Treatment and Prevention
Many people can avoid surgery by using the latest medical treatments. Medications
called alpha-blockers (e.g., terazosin*, prazosin, tamsulosin) can help relax
the bladder outlet, allowing easier passage of urine, especially if the obstruction
of the urethra isn't too severe. Certain medications such as finasteride can
actually reduce the size of the prostate by counteracting testosterone hormones.
These drugs can remove the need for surgery in many people with BPH. However,
surgery is the only way to eliminate the problem completely. The most commonly
used technique is called a TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate),
which can be used for most cases except those with extremely large prostate
glands. A tube equipped with a camera and a scalpel is inserted into the urethra
(the tube that runs the length of the penis and back to the bladder). TURP causes
fewer post-operative problems than open surgery, which can lead to erectile
dysfunction (difficulty getting or maintaining an erection) or incontinence
(bladder leaking).
Newer techniques like TUIP (transurethral incision of the prostate)
and radiofrequency ablation aim to reduce the size of the prostate with
even fewer side effects than TURP. Electricity and heat are also sometimes used
to destroy excess tissue. Only a specialist can decide which technique is most
appropriate in each case.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.