How is an enlarged prostate treated?
Disease description:
I went to the hospital for an examination and was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. How should an enlarged prostate be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Treatment options for enlarged prostate include the following:
1. Watchful waiting: For patients with mild symptoms that do not affect quality of life, special treatment may not be necessary initially. Symptoms can be relieved through lifestyle modifications, such as reducing fluid intake and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
2. Medication therapy: For patients with moderate to severe symptoms, drug treatment is a common choice. Alpha-1 blockers such as tamsulosin help relax the bladder neck and smooth muscle to improve urine flow; 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride can reduce prostate volume. These medications should be used under a doctor's guidance.
3. Minimally invasive therapy: Includes procedures such as laser prostate vaporization and radiofrequency therapy. These offer advantages such as minimal or no bleeding, and are suitable for patients who do not respond well to medication or prefer not to take drugs.
4. Surgical treatment: For patients with severe symptoms that cannot be relieved with medication or other treatments, surgical intervention may be considered, such as minimally invasive prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
