An enlarged prostate--sometimes referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatic hypertrophy--is a condition in which a man’s prostate gland grows abnormally large. Common among aging men, prostate gland enlargement can cause pain and interfere with normal urination and sexual function. Choice of treatment for an enlarged prostate typically depends upon the size of the prostate gland and the severity of symptoms.
Watchful Waiting
Doctors may advise men with mild cases of prostate gland enlargement to practice watchful waiting. In the absence of severe or painful symptoms, it is often advisable for patients to monitor the growth of the prostate gland through regular doctor visits, rather than undergo extensive treatment prematurely, according to the National Association for Continence. Should the patient’s prostate become larger and start to interfere with his quality of life, the doctor will likely recommend introducing further treatment.
Lifestyle Modifications
Men suffering from minor symptoms as a result of prostate gland enlargement may make lifestyle modifications and engage in self-care practices on their own to manage the condition. According to MedlinePlus, engaging in regular exercise and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help to reduce urinary symptoms. Drinking a small amount of fluid throughout the day and making a concerted effort to urinate regularly--especially when urge to go is first felt--may also be of benefit. Some men may also find that exercises to strengthen the pelvis, known as Kegel exercises, can help to reduce symptoms.
Medication
According to MayoClinic.com, medication is the most common treatment prescribed to men with moderately severe symptoms of prostate enlargement. Patients experiencing problems urinating may benefit from alpha blockers such asalfuzosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, terazosin or silodosin. These drugs act quickly to relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder, facilitating urination. To directly target the prostate gland, doctors sometimes prescribe 5 alpha reductase inhibitors such as dutasteride and finasteride. By controlling the hormones related to prostate growth, these medications can help to reduce the size of the prostate gland. For more effective treatment, doctors may prescribe patients a combination of both an alpha blocker and 5 alpha reductase inhibitor. Both of these classes of drugs can cause side effects related to ejaculation and sexual function.
Surgery
Doctors may recommend surgical treatment for men experiencing severe and recurring symptoms or complications related to prostate enlargement, including bladder stones, urinary retention, blood in the urine, incontinence and kidney failure, according to MedlinePlus. One of the most common surgeries is transurethral resection of the prostate, involving the insertion of a scope through the penis to remove small pieces of the prostate gland one at a time. Alternatively, some patients may undergo a simple, or open, prostatectomy--a procedure in which surgeons remove only the inner part of the prostate gland. According to MayoClinic.com, this surgery is typically performed on men with very large prostates or who have complications such as bladder stones.
Other minimally invasive surgical techniques that utilize lasers to burn away excess prostate tissue are also available and may be well-suited for men whose health prohibits them from undergoing traditional surgery. Transurethral microwave therapy, a procedure in which electrodes deliver heat and microwave energy to destroy prostate tissue, is one such method. Transurethral needle ablation, an outpatient procedure in which a doctor passes a scope through the urethra and places needles in the prostate gland subsequently destroying problematic prostate gland tissue with radio waves, is another procedure that is less invasive than traditional surgical prostate resection. The doctor will determine the appropriate surgical treatment based on the size and shape of the prostate, medical history and the severity of symptoms.
