Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects many men over the age of 50. It results in uncomfortable symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty initiating urination, and a weak urine stream.

While lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms, treatments are available to reduce the enlarged prostate size and reduce symptoms. In this article, we will be discussing the latest treatments available for enlarged prostate including medications, surgery options, laser surgery, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) and Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE).

We’ll discuss what each treatment involves and how successful it has been in treating an enlarged prostate.

Medications for Treating Enlarged Prostate

If you’re looking for a way to manage your symptoms, medications might be the right choice for you. Alpha-blockers are commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty urinating and weak urine flow. These medications relax the muscles around your urethra so that urine can flow more easily.

Additionally, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may also be used in some cases to reduce the size of the gland itself. This class of drugs works by blocking certain hormones from binding to cells and causing them to enlarge. Side effects of these medications include decreased libido, impotence, and headaches.

It is important to understand that these treatments do not cure an enlarged prostate; they only help manage the symptoms associated with it. Your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes in addition to any medication prescribed, such as limiting caffeine intake or avoiding alcohol consumption prior to bedtime.

Many men find that making dietary changes helps reduce their symptoms as well; increasing fiber intake while reducing animal fats has been shown to improve urinary function in those with BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

In addition, there are several natural remedies for enlarged prostates such as saw palmetto extract and beta-sitosterol supplements which have been found effective at improving urinary health without side effects associated with prescription drugs. Herbal teas like nettle leaf tea can also be helpful for treating mild cases of BPH.

Ultimately, it’s best to discuss with your physician which treatment option is right for you in order to achieve lasting relief from your symptoms.

You can also use supplements for additional support. Here is a list of the Top 5 Best Prostate Health Supplements (2023). Just remember to consult with your healthcare professional and utilize them safely.

Prostate Surgery Options

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of prostate surgery? There are options available to help you make an informed decision:

1. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This procedure is typically used for moderate to severe cases, and involves removing part of the prostate gland through a thin tube inserted into the urethra. It helps relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
2. Prostatectomy: This procedure removes all or part of the prostate gland, and can be done using either traditional open surgery or laparoscopic robotic-assisted surgery. The choice depends on your doctor’s recommendation and your medical history.
3. Laser therapy: This procedure uses laser energy to heat up and shrink excess tissue in the prostate, which can improve urine flow and reduce symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. It’s minimally invasive with minimal recovery time compared to other surgical treatments.

It’s important that you consult with your doctor when making a decision about which treatment option is best for you. Each person will have different needs depending on their individual medical history and circumstances. Your doctor can provide advice on what’s right for you based on their professional experience in treating enlarged prostates in other patients, as well as discuss any potential risks associated with each option before making a final decision together.

Laser Surgery for Prostate Enlargement

You may consider laser therapy as an option to reduce the size of your prostate and improve urine flow. Laser therapy, also known as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes excess prostate tissue from the bladder neck, which helps to open up the urethra allowing for better urinary flow.

It’s performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about one hour or less to complete. The surgeon inserts a cystoscope into the urethra, which contains a fiber optic scope with a laser at its tip. The laser then vaporizes any enlarged prostatic tissue blocking the bladder neck or urethra.

The advantage of this type of surgery over traditional TURP is that it doesn’t require making an incision in order to access the area and there’s less chance of bleeding due to its precise nature. Additionally, recovery time is much shorter because there are no stitches or healing time associated with it, meaning you can go back home shortly after your procedure is completed.

Furthermore, in many cases, patients experience improved symptoms such as decreased urinary frequency and urgency within just a few days after their procedure. Laser surgery for prostate enlargement has been found to be effective in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) but it should only be considered if other treatments have failed or if you’ve experienced complications from medications prescribed for BPH treatment.

Your doctor will assess your individual case carefully before recommending this form of treatment so make sure you discuss all options available and ask questions about potential risks associated with laser therapy before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a relatively new, minimally invasive option for addressing benign prostatic hyperplasia that can provide an effective alternative to laser therapy.

HIFU uses sound waves at very high frequencies to precisely target and destroy prostate tissue without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment is performed under general or local anesthesia and typically requires fewer than two hours of procedure time.

It involves the insertion of a probe into the rectum which emits focused ultrasound energy to target specific areas of enlarged prostate tissue. The effectiveness of HIFU in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia has been demonstrated through several clinical studies, with research showing overall success rates ranging from 70-90%.

Additionally, HIFU does not require hospitalization and patients are able to return home shortly after completing the treatment. Side effects are generally mild and include urinary urgency, frequency, and pain during urination.

In some cases, there may be a temporary inability to urinate due to swelling in the treated area but this usually resolves itself within several days or weeks post-treatment. HIFU has proven to be a safe and effective method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, providing relief from symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate while limiting potential side effects compared with traditional treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Additionally, it offers faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays than other treatments making it an attractive option for those seeking minimally invasive solutions for their condition.

Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT)

You may have heard of Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT) as a treatment for an enlarged prostate. TUMT is a minimally invasive technique that harnesses the power of microwaves to shrink the prostate, providing relief without surgery. It’s a safe and effective procedure that has been used for more than two decades in Europe and North America to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The procedure typically takes up to an hour, during which you are awake and alert. A catheter is inserted through your urethra into your bladder, then microwaves are applied directly to the prostate tissue from outside the body using a transrectal ultrasound probe. The heat generated by microwaves shrinks both the inner core and outer capsule of the prostate, reducing its size and relieving symptoms such as frequent urination or difficulty urinating.

Recovery time is shorter than with many other treatments for BPH: within 48 hours of treatment, most patients are able to resume normal activities such as work or exercise. While results vary from patient to patient, most experience significant symptom improvement after one treatment session; however, multiple sessions may be necessary depending on individual circumstances.

Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA)

Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated from radiofrequency energy to shrink the prostate, providing quick relief from bothersome BPH symptoms. During the procedure, small needles are inserted through the urethra into the prostate tissue where they deliver thermal energy in order to reduce excess prostate tissue and improve urinary flow.

The primary benefit of TUNA lies in its speed compared to other treatments for enlarged prostate, which can take several months or even years to provide full relief from symptoms. Additionally, it has a low risk of side effects since it only affects localized areas of the prostate and does not damage surrounding healthy tissues. Furthermore, TUNA can be repeated if necessary with minimal discomfort after recovery time.

It provides effective symptom relief within days and results last for up to five years or more depending on individual patient conditions. However, it should be noted that this treatment may not be suitable for all patients with enlarged prostates due to factors such as age-related morbidity or underlying comorbidities. Patients should discuss their options with their doctor in order to determine which treatment is best suited for them.

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

Experience the latest relief from bothersome BPH symptoms with Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)! PAE is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses embolic agents, such as small particles, to cut off blood supply to the enlarged prostate. It works by shrinking the prostate and providing symptom relief without any major side effects or surgery. The entire procedure can be done in an outpatient setting with patients returning home on the same day.

PAE begins with imaging of the arteries using X-ray imaging fluoroscopy. This helps to identify which arteries are supplying blood to the prostate. Then, a tiny catheter is inserted through a small incision in the groin area and guided towards one of these arteries using real-time imaging guidance. Once positioned correctly, embolic agents are injected into this artery causing it to block off and reduce blood flow to the enlarged prostate gland.

The results have been encouraging with significant improvements reported in urinary symptoms within weeks after treatment and continued improvement over time. Many men who have undergone this procedure experience improved quality of life due to reduced urinary tract symptoms, fewer need for medications or repeat procedures, and minimal risk of complications compared to more invasive treatments like TURP or open surgery.

Conclusion

You’ve come to the right place for information about treating an enlarged prostate. There are a variety of medications and surgical options available. These include laser surgery, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), and prostate artery embolization (PAE). All of these treatments have been proven effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Your doctor can help you choose the best option based on your individual needs. So, don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the choices. With proper treatment, you can look forward to improved urinary health and a better quality of life.