Innovations in Medication for BPH

BPH, or Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, is a condition wherein the prostate and its surrounding tissue expand. The prostate is the walnut-shaped gland, which is an essential part of the male reproductive system. Its primary function is to produce the fluid that aids and transports the sperm during ejaculation. 

As a man gets older, the prostate can grow bigger and cause some problems, especially in the urine flow. Fortunately, BPH can be managed appropriately with the care and guidance of a qualified healthcare provider and an individualized treatment plan such as taking medication for BPH. 

Quick Look on BPH

For some people, having BPH may sound alarming. Still, it is essential to note that it is not a life-threatening condition and would not usually lead to prostate cancer. However, BPH can cause bothersome symptoms that can affect your overall quality of life. 

The exact cause of BPH is still undetermined, but age-related changes are known to contribute to prostate growth. Other possible causes are hormonal shifts and changes in the cells. The common symptoms of BPH are the following: 

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Failure to empty the bladder completely 
• Frequent urination, especially at night (Nocturia)
• Urgency to urinate
• Weak urine stream

BPH must be accurately diagnosed since the treatment or medication for BPH will depend on your doctor’s assessment. As soon as you experience any symptoms, schedule a consultation immediately. 

During your doctor’s visit, your doctor will review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and conduct a physical checkup such as a DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) to check the condition and size of your prostate. Other tests, such as blood tests, may also be done for a complete analysis of your condition. 

If BPH is left untreated, it can lead to complications or other health-related issues, such as the following: 

• Acute urinary retention
• Bladder stones
• Emotional  distress
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Kidney complications
• Physical discomfort
• Reduced quality of life 
• Urinary complications

What are the Treatments for BPH?

The treatment plans for BPH are designed to help ease the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on factors like the severity of your symptoms, the impact of BPH on your daily life, personal preferences, and overall health.

Common treatments for BPH include the following:

Lifestyle Changes

Doctors would agree on one thing in terms of BPH treatment: changing your lifestyle habits for the better. Eat more fruits and vegetables and reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake. You may also want to lessen your intake of processed meats, poultry, and spicy foods, which may worsen your BPH symptoms. 

Incorporating a regular exercise routine is also helpful to help manage the symptoms and boost your overall health. Additionally, mind your fluid intake, especially during the evening, to avoid frequent urination. 

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• TUMT (Transurethral Microwave Therapy)
• TUNA (Transurethral Needle Ablation)

Prescription Medications

• Alpha-Blockers: These medications are designed to help relax the muscles in the bladder, neck, and prostate, which can improve urine flow and reduce obstruction. Examples of alpha-blockers are Cardura, Flomax and Uroxatral. 
• PDE-5 Inhibitors: These drugs are usually prescribed to patients with ED (erectile dysfunction), but Cialis, with the generic name of Tadalafil, can be used as medication for BPH since it can help relieve symptoms of the condition. You can get cialis canadian through online by visiting Kama Health website.
• 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: These medications can help stop the growth of the prostate or even reduce its size by limiting the production of the DHT hormone. Examples of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are Avodart and Proscar. 
• Combined Medications: In some BPH cases, your doctor may prescribe a combination of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. The combination of these 2 drugs can produce better results, but you may also expect more side effects.

Supplements

Some doctors may recommend herbal supplements as complementary medications. However, there is still not much solid evidence supporting these pills’ effectiveness. But still, many patients have reported benefits from using the following herbal supplements: 

• Beta-Sitosterol
• Pumpkin Seed Extract
• Pygeum 
• Rye Grass Pollen Extract
• Saw Palmetto

Please do not take any herbal remedies without the approval of your doctor to avoid further complications or the risk of severe side effects.

Surgical Procedures

• Laser Therapy 
• TUIP (Transurethral Incision of the Prostate)
• TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)

Watchful Waiting

This treatment plan is usually recommended for older patients who have mild symptoms of BPH. The main advantage of this plan is that the patient won’t have to worry about side effects usually associated with medication for BPH or procedures. If you are prescribed this treatment, monitor your condition and attend routine checkups so your doctor can evaluate your condition and make the necessary changes. 

The Future of BPH Treatment

There may be no cure for BPH yet, but there are many treatments that have already been proven to be effective. Additionally, there are emerging treatments that are consistently being studied and developed. Here are some examples: 

• Aquablation Therapy: This is a minimally invasive procedure which utilizes the power of water and removes excess prostate tissues. Aquablation therapy targets tissue removal without posing any damage to the surrounding areas. The recovery period is relatively short, and patients are advised to stay in the hospital for just one night.

• iTIND (Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device): This minimally invasive procedure is designed to provide effective and quick relief from BPH symptoms. A small device is implanted into the prostate for up to 7 days, which can remodel the tissue and create a wider path for urine to flow. 

• NanoKnife Therapy: This procedure makes use of electrical currents which destroy excess prostate tissue. It is a minimally invasive procedure with fewer side effects since it targets precise areas.

• PAE (Prostatic Artery Embolization): This procedure is ideal for patients with larger prostates and offers relief without surgery. PAE is a minimally invasive procedure and uses tiny particles that block blood flow to the prostate and ultimately reduce the size of the gland.

• Rezum Water Vapor Therapy: This innovative non-surgical procedure utilizes natural energy from steam or water vapor to remove any excess prostate tissues. Rezum therapy can be performed in-office and has fewer side effects. 

In conclusion, BPH is a highly manageable condition with various treatment plans that can be based on your overall condition. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment option, such as prescribing medication for BPH, or they may prescribe any of the latest procedures.  

SOURCES:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
• What Is BPH?
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
• Treatment-Benign prostate enlargement
• Traditional Treatment Methods for Enlarged Prostate
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) treatment – Prescription Drugs
• BPH Common Medication
• What are the latest treatments for an enlarged prostate?
• Update on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia and the role of minimally invasive procedures
• Innovations in Treatment of BPH
• AQUABLATION THERAPY, BPH TREATMENT WITHOUT COMPROMISE.
• NanoKnife Surgical Ablation
• How Does Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy Work?