Understanding an Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH)

An enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition that often affects men as they age. While the enlargement of the prostate is not curable, it can be managed effectively with various treatments aimed at reducing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. These treatment options are designed to reduce the size of the prostate, restore normal urine flow, and relieve discomfort.

Explanation of BPH Symptoms

BPH symptoms can vary from person to person, but generally, they involve issues related to urination. These can include frequent urination, especially at night, difficulty starting urination, a weak urine stream, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. How much these symptoms bother a person can dictate the aggressiveness of the treatment.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing BPH

The management of BPH can begin with some simple lifestyle adjustments. Adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise regime can often help to mitigate the symptoms. Further, it is recommended to moderate the consumption of fizzy drinks, alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners, as these can exacerbate symptoms.

Medication Treatments for BPH

Various medications are available for managing BPH.

These can effectively reduce the size of the prostate and significantly alleviate symptoms for many patients.In some instances, the use of medication alone can lead to a marked reduction in symptoms.

The Use of Catheters in BPH Management

In more severe cases of BPH, catheters may be used as a treatment option. Catheters can provide relief by helping to improve urine flow.

Surgical Procedures for BPH

When lifestyle changes and medications are insufficient in managing BPH symptoms, surgical interventions may be considered. These can include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral electro-vaporization, and the use of GreenLight™ laser procedures. The choice of surgical procedure is determined by the size and shape of the prostate, the patient's overall medical condition, and personal preference.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

TURP involves removing part of the prostate gland to alleviate BPH symptoms. Post-surgery, the body's immune system reabsorbs the dead prostate tissue and replaces it with scar tissue, resulting in shrinkage of the prostate. Over six months, the prostate can shrink by 20 to 40 percent, resulting in improved and less frequent urination.

Transurethral Electro-vaporization and GreenLight™ Laser Procedure

Similar to TURP, these procedures aim to reduce the size of the prostate. They use different methods, either electro-vaporization or laser, to remove prostate tissue and alleviate symptoms.

Cystoplasty and Its Role in BPH Treatment

In some cases, a procedure called cystoplasty may be performed to increase the size of the bladder. This helps to better accommodate the enlarged prostate and can provide relief from symptoms.

The Impact of BPH on Bladder Function

The enlargement of the prostate can affect bladder function. It can cause frequent urination and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Treatments aim to restore normal bladder function, in addition to reducing the size of the prostate.

Living with BPH: Improving Quality of Life

While there may not be a permanent cure for BPH, the focus is on reducing symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life. The chosen treatment path depends largely on the severity of the symptoms and the patient's overall medical condition and preferences. With the correct management and treatment, many men with BPH can maintain a positive quality of life.