How to Treat an Enlarged Prostate
Nov 29, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Mingchuan
Introduction
1. Pharmacological therapy: This is a relatively conventional treatment approach; however, drug therapy is effective only in the early stages of prostate enlargement.
2. Surgical treatment: The surgical approach—including the extent and type of procedure—is determined by the physician based on the location, duration, and severity of the disease.
3. Dietary therapy: Consume foods beneficial to prostate health.
4. Exercise therapy: Engage regularly in physical activity.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common prostate disorders. If left untreated, it can pose significant health risks to men. Early symptoms may include urinary frequency and nocturia; in advanced stages, it may lead to renal failure and ultimately uremia—potentially life-threatening complications. Therefore, timely treatment of BPH is essential. So, how is BPH treated? Below, we address this question.
How Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treated?
1. Pharmacological Therapy
Pharmacological therapy is a conventional treatment approach. It is generally effective only during the early stages of prostate enlargement. Once BPH progresses to moderate or advanced stages, drug therapy alone is typically insufficient. Patients who observe no improvement with medication should promptly consider alternative treatment options to prevent disease progression.
2. Surgical Intervention
Surgical intervention represents a more definitive treatment modality. The surgical approach—including scope and technique—is determined by factors such as lesion location, duration of disease, and severity of symptoms. However, elderly patients with diabetes are generally contraindicated for surgical treatment, as surgery creates small incisions that heal slowly in diabetic individuals, increasing the risk of local infection.
3. Dietary Therapy
Whether undergoing pharmacological or surgical treatment, patients may benefit from adjunctive dietary therapy. Foods beneficial for prostate health include loofah, bitter melon, purslane, and cucumber.
4. Exercise Therapy
Clinically, individuals engaged primarily in intellectual labor have a significantly higher incidence of BPH compared with those performing physical labor—largely due to sedentary habits and prolonged sitting. Therefore, regardless of occupational demands, regular physical activity is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of developing BPH.
The above outlines the main treatment approaches for benign prostatic hyperplasia. We hope this information is helpful to you.
