Enlarged Prostate Treatment

Enlarged prostate treatment can range from watchful waiting to drug therapy to surgery. Some men with mild, non-bothersome symptoms often choose watchful waiting as their method of enlarged prostate treatment. However, those with moderate or severe symptoms may opt for drug therapy or surgery.

 

An Overview of Enlarged Prostate Treatment

About half the men with an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) eventually have symptoms that are bothersome enough to require treatment. BPH cannot be cured, but drugs or surgery can often relieve its symptoms. Also, BPH symptoms do not always grow worse.
 
There are three enlarged prostate treatment options:
 
  • Watchful waiting (regular follow-up with your doctor)
  • Drug therapy
  • Surgery.
     
If you have BPH, talk with your doctor about which type of treatment is the best choice for you. Your symptoms may change over time, so be sure to tell your doctor about any new changes.
 

Enlarged Prostate Treatment: Watchful Waiting

Men with mild, non-bothersome symptoms often choose watchful waiting as their enlarged prostate treatment approach.
 
Watchful waiting means getting annual checkups. The checkups can include digital rectal exams and other tests. Enlarged prostate treatment is started only if the symptoms become too much of a problem. If you choose to live with enlarged prostate symptoms, these simple steps can help:
 
  • Limit drinking in the evening, especially drinks with alcohol or caffeine
  • Empty the bladder all the way when you urinate
  • Use the restroom often -- don't go for long periods without urinating.
     
Some medications can make BPH symptoms worse, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines you are taking, such as:
 
(Enlarged Prostate Treatment Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD