Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that is common in men, especially after the age of 50, and that causes various urinary complaints by pressing on the urinary channel as a result of enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH is not cancer; however, it can significantly affect quality of life. Today, very effective treatment options are available for this condition.
The treatment plan is determined on an individual basis according to the patient’s complaints, prostate size, age, and general health condition.
Monitoring (Active Surveillance)
Treatment may not be started immediately in patients with mild complaints.
During active surveillance:
- PSA is monitored
- Prostate size is followed
- Urinary complaints are assessed
- Regular check-ups are recommended
As long as complaints do not increase, medication or surgery is not required.
Lifestyle Adjustments
For mild and moderate complaints, lifestyle changes are quite important:
- Reducing fluid intake in the evening
- Limiting tea, coffee, and alcohol
- Maintaining weight control
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding constipation
These measures can reduce nighttime urination in particular.
Medication Treatment
This is the most commonly used method in BPH treatment.
Alpha Blockers
They relax the muscles at the prostate and bladder outlet.
- Ease the urine flow
- Their effect begins quickly
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
They slow the growth of the prostate and cause it to shrink over time.
- They require long-term use
- They can lower PSA levels
Combination Treatment
In some patients, two medications are used together and provide a more effective result.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
These can be applied in patients who do not benefit from medication treatment or who do not want surgery:
- Laser treatments
- Rezum (steam treatment)
- Modern minimally invasive procedures applied inside the prostate
These methods offer the advantage of less bleeding and faster recovery.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical treatment is applied in patients with advanced complaints or who do not respond to medications.
TUR-P (Closed Prostate Surgery)
This is one of the most commonly performed methods.
- It is performed by entering through the urinary channel
- Excess prostate tissue is removed
- The urine flow improves markedly
HoLEP (Holmium Laser Prostatectomy)
This is a modern and effective method.
- It can be applied even in large prostates
- The risk of bleeding is low
- It provides a permanent solution
Open Prostate Surgery
It is preferred for very large prostates but is used less often today.
The Post-Operative Period
After surgical treatment:
- A urinary catheter usually stays in place for a few days
- There may be mild bleeding in the urine
- Return to daily life is achieved within 1 to 2 weeks
- Full recovery occurs within a few weeks
How Is the Treatment Chosen?
The choice of treatment is determined according to the following factors:
- The severity of the complaints
- Prostate size
- PSA value
- Bladder function
- The patient’s age and general condition
When Is Intervention Required?
Active treatment is required in the following situations:
- Serious difficulty urinating
- Inability to urinate (retention)
- Recurrent infections
- Deterioration in kidney function
- Formation of bladder stones
Summary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition that can be treated quite effectively today. A wide range of treatments is available, from medication to modern laser surgery. With correct patient selection and appropriate treatment, urinary complaints largely improve and quality of life increases significantly.
