Best Prostate Care: Finding the Best Medication for BPH

The prostate is an essential gland in the male reproductive system. The primary function of the prostate is to produce fluid in the semen and transit sperm during ejaculation. As you get older, the prostate can grow. It may lead to BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a common medical condition among older men. 

It is important to note that BPH is not a form of prostate cancer, and there are many treatments or medications for BPH that can help alleviate the symptoms. The cause of BPH is not adequately determined. Still, many doctors think that the condition has something to do with hormonal changes. 

This article will share critical details about BPH and its common treatments and medications. We will also highlight the importance of seeking professional care and guidance in managing the condition.

What is BPH? 

As previously mentioned, BPH tends to be more prevalent as one gets older. The condition usually occurs around age 40, and up to 50% of men will experience BPH by age 50. The number increases by up to 80% for men ages 80 and up. 

What are the risk factors of BPH? 

• Men over 50
• Men who lead a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle
• Men whose fathers had BPH
• Men who are obese or overweight
• Some men who have ED (erectile dysfunction) 

What are the symptoms of BPH?

Common symptoms of BPH include the following: 

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Frequent urination 
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Nocturia or frequent urination at night
• Urgency to urinate
• Weak urine stream 

How is BPH diagnosed? 

Diagnosing BPH is an essential step since the treatment or medication for BPH will depend on the results of the diagnosis. Your doctor will first review your medical history and assess your symptoms. A physical examination, such as a DRE or digital rectal exam, will also be conducted to check the prostate gland’s condition, shape and size. 

Additional tests, such as urinalysis, PSA, or prostate-specific antigen tests, and imaging studies like cystoscopy or MRI, may also be requested. Your doctor can adequately determine your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment based on the assessments. 

Common Treatment Options for BPH

The treatment or medication for BPH will depend on the severity of the symptoms and overall condition. Here are the most accepted treatment options for BPH: 

Lifestyle Modifications 

Changing your lifestyle will help alleviate the symptoms of BPH. Your doctor will recommend changing your diet by adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily meals and limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake. You must also exercise regularly and limit fluid intake, especially before bedtime. 

Medications

• Alpha-blockers: These medications can help improve urine flow by relaxing the muscles in the prostate. Examples of alpha-blockers are Flomax (the most prescribed BPH medication), Cardura (relaxes the muscles in the bladder, neck and prostate, Rapaflo and Uroxatral. 
• PDE-5 Inhibitors: These medications are usually prescribed as a treatment for ED or erectile dysfunction. However, PDE-5 inhibitors like Cialis or Viagra can also be an effective BPH medication, especially when they are taken daily. 
• 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors: These medications can reduce the size of the prostate gland by decreasing the expected effects on the prostate tissue. 
• Combination Medicine: Sometimes, your doctor will recommend a combination of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Combining medications is done when a particular drug is not working effectively. 

Minimally Invasive Therapies

• Prostatic Urethral Lift: This is also called the Urolift, and the procedure lifts and holds the prostate tissue away from the urethra, which helps improve urine flow.
• Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT) uses microwaves to heat and eliminate excess prostate tissue. 
• Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA): This procedure uses radio waves to heat and remove excess prostate tissue. 
• Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave therapy is one of the most cutting-edge techniques currently being used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), In general, shockwave therapy uses shockwaves which are single pulses of energy that travel faster than the speed of sound to stimulate blood flow to the affected area.

Surgery 

Some form of surgery is recommended for severe cases of BPH. Types of BPH surgeries are as follows: 

• Laser Therapy: This procedure uses lasers to get rid of any excess tissues in the prostate. 
• Open Prostatectomy: This procedure removes the inner part of the prostate and is usually recommended for patients with very large prostates. 
• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): This procedure removes any excess tissues in the prostate which block urine flow. 

Watchful Waiting

Suppose you have mild symptoms that do not necessarily affect your daily life. In that case, your doctor will most likely recommend carefully observing your situation without taking any medication or undergoing treatment. Make sure to see your doctor for checkups and take note of any changes in your condition.

Choosing the Best BPH Treatment

BPH is not a life-threatening condition, but it can significantly impact your life, which is why it is crucial to find the best treatment or medication for BPH. Here are some factors that your doctor will consider when finding the best BPH treatment for you: 

• Comfort and Preference: Your preferences and overall comfort will be considered when choosing an appropriate BPH treatment. Talk to your doctor and discuss your preferences and concerns with them. 

• Cost and Accessibility: In many cases, the price and accessibility of medications or treatments play an essential role in decision-making. It is best to discuss these factors with your doctor so they can recommend a treatment plan that is within your budget. 

• Long-term Perspective: Always consider the longstanding implications or effects of the medication or treatment. Remember that some BPH treatments can offer immediate relief but may not be as successful in the long run. 

• Overall Condition: Your doctor will also assess your overall condition and how BPH has affected your quality of life. Your doctor will carefully check for the proper medication or treatment, especially if you have an existing medical condition. The severity of your symptoms will also be determined. For mild cases of BPH, lifestyle changes and medications may be sufficient, while having severe BPH needs aggressive treatments. 

• Treatment Benefits and Risks: Each medication or treatment for BPH has its benefits and risks. Prepare pertinent questions to discuss with your doctor so you will get the best form of treatment. Your doctor should be able to discuss the benefits and risks of each medication or treatment so that you can better understand what to expect from each selection. 

In conclusion, the best BPH treatment or medication would depend on your condition and several other factors. Having a clear discussion with your doctor is essential so you will also have a say regarding your treatment or medication for BPH. Consider all factors and trust your doctor’s assessment and recommendation so they can come up with the best BPH treatment plan for you. 

SOURCES

• What Is the Prostate? What’s Normal?
• Prostate Enlargement/BPH Resource Center
• What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
• 3 Best Treatments for BPH
• Traditional Treatment Methods for Enlarged Prostate
• BPH Treatment: How to Choose The Best Option For You
• Choosing a BPH Treatment
• How Dangerous Is Having an Enlarged Prostate?
• Modern best practice in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia in the elderly