How to treat an enlarged prostate
Disease description:
I went to the hospital for a checkup yesterday and was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. How is an enlarged prostate treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in middle-aged and older men. It is mainly characterized by an enlarged prostate volume, which may compress the urethra and lead to symptoms such as difficulty urinating. The following are some common treatment options:
1. Watchful waiting: Patients with mild or no obvious symptoms may choose watchful waiting, along with regular follow-ups, to avoid unnecessary treatment.
2. Medication therapy: Drug treatment is a common approach for managing BPH. The main types of medications include alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. These drugs can help relieve symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and increased nighttime urination.
3. Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining healthy habits can also help alleviate symptoms of prostate enlargement. Recommendations include reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, avoiding prolonged urine retention, practicing timed voiding, and increasing physical activity.
4. Surgical treatment: For patients with severe symptoms or those who do not respond to medication, surgery can be an effective treatment option. Commonly used surgical procedures include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and transurethral laser surgery.
