Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causes the prostate gland to grow in size. The prostate is a gland that rests below your bladder and in front of the rectum. It’s about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra, a tube that carries urine (pee) and sperm out of your body. If the prostate grows too large, it can put pressure on the urethra and cause symptoms like having to pee more often or having trouble urinating. BPH isn’t cancer, but it can raise your risk of getting prostate cancer in the future.
The most common treatment for enlarged prostate is medication. There are two types of medications that can help relieve your symptoms: alpha blockers and 5a-reductase inhibitors. Alpha blockers, such as tamsulosin (Flomax), alfuzosin (Uroxatral) or silodosin (Rapaflo), start working immediately to relieve your symptoms by relaxing the muscles in your prostate and bladder. These medicines may also help lower your blood pressure. 5a-reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride (Propecia and Propecia XL) or dutasteride (Avodart), are more long-term treatments. They work by blocking enzymes that convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which helps reduce the size of your prostate.
Another option for treating BPH is a minimally invasive procedure called transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP. It involves a small, thin needle that’s inserted into your urethra and then used to cut out the enlarged tissue. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, and it can be performed with local anesthesia.
There are several different ways to perform a TURP, and your doctor will choose the one that’s best for you based on your health and preferences. For example, your doctor might use a laser to remove the enlarged prostate tissue instead of using a blade. Some people who have a hard time urinating, or who have other health conditions, might need to have a full prostatectomy surgery.
There are some less invasive surgeries for BPH as well, including aquablation therapy. With this procedure, a urologist uses water to remove the enlarged tissue from your prostate, which reduces or eliminates your symptoms. This procedure is done on an outpatient basis, and you can go home the same day. In general, these procedures are less invasive than traditional open prostatectomy and may have faster recovery times. They’re also more likely to be covered by your insurance. However, not all doctors offer these options.
