How is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated?
Disease description:
May I ask, my husband is 36 years old this year. Recently, he went to the hospital for a checkup and was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). I would like to know how prostate enlargement should be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Luo Yong
The main treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include the following:
1. **Watchful Waiting**: For patients with mild symptoms that do not affect quality of life, watchful waiting may be recommended, along with lifestyle modifications such as avoiding spicy foods, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and taking warm sitz baths to help alleviate symptoms.
2. **Medication**: Patients with moderate to severe symptoms may consider drug therapy. Commonly used medications include 5α-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) and α-receptor blockers (e.g., tamsulosin). These drugs can help reduce prostate volume and improve urinary symptoms.
3. **Surgical Treatment**: When medication is ineffective or symptoms are severe, surgical intervention may be performed, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or vaporization procedures. These surgical approaches offer the advantages of minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery.
