What is the main BPH treatment?

If you're suffering from benign protastic hyperplasia (BPH, or prostate enlargement), you may want to know: what is the main treatment for BPH? Well, thanks to today's medical advancements, there are several effective treatment options. Let's take a closer look at this condition and how our Houston and Dallas interventional radiologists can relieve its symptoms.

What is BPH?

Men are diagnosed with this condition when their prostate gland becomes enlarged for reasons other than cancer. Remember, the prostate is part of men's reproductive system; shaped like a walnut, this gland produces the fluid portion of semen. Located at the neck of your bladder, the gland surrounds the urethra. As such, if it becomes enlarged, it can cause what are described as LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms.)

What are 2 Symptoms of BPH?

Two of the most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include an inability to urinate or dribbling at the endo of urinary flow. Other BPH symptoms include:

• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Incontinence
• 2 or more nightly urination needs
• Blood in the urine
• Painful urination 
• A slow, delayed start to urination
• Sudden need to urinate, without any warning

What is the main BPH treatment?

If you want to relieve these symptoms, you'll need to treat BPH. And the treatment you choose will depend on the severity of your symptoms. For some men, watchful waiting will be the best option. This involves monitoring your symptoms for changes, and ensuring that your condition isn't progressing.

With this approach, you can also make lifestyle changes that could reduce the impact of your symptoms. Experts suggest urinating as soon as you feel the urge, and scheduling regular bathroom trips, even when you don't feel the need to go.

Additionally, you should skip alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, especially in the evening. Avoid all fluids within two hours of your desired bedtime, and try to sip small amounts of fluid throughout the day, rather than consuming large beverages in one sitting.

When experiencing LUTS, you should try to stick to a regular exercise schedule, since a sedentary lifestyle can worsen symptoms. Manage your stress, since tension can increase your urge to urinate. And use decongestants and antihistamines with care, since they can worsen your symptoms as well.

BPH Treatment Medications

Some men will need to treat BPH with prescription medications. Drugs such as finasteride and dutasteride can reduce your prostate's hormonal production, simultaneously helping reduce its size. (Most men need to take these medications for three to six months before seeing symptom improvement.) Others can try Alpha-1 blockers, a group of medications designed to lower blood pressure, since they relax your bladder neck muscles and prostate, making it easier for you to urinate. However, every medication comes with side effects and the possibility of interacting with medications. As such, you may wish to seek other ways to treat BPH.

BPH Treatment without Medication or Surgery

Recently, the FDA approved Prostate Artery Embolization, or PAE as an effective form of BPH treatment. We perform this outpatient procedure in our Houston and Dallas interventional radiology offices, helping relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate. While not everyone is a candidate for this treatment option, you may benefit from PAE if you continue to experience BPH symptoms after trying medications, if you prefer to avoid surgery or are not a candidate for an invasive procedure.

Ready to find relief from LUTS and other effects of benign prostatic hyperplasia? When lifestyle measures and medications fail, non-surgical relief is still available. Contact our Houston and Dallas specialists todayContact our Houston and Dallas specialists todayContact our Houston and Dallas specialists today to discuss PAE as a BPH treatment.