BPH Treatment Options
The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

Prostate surgery offers the best chance to improve the symptoms of an enlarging prostate. It also carries a greater risk of complications. Depending on the patient and his symptoms, surgery may be the ideal choice for Enlarging Prostate. While in other cases, surgery may be recommended for men who fail to respond to medication. Surgery may also be needed for those men whose symptoms progress after “watchful waiting.” Watchful waiting involves regular exams by your doctor to check your prostate. However, if your Enlarged Prostate is bothering you or causing serious problems, you may need treatment. To find out the best treatment for your prostate condition, talk to your doctor.

Transurethral Surgery (TURP)
In this type of surgery, the skin is not cut. After the patient is given anesthesia, the surgeon inserts a tool through the penis to reach the prostate. The surgeon then removes any prostate tissue that is causing symptoms.

Laser Surgery (TULIP)
During this type of procedure, the surgeon passes a laser fiber through the urethra into the prostate using a cystoscope. The surgeon then delivers several bursts of energy lasting 30 to 60 seconds. The laser energy destroys tissue and shrinks the prostate.

Open Surgery (Prostatectomy)
In the some cases, open surgery requiring a cut may be used. This is done when the prostate is greatly enlarged, or when there are other problems.

Be Vigilant
Your doctor may decide your enlarging prostate is not at the point where it requires treatment. If you have mild urinary symptoms, you and your doctor may choose watchful waiting. Watchful waiting involves regular exams by your doctor to check your prostate. However, if your Enlarged Prostate is bothering you or causing serious problems, you may need treatment.

Medicines
Two types of prescription drugs treat the symptoms of EP. The first type is called 5ARIs (5-alpha reductase inhibitors). 5ARIs slow the production of the hormone DHT, which causes the prostate to enlarge. 5ARIs:

• Shrink the prostate
• Improve long-term symptoms
• Reduce the risk of AUR (acute urinary retention)
• Reduce the need for surgery on your prostate

The second type of drugs is called alpha blockers. Alpha blockers relax the muscle of the bladder to improve urine flow. Alpha blockers reduce uncomfortable symptoms. However, they don’t shrink the prostate or reduce the risk of acute urinary retention or surgery on your prostate