Treatments for BPH range from lifestyle modifications to medications to surgical procedures. The type of treatment indicated for every man depends on the severity of BPH and what side effects are acceptable to the individual.
The gold standard for treatment of BPH would be surgery. Transurethral resection of the prostate gland (TURP) is such a treatment. This is done in the operating room with the patient under anaesthesia and a channel is created using an electrical knife to cut away the prostatic tissue so that the prostate no longer blocks the flow of urine from the urinary bladder.
Transurethral vaporisation of the prostate gland (TUVP) is another variation of this technique and the channel is created using a laser fibre to "burn away" the prostatic tissue.
Before considering surgery, oral medications can be prescribed by your doctor to improve the flow of the urine and shrink the prostate. Some of the common side effects would be decreased semen volume during ejaculation and decreased sex drive. In men who are still sexually active with smaller prostates, we have other medications that can be used to improve the slow of the urine.
There is no one-size-fits-all when we talk about treatment for medical problems. Pay a visit to your friendly urologist for a thorough evaluation before making the decision together with your healthcare provider.
