BPH

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, causing urinary symptoms like frequent or weak urination. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medications to relax or shrink the prostate, and procedures like TURP or UroLift for severe cases.

Treatment

1. Watchful Waiting (Active Surveillance):

For men with mild symptoms that do not significantly impact quality of life, monitoring the condition without immediate intervention may be recommended. Regular check-ups are essential to track symptom progression.

2. Medications:

Alpha Blockers: Medications such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, and terazosin relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, facilitating easier urine flow.

5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: Drugs like finasteride and dutasteride shrink the prostate by inhibiting hormonal changes that cause prostate growth.

Combination Therapy: In some cases, a combination of alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors is more effective than either medication alone.

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures:

UroLift® System: This procedure involves placing implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue, opening the urethra without cutting or removing prostate tissue.

Aquablation® Therapy: This minimally invasive treatment uses a precisely delivered water jet to remove prostate tissue.

4. Surgical Options:

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): The most common surgical procedure for BPH, TURP involves removing a portion of the prostate to improve urine flow.

Open or Robot-Assisted Prostatectomy: In cases of significantly enlarged prostate, an open or minimally invasive surgery may be performed to remove prostate tissue.

The choice of treatment should be individualized, considering the patient's specific symptoms, prostate size, overall health, and personal preferences. It's important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of each option with a healthcare provider.