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 healthcare provider about which type of treatment is the best choice for you. Your symptoms may change over time, so be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any new changes.
Watchful Waiting as a Treatment for an Enlarged Prostate
Men with mild, non-bothersome symptoms often choose watchful waiting as their 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:
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