Explore 3 Options for Enlarged Prostate Therapy

An enlarged prostate becomes more common in older age. More than 90 percent of men over the age of 80 suffer from the condition and more than half of men over the age of 60 are experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Fortunately there are several enlarged prostate therapy options. Therapy is often based on the severity of the condition and its symptoms. Common prostate therapies include self-care, medications, and surgery.

Are You Experiencing Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?
The prostate gland is located around the urethra, and as the gland increases in size, it presses the urethral tube causing urination and bladder problems. These symptoms are common among men with an enlarged prostate:

• Frequent need to urinate
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine flow
• Feeling of being unable to empty your bladder

Option 1: Lifestyle Adaptations
Self-care is a typical prostate therapy option for mild symptoms. Your doctor can recommend changing your lifestyle habits, such as avoiding alcohol and caffeine use, drinking small amounts of fluid throughout the day, exercising regularly, keeping warm, and reducing stress. Because enlarged prostate causes urination problems, urinating as soon as you get the urge to go can help prevent symptoms.

Option 2: Medications
There are several medications available for treating enlarged prostate. One of the most common medications is alpha 1-blockers that are typically used to treat high blood pressure. These medications help relax the muscles of the urinary bladder and prostate, allowing easier urination. Other therapies your doctor may recommend include finasteride and dutasteride, which help reduce the size of the prostate gland. Although these medications can ease some of the symptoms, they can also cause some side effects, such as impotence.

Option 3: Surgical Therapy
Surgical therapy for enlarged prostate may be recommended for men who suffer from more severe symptoms, including incontinence, blood in the urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, inability to empty the bladder fully, and urinary bladder stones. Several different surgical options are available to treat enlarged prostate - from minimally invasive procedures to complete removal of the prostate gland.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, consult with your doctor about the different therapy options available. Getting treatment as soon as you notice symptoms can help lessen the course or severity of the condition. Contact us today!