Naturally, a lot of men diagnosed with the condition wonder how enlarged prostate is treated. This blog covers some of the treatment options that are available, however your urologist will be able to advise you on which treatments are most appropriate for your condition based upon your individual patient factors.
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition can occur among aging men. Enlarged prostate occurs when the prostate gland undergoes non-cancerous growth, causing troublesome urinary symptoms.
Naturally, a lot of men diagnosed with the condition wonder how enlarged prostate is treated. This blog covers some of the treatment options that are available, however your urologist will be able to advise you on which treatments are most appropriate for your condition based upon your individual patient factors.
How enlarged prostate is treated – What is the prostate?
Some of the most common questions our male patients have are around how enlarged prostate is treated. The prostate gland is located just below of the bladder, in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra. The function of the prostate is to produce part of the fluid the makes up semen.
Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to alleviate or improve the uncomfortable symptoms that are caused by an enlarged prostate.
How enlarged prostate is treated – Medical treatment options
One of the ways that enlarged prostate is treated is with pharmaceuticals (medical treatment). Medical treatments include alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors- the two main classes of drugs used in the treatment of BPH.
Alpha-blockers: These types of medications relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, allowing urine to flow more easily, therefore reducing the symptoms of caused by the enlarged prostate. Commonly prescribed alpha-blockers include tamsulosin, doxazosin, and terazosin.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors: These medications work by blocking the conversion of the hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that contributes to prostate growth. Finasteride and dutasteride are two examples of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
Commonly, combination therapy using medications that contain both alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors is prescribed.
How enlarged prostate is treated – Minimally invasive procedures
One of the other ways enlarged prostate is treated is with surgical procedures. In cases where medication does not provide adequate relief, if the patient’s symptoms worsen, or the patient does not wish to take medication (due to side effects, cost, or other reasons), minimally invasive surgical procedures may be considered.
Patients who are considering their options are often interested in how enlarged prostate is treated with minimally invasive procedures, due to the efficacy and durability of these treatments.
Some of the common minimally invasive treatments for BPH include:
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): Excess prostate tissue is removed using a special instrument known as a resectoscope, which inserted through the urethra. TURP can provide significant symptom relief for men with an enlarged prostate.
Rezum therapy: this treatment uses thermal energy from water vapour (steam) to ablate the excessive prostate tissue, causing it to shrink. Most patients find significant improvement in their BPH symptoms with Rezum therapy, and in the majority of patients, sexual function is preserved.
Other treatments: Other options for minimally invasive treatments for enlarged prostate include therapies such as HoLEP, greenlight laser, and Urolift. Your urologist can inform you these options with you in detail when having a discussion about how enlarged prostate is treated.
How enlarged prostate is treated – robotic enucleation of the prostate
In some cases of severe prostate enlargement, or in instances where other treatments have not provided adequate relief, surgical intervention may be required. Robotic-assisted enucleation of the prostate is a keyhole procedure that is performed with the assistance of robotic instruments, for the definitive treatment of BPH.
Robotic-assisted enucleation of the prostate replicates the traditional open surgery, but uses very small robotic instruments via keyhole incisions to remove the obstructive prostate tissue.
How enlarged prostate is treated – Discuss your options
If you have been diagnosed with BPH, then you will want to know how enlarged prostate is treated. An enlarged prostate can significantly impact a man’s quality of life, affecting urinary function and overall well-being, so early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to the effective management of the condition.
There are various treatment option available, ranging from medical therapy to minimally invasive procedures and robotic surgery, to address the symptoms of BPH.
If you are experiencing urinary symptoms, you should consult a urologist for an accurate diagnosis of your condition. If you have BPH, your urologist will discuss how enlarged prostate is treated, and determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific situation. With Melbourne Urology Centre’s specialised care, men with BPH can find relief and lead a more comfortable life.