: oyster, crab, baked beans and lamb

Foods to avoid:

  • Processed food and junk food
  • Food with caffeine like coffee, tea, and fizzy drinks
  • Dairy products like milk and yogurt
  • Foods which are spicy like sauce and pickle

Specialist to consult

Urologist
Specializes in the urinary tract disease.
Andrologist
Specializes in dealing with problems related to the male reproductive system and urological problems that are unique to men.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Nomenclature

Risks

  • Treatment options include medications and surgery. You and your doctor will consider several factors when you evaluate these choices. These factors include: This type of medication reduces the size of the prostate gland by blocking hormones that spur the growth of your prostate gland. Dutasteride (Avodart) and finasteride (Proscar) are two types of...
See more on healthline.com

Mechanism

  • This class of medications works by relaxing the bladder neck muscles and the muscle fibers in the prostate. The muscle relaxation makes it easier to urinate. You can expect an increase in urine flow and a less frequent need to urinate within a day or two if you take an alpha blocker for BPH. Alpha blockers include:
See more on healthline.com

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