Exploring Enlarged Prostate Treatment Options
Most men will experience an enlarged prostate at some time in their lives. Also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it's estimated that 80% of men who reach the age of 80 will deal with an enlarged prostate and the symptoms that accompany it. There are a few different methods of treating BPH, ranging from medications to surgery to herbal alternatives. In this article, you'll discover how these enlarged prostate treatment options work to help reduce the size of the prostate and relieve the symptoms. Using Medications To Treat BPH
Two different types of drugs are routinely used to help treat an enlarged prostate. First, alpha blockers are effective in the majority of cases. They can help relax the muscles around the bladder and thus, make urinating less-problematic. Though there can be side effects - fatigue, impotence and dizziness among the most common - alpha blockers provide relief within a couple of days. Second, finasteride is used to cause the prostate to diminish in size. This medication is typically used on men with very large prostates and can take several months for noticeable improvement to happen. The use of finasteride can also have side effects including impotence and a diminished libido. Surgical Options While surgery was commonly used to treat enlarged prostates years ago, it has become significantly less common. This is due to other, less-invasive treatment options proving to be effective at treating BPH. That being said, surgery is still considered the best long-term solution for treating the most complicated problems that result from an enlarged prostate. Traditionally, a surgical process called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was used to remove a portion of the gland. However, because there is a greater likelihood of severe side effects (including impotence, inability to ejaculate and nerve damage), this procedure is approached only when considered necessary. Herbal Alternatives An herb called saw palmetto can be used to slow or impede the breakdown of testosterone into hormonal substances that help cause the prostate tissue to grow. In fact, research has shown that saw palmetto is just as effective as finasteride in reducing the size of the prostate (with less-severe side effects). Beta-sitosterol and Pygeum have also been used to treat BPH. While neither of these two herbal remedies directly reduce the size of the prostate, they do provide welcome relief to urinary problems. Dealing With Increased Size The most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate are problems related to urinating. Because BPH is so common among older men, it's important to understand the various treatments available. Research in this area has progressed quickly, making the need for invasive surgery less common. If you (or someone you know) have been suffering from symptoms related to an enlarged prostate, consult your doctor for recommendations on the most appropriate method of treatment.
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