Prostate gland enlargement is a normal part of aging for most men, though in some cases, the prostate gland becomes so enlarged as to impair urinary and sexual functionality, according to Patient UK. Men experiencing impairment will want to seek treatment and where necessary, cancer screening according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). However, when seeking out treatments for the enlarged prostate, it is important for men to remember that there are a number of advanced treatments available.
Alpha Blockers
According to Patient UK, alpha blockers can help treat enlarged prostates by relaxing the smooth muscles around the prostate. This helps to mitigate the enlargement and restore functionality. Patient UK notes that the common alpha blockers are indoramin, tamsulosin, doxazosin and terazosin.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
Finasteride and dutasteride are the most common 5-alpha reductase choices, according to Patient UK. They work by blocking dihydrotestosterone in the prostrate. Over time--six months or more--they can gradually reduce the size of the prostate gland due to the reduction of dihydrotestosterone.
TURP
Transurethral resection, better known as TURP, is reported by NKUDIC to comprise 90 percent of benign prostate enlargement reductions. A resectoscope is inserted, and a surgeon manually removes unwanted prostate tissue through this scope until the desired reduction in size is achieved. Anesthesia and a hospital stay are required, notes NKUDIC.
TUNA and TUMT Surgeries
Individuals with enlarged prostates that do not respond to medication or lifestyle changes over time can opt for surgical solutions to reduce the size of the prostate. The least invasive of these surgeries according to the NIH News are TUNA and TUMT surgeries. Known formally as transurethral needle ablation and transurethral microwave thermotherapy, TUNA and TUMT represent heat-based prostate reduction methods, according to the NIH News. NKUDIC described the TUMT procedures as sending heat waves through catheters to destroy unwanted prostate tissue, while TUNA procedures use two needles with radiofrequency to burn away the unwanted prostate tissue. TUNA and TUMT are considered advanced treatments, because they are reported by the NIH News to shorten hospital stays for prostate surgeries and lower the side effects of bladder dysfunction following the procedure. The procedures allow the patient to go home the same day using only local anesthesia.
