Treatments for Enlarged Prostates

Each man’s enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, presents differently and requires a different course of therapy (BPH). Also, each treatment has unique advantages and dangers. While deciding how to manage your BPH symptoms, you must consider these considerations.

Your Quality of Life After Prostate Enlargement
There is probably no need for therapy if the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are modest and not unpleasant. About one-third of men with mild BPH, the symptoms go away on their own. They may simply wait and observe.

When you start to notice changes in urine function, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. You must ascertain the cause in order to receive the essential treatment for an enlarged prostate. Receiving treatment as soon as the prostate begins to expand is beneficial for many men, especially those who are still young.

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Evaluation of Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
The American Urological Association (AUA) has created a BPH Symptom Index to help your doctor better understand how troublesome the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are for you. This short survey asks about particular symptoms and how frequently they occur. Your total is ranked on a scale from mild to severe after each response is given a number.

Mild symptoms are those with a score of 0 to 7, while moderate to severe symptoms are those with a score of 8 or higher.

The AUA recommends the following treatment for an enlarged prostate based on the severity of symptoms:

• Mild symptoms that don’t bother you (AUA score 0 to 7): If you are not bothered by your symptoms, and they don’t affect your daily life, watchful waiting is the best option for you. You should get regular checkups to make sure that you are not developing complications.
• Moderate to severe symptoms (AUA score of 8 or more): If you are not bothered by your symptoms, you may choose watchful waiting. However, if your symptoms do start to interfere, you may choose medication, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgery.
• Moderate to severe symptoms (AUA score of 8 or more) with complications: If symptoms are bothersome and you have developed complications such as inability to urinate, you may need a catheter, surgery, or other treatment.