Best Treatments for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also known as enlarged prostate is a condition where the prostate, a small gland located between the bladder and penis enlarges due to abnormal cell overgrowth.

When the prostate enlarges, it presses against the bladder and urethra hence slowing down or completely blocking the flow of urine from the bladder through the penis.

Statistics show that 50% of men aged 51-60 and 70% of men aged 61-69 experience BHP, meaning that the condition becomes more common with age.

According to a research study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology, BHP is a progressive disease and its greatest risk factor for progression in age.

Prostate enlargement can cause discomfort, thus affecting quality of life. A person affected with BHP begins to experience lower urinary symptoms like a weak or slow stream of urine or frequent urination and that feeling of the bladder not empty even after urinating.

In severe cases, the condition may lead to bladder stones, reduced kidney function, and even infection.

BPH may also affect an integral part of the male reproductive system because the prostate gland is responsible for semen production.

Because of its function and location, prostate issues will naturally affect sexual function thus necessitating prostate enlargement treatment.

Common Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate

• Frequent urination: The Urge to frequent the bathroom to urinate is a major BPH symptom.
• Weak urine stream (difficulty starting to pee): When the prostate enlarges, it presses against the bladder and urethra which may slow down or completely block making passing of urine difficult.
• Incomplete bladder emptying: When you have a BPH condition you will experience incomplete bladder emptying even after urinating. You will continue feeling pressed because the urge to urinate is persistent.
• Leakage and urgency: BPH condition may lead to urine leakage and urgency for urinating where you dash to the bathroom all the time.

These symptoms can lead to severe health complications, leading to discomfort, and can hinder you from enjoying a quality life if not managed early enough.

Early treatment can prevent BHP from causing bladder stones and reducing kidney function. Managing the symptoms early can also help prevent infections and interference with sexual function.

Diagnosing BHP

• Physical examination (digital rectal exam): It is where a healthcare provider gently presses the index finger in the rectum area to see if you have an enlarged prostate.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test: PSA refers to a protein produced in the prostate and its levels rise with prostate enlargement. A test of the blood drawn from the prostate is conducted to determine the levels of this protein in the blood to see if BHP is the cause of prostate cancer.
• Urine test: Urine is taken to the lab for testing to find out if you have BHP or other health problems likely to present symptoms similar to BHP.
• Imaging (Cystoscopy, Ultrasound): An ultrasound is a device that uses waves to make images when inserted in the rectum. It helps the urologist to measure the size of the prostate. Cystoscopy is a light and flexible tool inserted in the urethra to help a urologist view the bladder and urethra to see the prostate gland size.

A digital rectal exam provides a simple way of distinguishing BHP from prostate cancer. For BHP, the enlargement feels firm and smooth while in prostate cancer the lamp feels too hard and lumpy.

For PSA blood tests it may be easy to differentiate BHP from prostate cancer. While both conditions may increase PSA levels, BHP levels may not be as steep as those in prostate cancer.

With mild BHP symptoms and no suspicion of abnormalities from other physical examinations and medical history, it can be easy to diagnose BHP using a urine test.

However, where there are severe or chronic BHP symptoms, measuring blood urea nitrogen’s blood creatinine and hemoglobin may be necessary to rule out conditions like anemia and kidney damage.

Best Treatment Options for BHP

There are quite several treatments for an enlarged prostate. Some of them are explained below:

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies

• Diet modification: Eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, limit alcohol and avoid fluids that increase urination like coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol.
• Regular exercise: Regular exercises like kegel and pelvic floor exercises, aerobic exercises, and yoga can promote bladder and overall prostate health.
• Bladder training techniques: Training your bladder enables you to have control over your bladder and you can hold urine for longer periods and prevent urination emergencies and leakages.
• Limiting fluid intake before bed: Reduce the intake of fluids 2 hours before going to bed.

Medications

• Introduce prostate SP: Adding certain supplements to your health regimen may help to shrink an enlarged prostate and also help treat BPH symptoms.
• Combination therapies: Watchful waiting where the men opt for lifestyle changes and monitor BHP symptoms closely until medication or other action becomes necessary.

Minimally invasive treatments

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): It is a minor surgery conducted to remove a section of the affected prostate gland to help relieve BHP symptoms.
• Laser Therapy: It includes ablative procedures involving the use of photoselective vaporization and holmium laser ablation of the prostate. The other one is Euncleative procedures involving the use of laser enucleation of the prostate. They all work to remove prostate tissue for easy flow of urine.
• Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL): It is a treatment procedure where a surgeon inserts Urolift implants to help hold the enlarged prostate away from the urethra to avoid blockage.
• Rezum Therapy: It is a painless procedure where steam is inserted in the prostate gland to relieve BPH symptoms and reduce prostate tissue.

Surgical Options for Severe BPH

Open or Robotic Prostatectomy: This is a procedure conducted in severe cases. It involves the removal of the entire prostate.

This type of treatment may force you to put a hold on your activities as you recuperate. You may experience frequent urination as a side effect that disappears alongside other BPH symptoms as you heal.

Natural and Alternative Treatments for BPH

Supplements containing medicinal herbs like saw palmetto, pygeum, and beta-sitosterol have been shown to improve BPH symptoms.

A study on saw palmetto supplementation shows that the compound can help reduce prostate enlargement.

Pygeum has been shown to treat lower urinary symptoms in men with BPH conditions while beta-sitosterol has been demonstrated to improve urinary symptoms and flow measure in BPH patients.

It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any natural alternative treatment to your health routine to rule out possible medication interactions.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Managing BHP

Adding some foods to your diet can help support prostate health. Pumpkin seeds, for instance, are a rich source of zinc, a crucial mineral for supporting prostate health.

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a compound with powerful antioxidants and ant-proliferative activities linked to the reduction of prostatic diseases like BPH and prostatic cancer.

Engaging in regular physical activity, managing weight, and reducing stress have been recommended as a way of reducing BPH symptoms.

Vegetables and fruits are rich sourced of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that can play a crucial role in reducing BPH-related prostate inflammation and protecting against prostate cancer.

Omega 3 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties that can inhibit inflammation in the prostate.

Risks and Side Effects of BPH Treatments

While BPH medication works to address symptoms fast, it may cause side effects like headaches, dizziness, and weakness among other side effects.

Surgery has been associated with a risk of bleeding and narrowing of the urethra. TURP can lead to TUR syndrome (a temporary condition characterized by vomiting nausea or confusion).

It is important to visit a healthcare provider first to discuss and weigh possible risks and side effects associated with various enlarged prostate treatment options so that you can make an informed choice.

When to See a Doctor for BPH

If you have been experiencing BPH symptoms for more than 2 months, without relief it is recommended that you see a doctor for help.

Prevention of BPH

There are ways men can slow the progression of BPH or prevent it altogether. Maintaining a healthy diet like eating vegetables and fruits and reducing the intake of certain beverages like alcohol, sodas, and coffee can reduce or prevent BPH risks.

Remaining physically active through exercising regularly can also help prevent BPH progression.

Regular medical screening is also recommended to help detect the symptoms early enough and start treatment before they can lead to major complications.