"What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement, and How Can It Be Treated?"

Symptoms and Treatments of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

In general, symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include frequent urination, urgency, and weakened urine stream, which can be improved through medical therapy, surgical intervention, and minimally invasive treatments. Details are as follows:

Symptoms of BPH:

• Frequent Urination: Patients may feel the need to urinate more frequently, especially at night, disrupting sleep.
• Urgency: Urgency refers to a sudden and intense urge to urinate, making it difficult for patients to wait for an appropriate restroom.
• Weakened Urine Stream: The urine stream becomes weaker and slower, requiring longer time to empty the bladder.
• Hesitancy: Sometimes patients struggle to initiate urination, possibly due to urethral compression by the enlarged prostate.
• Dribbling: After urination, urine may continue to drip, making it difficult to fully empty.
• Incomplete Bladder Emptying: Patients may feel that urine remains in the bladder even after urinating.
• Urethral Inflammation: Urinary problems can lead to urethral inflammation, causing a burning sensation or discomfort.
• Urinary Retention: In severe cases, BPH can cause complete urinary retention, requiring emergency treatment.

Treatments for BPH:

• Medical Therapy: Prescription medications can be prescribed to alleviate BPH symptoms. These include α-1 receptor antagonists (e.g., alfuzosin), 5α-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride), and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., tadalafil). They help dilate the urethra and relieve symptoms.
• Surgical Intervention: For patients with severe symptoms or those unresponsive to medication, surgery may be an option. Common surgical methods include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser prostatectomy, and open prostatectomy.
• Minimally Invasive Treatments: Recently, minimally invasive therapies have gained popularity. These include Rezum (transurethral water vapor thermal therapy) and prostate artery embolization (PAE), which typically reduce surgical risks and recovery time.
• Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments: Some patients can alleviate symptoms through lifestyle and dietary changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, urinating regularly, and avoiding nighttime fluid consumption.

Apart from the relatively common symptoms mentioned above, BPH can also manifest in other ways, such as urinary retention, urethral inflammation, and incomplete bladder emptying. If you suspect you have BPH, consult a doctor promptly for professional advice and a personalized treatment plan. Timely treatment can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.