BPH Treatment: What Works and What to Expect
If you’ve been told you have an enlarged prostate, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common, especially after age 50, and it can cause frequent trips to the bathroom, a weak stream, or a feeling that you can’t empty your bladder completely. The good news is there are several ways to keep symptoms under control without jumping straight into surgery.
First, think about the simple changes you can make at home. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, staying hydrated but not over‑hydrated, and timing your fluid intake can reduce nighttime awakenings. Regular exercise helps keep weight down, which in turn eases pressure on the bladder. Some men also find relief by practicing double‑voiding—going to the bathroom, waiting a minute, then trying again.
Medication Choices for BPH
When lifestyle tweaks aren’t enough, doctors often prescribe meds. The most common groups are alpha‑blockers (like tamsulosin) that relax the muscle fibers in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to pee. They work quickly, often within a few days, but can cause dizziness or a drop in blood pressure, so stand up slowly.
Another option is 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitors (such as finasteride or dutasteride). These shrink the prostate over several months by blocking the hormone that fuels growth. They’re especially useful if your prostate is larger than average. Some men combine both types for a stronger effect, but you’ll need regular check‑ups to monitor side effects like reduced libido or erectile changes.
If your symptoms are sudden or severe—like a painful inability to urinate—your doctor may give you a short course of a prescription called a phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitor (often used for erectile dysfunction) because it can also improve urinary flow.
When Surgery Might Be Needed
Most men manage BPH with meds and lifestyle changes, but surgery becomes an option when the prostate blocks urine flow so badly that it damages the kidneys or causes repeated infections. The standard procedure used to be transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), where a surgeon removes part of the gland through the urethra. Today, many clinics use laser‑based techniques (like HoLEP or GreenLight) that cut tissue with less bleeding and a faster recovery.
There are also minimally invasive options that don’t involve cutting tissue. Water‑based vapor therapy (Aquablation) uses a high‑pressure water jet, while the UroLift system inserts tiny implants to hold open the prostate’s openings. These procedures usually let you go home the same day and preserve sexual function better than older surgeries.
Regardless of the route you choose, follow‑up appointments are key. Your doctor will track prostate size, PSA levels, and symptom scores to see if the treatment is holding up. If symptoms creep back, adjustments are often possible without another operation.
Bottom line: BPH can be managed in many ways, from simple habits to advanced laser surgery. Talk with your healthcare provider about the size of your prostate, how badly symptoms affect your life, and the risks you’re comfortable with. With the right plan, you can keep the bathroom trips under control and get back to your daily routine.
