How To Treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, commonly known as prostate enlargement, often shows no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. If the condition is detected during a routine medical checkup and no symptoms are present, treatment may not be necessary. However, if symptoms begin to appear—such as frequent urination, urgency, incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty starting urination, or increased nighttime urination—medical intervention is typically recommended. The treatment options for BPH can be broadly categorized into two main approaches: medical therapy and surgical intervention.

Medical Treatment Options

One of the most common and effective ways to manage symptoms of prostate enlargement is through medication. The primary drug classes used in clinical practice include alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, herbal extracts, and certain traditional Chinese medicine formulations. Alpha-blockers help relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors work by reducing the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate growth. Combining these two types of medications can significantly reduce symptom severity and slow the progression of the condition in many patients.

Surgical Treatment Options

When medication fails to provide adequate relief or when symptoms worsen, surgery may be the next step. Surgery is particularly recommended for men with severe symptoms or complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, ureteral obstruction, hydronephrosis (kidney swelling), chronic kidney disease, repeated episodes of urinary retention, or associated inguinal hernia. The most widely used and effective surgical procedure is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which includes variations such as plasma kinetic resection, saline TURP, enucleation techniques, and laser procedures like green laser or holmium laser ablation. These procedures can offer long-term or even curative relief for patients suffering from significant BPH symptoms.