Did you know that 50% of men over the age of 50 are impacted by an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)? This health problem causes difficulty urinating and constant urination that raises the threat of urinary tract infection. If ignored, BPH can also cause more serious health problems, like bladder stones or kidney damage.
Luckily, an extensive overview of several therapy options for BPH will be covered in this section.
What Is BPH?
While BPH is the enlargement of a prostate gland, it is not cancerous. When the prostate gland that borders the tube that takes urine from the bladder out of the body gets too large, it makes it difficult to pee, make someone go often, or causes a weak stream. It is additionally thought that age and hormonal changes can cause an enlarged prostate, which is why it is more common in older men.
Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate
Lifestyle Change
Altering your everyday routine can help alleviate the symptoms of BPH. For example, working out frequently and maintaining a healthy and balanced weight can decrease the level of symptoms. Less red meat and increased fiber consumption can help improve urinary function. Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption can help limit the regularity of urination.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
There are now numerous minimally invasive procedures from top urologists in Hamilton that can help relieve signs and symptoms. Right here are some of them:
- Transurethral microwave therapy. This makes use of heat created by microwaves to damage excess prostate tissue.
- Prostatic urethral lift. It uses small implants to raise and hold the enlarged prostate tissue.
- REZUM. This therapy utilizes steam to shrink excess prostate tissue.
Doctors can perform new prostate procedure within their office, require little recovery time, and have proven effective in reducing the symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for those affected.
Surgery
Surgery may be essential for more serious cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, a number of aspects need to be thought about, like the size of the prostate, the patient’s health, and medical history before surgery may be suggested. Some instances of surgical treatment are transurethral resection of the prostate, laser surgery, and open prostatectomy. Remember that the decision of which treatment to go with ought to be made by a certified doctor based on the patient’s requirements and medical history.
Alternative Therapies
Apart from medical and surgical treatments, another method to alleviate the symptoms of BPH is:
- Herbal supplements (e.g., saw palmetto, pygeum, rye grass pollen extract).
- Acupuncture.
- Yoga and relaxation techniques.
- Bladder training and pelvic floor exercises.
- Prostate massage (performed by a trained specialist).
While it’s great to have a lot of options, it is best to seek advice from a doctor prior to attempting any alternative treatment.
Conclusion
While BPH can cause several unpleasant symptoms, many effective treatments are now available, including lifestyle changes, minimally invasive treatments such as REZUM, surgery, and alternative therapies. It is vital to see a doctor for an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment program if you are experiencing any type of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. As always, working with specialists can enhance your quality of life and manage the symptoms.
