Treatment Options for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia/Enlarged Prostate
Here at MidAtlantic Vascular & Interventional, we specialize in a non-invasive procedure to treat an enlarged prostate, called Prostate Artery Embolization. Though this method is highly effective and definitely worth your consideration, it is important that you are aware of some of the other treatment options available. Knowledge is key, and by understanding your options for treating an enlarged prostate, you can work with your doctor and make an informed decision as to which treatment would be best for your particular situation.
Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at what these options are. We will cover the following:
Medications to Treat Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)/ Enlarged Prostate
– In many cases, the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can be treated with medication. Though these medications do not cure the condition, oftentimes they are able to slow the progression of prostate growth. Some of the medications used to treat enlarged prostate are:
Alpha-blockers: Such as tamsulosin (Flomax) or terazosin (Hytrin).
– These medicines are used to relax muscle tissue.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Such as dutasteride (Avodart) and finasteride (Proscar).
– These medications are used to shrink the prostate.
A combination of the Alpha-Blockers and 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
– Over time, this combination has been found to help control symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, more than either medicine alone.
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors: This includes vardenafil (Levitra), sildenafil (Viagra), and tadalifil (Cialis). However, only tadalifil (Cialis) is also FDA approved to help relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
– These medications increase blood flow to the penis, while also relaxing muscle cells in the bladder and prostate. As a result, it can ease urinary symptoms associated with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.
Supplements
Though this form of alternative therapy is not necessarily recommended by physicians, it is out there, and some people do find it to be effective. That being said, these forms of treatment aren’t as closely regulated as the FDA-approved medicines, which means their safety, efficacy, and quality can be inconsistent. The most commonly used supplements to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate that we will look at are:
– Saw palmetto
– Beta-sitosterol
– Pygeum
– Rye grass
Surgeries to treat an enlarged prostate:
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
– During this procedure, a urologist will insert a resectoscope into the urethra and will use it to remove excess tissue that is blocking the urine from leaving the bladder.
Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
– This is a similar procedure to Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), however, instead of prostate tissue being removed, the bladder neck and prostate are cut to relax the bladder opening, allowing urine to flow more freely.
Prostatectomy:
– This is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made through the abdomen or is performed laparoscopically and is done to remove the inner portion of the prostate gland.
GreenLight™ laser:
– This treatment vaporizes prostate tissue in order to create a channel in the urethra for free urination.
Plasma button electrovaporization:
– In this procedure, prostate tissue is removed using low-temperature plasma energy.
Non-invasive surgical treatments available to treat an enlarged prostate:
Water vapor therapy (Rezum):
– Water vapor therapy is an office-based procedure where water vapor is directly delivered to the prostate tissue, in order to destroy the excess tissue.
UroLift:
– This is an outpatient procedure whereby implants are used to pin the lateral prostate lobes out of the way in order to reduce obstruction.
Prostate Artery Embolization:
– This non-invasive procedure is one that we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional. Using catheters to deliver microscopic beads that block blood flow to the prostatic artery, and as a result, shrinks prostate tissue and thereby reduces symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.
In our next article, we will begin our series on the various treatments for an enlarged prostate, starting with a deeper look at the medications used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia. The first medication we will look at belongs to a group of medicines called Alpha-Blockers.
