If you experience Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), there are several ways to manage this condition. Males usually react differently to the symptoms of BPH. This is a common condition in men as they age. The treatment commonly depends on the size of the prostate, the severity of your symptoms, age, general health, and others. In any case, not everyone who experiences BPH requires treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider to get the best way to manage your health condition.
Enlarged Prostate
An important component of the male reproductive system is the prostate gland. It is situated under the bladder and in front of the rectum. This gland is responsible for producing fluid that supports sperm as well as provides the muscles and power needed for ejaculation. As men get older, the prostate gland continues to grow. For someone is a typical process while for others becomes a growing concern.
In most cases, BPH affects 50% of men between 50-60 years old and roughly 90% of males over 80 years old. However, someone may experience it nearly 40s. In addition, not everyone with an enlarged prostate has symptoms.
Treatment Options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
It is advised to monitor your condition with a physician even if your BPH does not provoke many problems or any complications. It may be once or twice a year or sooner. It depends if your symptoms worsen or change. However, you should pay attention to the following things. For example:
- Urine leakage
- Slow urine stream or dribbling at the end
- Feeling your bladder is full even when you have just peed
- Have to start and stop multiple times while urinating
- Problems with starting the flow of urine
- Frequent urge to urinate
When Should You Go for Enlarged Prostate Treatment?
Commonly, when your symptoms become worse, it is time to consult with a doctor about BPH treatment. Physicians will tell you several ways to treat your enlarged prostate and you with the advice of your doctor can decide between BPH medicines, surgery, or supplements.
Supplements and Herbs
Many people rely on natural ways to manage BPH symptoms. For example, saw palmetto extract (composed of saw palmetto shrubs and berries) probably is the most well-known treatment for an enlarged prostate. Other natural treatments are Pygeum africanum herbal extract and beta-sitosterol. According to some studies, the natural options for BPH showed mixed results. Moreover, some herbs may increase the risk of bleeding or interact with other medicines. Hence, it is recommended to talk with a doctor before using any natural treatment for BPH.
Lifestyle Changes
In most cases, people with benign prostatic hyperplasia have mild symptoms. Therefore, they can manage with slight lifestyle changes. For example:
- Limit or avoid alcoholic drinks, coffee, and drinks before bedtime.
- Do not use antihistamines and decongestants.
- Avoid going to the bathroom too often than is needed.
Additionally, you can also practice Kegel exercises. It will help to strengthen the muscles around the bladder.
BPH Medicines
However, it is recommended before using medicines to try natural ways to manage BPH. For example lifestyle changes, supplements, herbal products, and others. If these methods are not effective for you, doctors will prescribe some medicines for your condition.
There are three types of medicines used to treat BPH. Each one works differently and has its adverse reactions. For example:
- Alpha-Blockers – This class of medicines works by relaxing the muscles of your prostate gland and bladder. This effect helps to lessen symptoms of BPH. For example Alfuzosin, Terazosin, Tamsulosin, Doxazosin, and others.
- 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors (5-ARIs) – This type of drug helps to shrink your enlarged prostate and prevent future growth. Examples include Dutasteride, Finasteride, and others.
- Phosphodiesterase Type-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors – this category of medication works by improving blood flow rate, which helps to improve BPH symptoms. Some medicines that belong to this category are Sildenafil Citrate, Tadalafil, Avanafil, Vardenafil, and others.
Patients with very large prostate glands usually use more than one medicine, called combination therapy. This therapy helps to lessen symptoms and the need for surgery. Additionally, 5-ARI medicines are used in people with a higher risk of prostate cancer.
Other Treatment Options
If herbal treatments, medicines, and lifestyle changes are not enough and your BPH symptoms worsen, physicians may prescribe invasive procedures or surgical BPH treatment. Commonly, doctors prescribe these methods in the following cases. Check below some examples:
- You are unable to urinate
- Stones in your bladder
- Urinary tract infections or bleeding
- Kidney damage
- Urinary retention
If you are concerned about an enlarged prostate gland, you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia a curable condition?
No, this health condition does not have a cure but mild symptoms may not need a treatment. For more severe cases of enlarged prostate gland are available surgery, minimally invasive treatment, and medicines.
Are herbal treatments for BPH effective?
This treatment option does not work for everyone. It may shrink the prostate gland in some people while in others increases the risk of bleeding. Consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal treatment for BPH.
What foods may help to treat an enlarged prostate gland?
There are some foods that may help to lessen BPH symptoms. For example sesame seeds, salmon, bell peppers, tomatoes, avocados, vegetables, tofu, and others. Discuss it with your doctor for more details.
