Enlarged Prostate Treatment Options: Medications & Procedures

Medications:

- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs): These drugs block the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes the prostate gland to grow. They include finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart).

- Alpha-blockers: These drugs relax the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate, making it easier to urinate. They include tamsulosin (Flomax), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and doxazosin (Cardura).

Minimally invasive treatments:

- Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT): This procedure uses microwaves to heat and destroy prostate tissue.

- Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA): This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy prostate tissue.

- Laser therapy: This procedure uses a laser to vaporize prostate tissue.

- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): This procedure uses ultrasound waves to heat and destroy prostate tissue.

Surgical treatments:

- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This procedure removes the inner part of the prostate gland through the urethra. It is the most common surgical treatment for BPH.

- Simple prostatectomy: This procedure removes the entire prostate gland through an incision in the abdomen.

- Open prostatectomy: This procedure removes the entire prostate gland through an incision in the perineum (the area between the rectum and the scrotum).