Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, commonly affects men over 50. Symptoms include frequent urination, weak urine stream, and nighttime urination. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and possibly a blood test or ultrasound. Treatment depends on symptom severity.
Lifestyle Changes
Many men find relief through lifestyle adjustments. These include reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, managing fluid consumption (especially before bed), and incorporating regular exercise. Certain medications, like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, can also help relax the bladder and prostate muscles, improving urine flow. For example, Tamsulosin is a common alpha-blocker, while Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.
Medical Interventions
If lifestyle changes and medications prove insufficient, minimally invasive procedures become options. These include transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), which uses heat to shrink the prostate, and laser therapy, which uses laser energy to remove prostate tissue. Surgery, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), may be considered in severe cases. Each procedure has specific risks and benefits that your doctor will discuss.
