What Is the Latest Treatment for Enlarged Prostate? 2024 Insights

Curious about what is the latest treatment for enlarged prostate? Discover cutting-edge options that offer effective relief with minimal downtime. An enlarged prostate gland, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition affecting men as they age. BPH symptoms may include urinary problems like:

• Increased urinary frequency
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak or intermittent urine flow
• Feeling like the bladder isn’t empty after urination
• Pain during urination or after ejaculation
• Urine that smells or looks unusual
• Blood in the urine
• Sexual dysfunction like erectile dysfunction (ED) or reduced libido

Fortunately, advances in medical science had led to a variety of effective treatments. Before we discuss more about BPH and other prostate-related issues and their treatment, let’s discuss what exactly the prostate does.

What is the Job of the Prostate Gland?

The prostate is a small gland in men – about the size of a walnut – located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It’s main job is to produce prostatic fluid that combines with sperm to form semen. This fluid nourishes and protects the fragile sperm during ejaculation, aiding in fertility.

The prostate also plays a role in controlling urine flow. The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body along the penis. If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can press on the urethra and cause the urinary symptoms common to medical conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Prostate Medical Conditions Other Than Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Other medical conditions that involve the prostate may present with similar symptoms to BPH. It’s important to speak with your medical professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland, which can be caused by bacterial urinary tract infections or other factors. Symptoms may include pelvic pain, painful urination, inability to pass urine, and flu-like symptoms. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or other therapies.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. It often grows slowly and may not cause symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they can include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and pelvic discomfort.

According to the American Urological Association, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men. Treatment options vary based on the stage and may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

Prostate Stones

Prostate stones are calcifications that can form in the prostate gland much like bladder stones in the bladder. They are often asymptomatic but can sometimes cause pain, urinary symptoms, or infections. Treatment is usually not necessary unless they cause significant symptoms.

Prostate Abscess

A prostate abscess is a collection of pus in the prostate gland, usually due to a bacterial infection. Symptoms can include severe pelvic pain, fever, chills, and difficulty urinating. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and drainage of the abscess.

Diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

BPH is diagnosed with a range of tests designed to inspect the size and function of the prostate gland. The urologist will conduct a digital rectal exam by inserting a gloved and lubricated finger in the rectum to feel the size and shape of the prostate. Urine and blood tests will analyze these fluids for signs of cancer or infection. Ultrasound imaging can be used in addition to a catheter inserted into the bladder to test the amount of urine left after emptying it.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Medications are often the first line of attack in the fight against BPH. Alpha blockers relax the prostate and bladder muscle to improve urine flow. Tamsulosin and alfuzosin are two common alpha blockers. Another category of drugs is 5-alpha reductase inhibitors which shrink the prostate by blocking the hormone responsible for prostate growth. Examples of this type of drug are finasteride and dutasteride. A combination therapy using drugs from both categories may be more effective than one alone.

Lifestyle changes may help manage or prevent conditions like BPH. Choose a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and lean protein. Antioxidant-rich foods like tomatoes, berries, and leafy greens are especially beneficial. Other lifestyle choices that improve prostate health include:

• Regular exercise of 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day
• Pelvic floor, or kegel, exercises
• Staying hydrated
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine
• Avoiding smoking

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive procedures are increasingly popular because of their effectiveness and short recovery period. Below are some potential procedures that can address moderate symptoms.

Water Vapor Thermal Therapy

Steam is used to destroy excess prostate tissue. This procedure can be performed in a doctor’s office as an outpatient procedure and provides significant relief with little risk of side effects.

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery involves using laser energy to shrink or remove prostate tissue. There are different types of laser surgeries, such as Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) and Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP). These procedures often result in less bleeding and quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgeries.

Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL)

PUL, also known as UroLift, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing small implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. This helps to relieve urinary symptoms without removing any of the prostate tissue. PUL is typically performed under local anesthesia and has a quick recovery time.

Prostate Artery Embolization Procedure (PAE)

PAE is a new treatment where tiny particles are injected into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. This reduces blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink and relieve urinary symptoms. PAE is usually performed by an interventional radiologist and may be an option for men who aren’t good candidates for traditional surgery.

Surgical Treatment

Sometimes surgical options provide the best hope of recovery for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Let’s list some of the most common surgeries designed to address prostate issues.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

TURP is the most common surgical procedure for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). During this procedure, a urologist inserts a resectoscope through the urethra. An electric loop is used to destroy prostate tissue that is obstructing urine flow. This helps to relieve symptoms such as difficulty urinating and frequent urination.

Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP)

TUIP is a less invasive alternative to TURP. Instead of removing prostate tissue, the surgeon makes small incisions in the prostate and bladder neck to widen the urethra and improve urine flow. This procedure is typically recommended for men with smaller prostate glands.

Prostatectomy

A prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland. This procedure is often performed to treat prostate cancer. There are different approaches to prostatectomy, including open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic-assisted surgery. The choice of method depends on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s expertise.

Patient Outlook

The overall quality of life for patients with BPH is generally positive especially with the variety of available treatments. Most treatments are designed to relieve symptoms while reducing prostate size. In the case of invasive surgery there is always the possibility of complications. Sexual side effects like reduced sex drive and retrograde ejaculation are common side effects of the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery. You should discuss any treatments with your doctor.

Conclusion

As men age, many will deal with an enlarged prostate. A variety of diagnosis procedures can help determine the cause of the large prostate and determine the best treatment option. Speak with your healthcare professional today to learn about the potential benefits of these treatments and to seek a better quality of life.