Did you know that 50% of males over the age of 50 are impacted by an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)? This health problem causes difficulty urinating and frequent urination that increases the risk of urinary tract infection. If neglected, BPH can even cause more severe health problems, like bladder stones or kidney damage.
Luckily, a comprehensive guide regarding numerous 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 surrounds the tube that takes urine from the bladder out of the body gets too large, it makes it hard to pee, makes an individual go frequently, or causes a weak stream. It is additionally thought 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 daily routine can help alleviate the symptoms of BPH. For instance, working out consistently and keeping a healthy and balanced weight can reduce the intensity of signs and symptoms. Less red meat and increased fiber intake can help improve urinary function. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can help restrict the frequency of urination.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
There are currently numerous minimally invasive procedures and effective new treatment for BPH that can help minimize signs and symptoms. Here are some of them:
- Transurethral microwave treatment. This makes use of heat produced by microwaves to damage excess prostate tissue.
- Prostatic urethral lift. It uses small implants to raise and hold the enlarged prostate tissue.
- REZUM. This therapy makes use of steam to shrink excess prostate tissue.
All these minimally invasive procedures can be performed in a physician’s office, require little recovery time, and have proven effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and enhancing the quality of life for those impacted.
Surgery
Surgery from a Hamilton urology practice clinic might be necessary for more extreme instances of BPH. However, numerous elements have to be thought about, like the size of the prostate, the patient’s health, and medical history, prior to surgery might be suggested. Some examples of surgery are transurethral resection of the prostate, laser surgery, and open prostatectomy. Keep in mind that the decision of which procedure to opt for ought to be made by a licensed doctor based on the patient’s requirements and medical history.
Alternative Therapies
In addition to medical and surgical treatments, another 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 (performed by a trained specialist).
While it’s great to have a lot of alternatives, it is best to get in touch with a physician before attempting any alternative therapy.
Conclusion
While BPH can cause several uncomfortable symptoms, numerous effective treatments are currently readily available, including lifestyle changes, minimally invasive procedures such as REZUM, surgery, and alternative treatments. It is essential to see a physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if you are experiencing any type of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. As always, collaborating with professionals can improve your quality of life and manage the symptoms.
