The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urethra--the tube that passes urine--in the male reproductive system. Its primary function is to produce a fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. The prostate gland swells and enlarges in all men, especially as they get older. When the prostate becomes enlarged, it is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is not cancerous. When it grows, it pushes against the urethra, causing urine disruptions (retention or frequency of urine) and urinary tract infections. There are several treatment options available, depending on the symptoms.
Self-care
For milder symptoms, individuals may follow basic measures to prevent discomfort. One should urinate as soon as one feels the urge and also avoid alcohol and caffeine after dinner. Fluids should be spread throughout the day, and it is best to avoid drinking for at least two hours before bed. Over-the-counter medications for cold and sinus should be avoided because they increase BPH symptoms, according to the National Institutes of Health. Regular exercise and stress reduction also help decrease the need for urination.
Drug Therapy
There are two types of drugs available for treatment of BPH. Alpha-blockers--alfuzosin, doxazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin--help relax muscles near the prostate, which in turn loosens up the pressure on the urethra. The result is unrestricted urine flow, but the prostate size does not change. Side effects are dizziness, headache and fatigue, according to the National Cancer Institute. Another drug is 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (finasteride, dutasteride), which blocks the hormone responsible for prostate growth. The result is a shrinkage of the prostate and relief of blockage symptoms. Side-effects include decreased interest in sex, having a difficult time getting or keeping an erection and less semen being ejaculated.
Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat chronic prostatitis--inflammation of the prostate--due to infection. It has been known to relieve BPH symptoms. An alternative therapy is saw palmetto, which is a herb known to help some men with BPH, but more research still needs to be done.
Surgery
According to the National Institutes of Health, surgery depends on severity of symptoms as well as size and shape of the prostate gland. Invasive surgeries include transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, which is the most common surgical type. It involves inserting a scope through the penis and removing the prostate tissue. Another similar procedure is transurethral incision of the prostate, or TUIP, where the scope is inserted into the penis and an incision is made to the prostate tissue to relieve pressure on the urethra and bladder outlet. A simple prostatectomy is a procedure done under anesthesia where the inner portion of the prostate is removed leaving the outer portion intact. This requires a hospital stay. Less invasive procedures may also be used to destroy prostate tissue using heat, but they are viewed as a short-term solution. They include radiofrequency energy, microwave energy, electrical current, hot water therapy, and laser energy. These procedures are recommended for younger men, the elderly, patients on blood-thinning medications, and patients with severe medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, cirrhosis and psychosis. Stents may also be used to hold the urethra open.
