How is an enlarged prostate treated?

Prostate enlargement, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in middle-aged and elderly men. The treatment options for BPH vary, primarily depending on the severity of the condition and its impact on an individual's quality of life. 1. Watchful waiting: For patients with mild or no symptoms, doctors may recommend regular monitoring of the condition to avoid unnecessary treatments. 2. Lifestyle modifications: This includes reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, avoiding fluid consumption before bedtime, and engaging in regular exercise, which can help improve urinary flow symptoms. 3. Medication therapy: Includes α1-receptor blockers (such as terazosin and doxazosin), which can relieve tension in the smooth muscles of the urethra and alleviate difficulty in urination; and 5α-reductase inhibitors (such as finasteride and dutasteride), which slow the growth of the prostate. 4. Surgical treatment: Surgery may be required when medication proves ineffective or when symptoms severely impact quality of life. Common procedures include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP, using laser), and more recently developed minimally invasive surgeries. 5. Other therapies: These include microwave therapy and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), non-surgical methods suitable for certain patients.