Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a glandular condition that will affect most men at some point in their lives. While this non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland is unavoidable, not everyone who develops it will experience symptoms. Even in those cases where symptoms appear, they may vary from patient to patient. All of this means that there is no universal approach to treating BPH. The treatments used and whether it needs to be treated are dependent on the patient and the case.
Understanding BPH and Medical Management Options
Before your physician can determine a proper medical management approach, they must identify the symptoms. As every case of BPH is different, the severity of the symptoms being experienced varies from patient to patient. Below is a list of frequently encountered signs that you may be experiencing BPH symptoms.
- Frequent need to urinate
- Persistent feeling of bladder fullness
- Sudden urgent need to urinate
- Weak stream or one that dribbles near the end
- Difficulty beginning to urinate
- Having to start and stop during urination
- Leakage of urine before or after urination
If you recognize some of the above listed symptoms, you may want to consider having your prostate monitored. Monitoring the prostate rather than treating it is common in men who have mild symptoms. Those who are concerned about the cost of the procedure or side effects from the medication may also opt for observation over treatment. Lifestyle changes may help reduce symptoms without the need for getting treatment.
If you opt to monitor your prostate rather than using medical management techniques, consider the following changes. Reduce the quantity of liquids you consume before bedtime, particularly those that contain alcohol or caffeine. If you’re taking cold and sinus medications containing diphenhydramine or decongestants, it may be aggravating your symptoms. Reducing your intake of red meat and fats may also help.
What To Expect When It’s Time For Medical Management
If you opt for medical management of BPH, either due to worsening symptoms or choice, the following will help. Your first step when considering medical management will be speaking to your urologist or prostate specialist. When discussing the individual options, ask how they will improve your condition. Also, inquire about potential side effects and any lasting impacts on your prostate health.
Surgical options can have a lasting impact on the health of your colon as they tend to destroy tissues. Pharmaceutical options generally have the least lasting negative impact. Prostate Artery Embolization, a new minimally invasive technique, seems to have even better results than medication. While some patients do experience side effects, they are generally mild and pass within a few days of the procedure.
Reach out to schedule a consultation with your prostate specialist today. They’ll perform a full examination and diagnosis of your underlying condition. Using this information, they’ll provide a set of treatment options for you and describe the pros and cons of each. Together you’ll build a treatment plan that works for you and your lifestyle.
