BPH Treatment Options
Treatment options range from behavior modification and watchful waiting to medications, minimally invasive procedures and surgery. Which is right for you? It all depends on the amount of discomfort you’re in, your age, health, the size of your prostate and your post-procedure expectations.
Watchful Waiting
If your BPH symptoms are mild to moderate and don’t interrupt your daily routine, your doctor may recommend a watch-and-wait approach. It includes active monitoring before considering other treatments.
Behavioral Modification
You can help control BPH symptoms by making lifestyle changes such as following a diet rich in fruits and vegetables; getting regular exercise; maintaining a healthy weight; reducing stress in your life; limiting caffeine, alcohol and other beverages in the evening; and avoiding decongestants and antihistamines and other medications that can aggravate symptoms.
Medications
Alpha blockers relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate, making it easier to urinate. And alpha reductase inhibitors help shrink the prostate gland by blocking hormones. But they may not work for everyone. In some cases, side effects and cost make medication a less desirable option.
Water Vapor Therapy with Rezūm™
Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy is an in-office treatment that uses the natural energy stored in water vapor, or steam, to treat the excess prostate tissue causing symptoms such as irregular urine flow, a weak stream, straining or getting up at night to urinate. All while preserving sexual function.
Permanent Implants
Prostatic Urethral Lift is a procedure that utilizes permanent implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, so it no longer blocks the urethra.
Laser Therapy with GreenLight™
GreenLight Laser Therapy is a same-day procedure that uses a high-energy laser to remove your excess prostate tissue and return urine flow.
Other Surgical Options
TURP, transurethral resection of the prostate, involves using a superheated thin metal band to cut and remove tissue. Open prostatectomy may be required in complex cases. This procedure enables surgeons to remove the inner portion of the prostate blocking urine flow by making small incisions in the lower abdomen.
This list of treatment options is not all-inclusive. Other treatment options may be available.
