As men age, nearly all of them will experience the frustrating urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and then they do they want to know the best treatments for BPH.
Getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom is a common symptom of BPH.
Other signs and symptoms include:
- Urinating frequently
- Having a weak urine stream
- Struggling to urinate or having difficulty starting
- Dribbling or leaking urine
- The sensation that the bladder is not empty after urinating
Men with mild BPH may not require treatment right away. One option is to wait and see if lifestyle modifications are enough to help with the symptoms. Some methods for alleviating BPH symptoms include:
- Cutting back on fluid intake, especially before bed.
- Avoiding medications that can make symptoms worse, such as over-the-counter cold and allergy products.
- Practicing double voiding (after urinating, take a moment to relax, and then try to urinate again).
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol.
If symptoms intensify or become more troublesome, treatment options are available. Here are the best treatments for BPH.
1. Medication
Three types of medication are commonly used to treat symptoms of BPH.
Alpha-blockers relax the muscles surrounding the urethra, allowing urine to flow more easily. Alpha-blockers work quickly and are often the first treatment for men with mild to moderate symptoms.
Alpha-blockers
Examples of alpha-blockers include:
- Terazosin (Hytrin)
- Doxazosin (Cardura)
- Tamsulosin (Flomax)
- Alfuzosin (Uroxatral)
- Silodosin (Rapaflo)
Alpha-reductase inhibitors
Alpha-reductase inhibitors have the potential to both slow the prostate’s growth and even aid in its reduction. This kind of medication can lessen the risk of urinary retention and the requirement for surgery. It is more effective in men with larger prostates. Most men who use alpha-reductase inhibitors experience improvement within six months of starting treatment. Examples of alpha-reductase inhibitors include:
- Finasteride (Proscar)
- Dutasteride (Avodart)
For some men, a combination of an alpha-blocker plus an alpha-reductase inhibitor may be advised.
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors can treat mild to moderate urinary symptoms and erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil, or Cialis, is an example of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor.
2. UroLift
With UroLift, enlarged prostate tissue is lifted out of the way, opening the urethra and relieving urinary symptoms. It does not require heating, cutting, or removal of prostate tissue. The UroLift procedure offers a quick recovery time.
3. Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy
Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy utilizes natural water vapor to remove prostate tissue, decreasing its size. This method provides lasting relief from BPH symptoms without invasive surgery. The majority of men experience an improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks.
4. GreenLight XPS Laser Therapy
GreenLight XPS Laser Therapy may be used for men with progressive BPH or if the prostate is larger. The laser works by vaporizing excess prostate tissue that is obstructing urinary flow. Most men experience immediate symptom relief, followed by months of sustained improvement. GreenLight XPS™ Laser Therapy achieves a surgical result while being minimally invasive.
Don’t continue experiencing unpleasant urinary symptoms – schedule your appointment today to discuss the best treatments for BPH!