BPH Prevention and Treatment

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate gland. Common in older men, BPH can lead to health complications when left untreated.

 

What is BPH?

The prostate—an important male reproductive gland located under the bladder—goes through two growth phases: the first during puberty and the second around age 25. Growth typically continues in this second phase throughout the rest of adulthood. BPH is a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges enough to cause urinary problems, such as frequent urination or the inability to completely empty the bladder.

 

Can I prevent BPH?

Two common risk factors of BPH include age and family history, both of which are uncontrollable risk factors. However, there are some risk factors you can control or manage, including:

• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Heart and circulatory diseases
• Type 2 diabetes

Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing BPH and several other conditions (including those that are risk factors for BPH). If you have BPH, there are still things you can do to manage the condition to prevent worsening symptoms.

1. Avoid delaying urination: delayed urination can aggravate symptoms of BPH and lead to other problems like urinary tract infections
2. Avoid use of certain over-the-counter medications: antihistamines and decongestants may also worsen BPH symptoms
3. Watch your alcohol consumption: limiting yourself to one or two alcoholic drinks per day is generally safe, but excess consumptions can irritate the prostate
4. Practice healthy lifestyle habits: Some habits like smoking and poor sleep hygiene can negatively affect prostate health

What are options for BPH treatment?

There are several treatment options available for BPH, all with a different price tag. Your doctor may prescribe medications to lessen symptoms or to pause the growth or reduce the size of the prostate. Surgical treatment may be necessary if:

• You have moderate to severe symptoms of BPH
• Your condition cannot be controlled using medication
• You have certain complications including bladder stones, kidney problems or urinary tract blockages

The cost of surgery to treat BPH can vary as much as 400 percent, so it’s important to discuss your procedure with your doctor to determine the most cost-effective option. Factors that can influence the cost of your procedure include:

• The location of your procedure: In-office procedures or procedures in an ambulatory surgical center are significantly less expensive than the same procedures in a hospital setting.
• The type of procedure you get: There can be a large difference in price between minimally invasive and open procedures. Talk to your physician about your eligibility for a minimally invasive procedure. They typically cost less and often result in a faster, easier recovery.

 

If you have BPH or have a family history of BPH, talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent or manage your condition to avoid complications of BPH and get the most cost-effective treatment.

 

Revere Health Urology specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of urologic cancers, BPH, incontinence, and other pediatric and adult urinary problems.

 

Sources:

“Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia

“Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).” Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087

“Preventing BPH.” Prostate.net. https://prostate.net/health-centers/bph-health-center/preventing-enlarged-prostate

“Finding the Value in the Cost of BPH Care.” MedPageToday®. https://www.medpagetoday.com/urology/bph/50508