Many men have a prostate that grows larger as they get older, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The bigger it gets, the harder it is for the urine to pass out of the bladder. This can lead to frequent trips to the bathroom, and sometimes to painful, difficult urination.

Enlarged Prostate Treatment prostate depends on how bad the symptoms are and how much they interfere with your quality of life. Some doctors recommend trying lifestyle changes before considering medicines or surgery. Your doctor will also look at your medical history, including any other health problems you have.

Enlarged Prostate Treatment

If your symptoms don’t improve, your doctor may suggest watching the condition over time, which is called “watchful waiting.” Medicines can reduce your symptoms and relax your bladder and prostate so that it’s easier to pee. You might be given a single medicine or a combination. It’s important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Some of these may interfere with the ones you’re taking for your enlarged prostate.

If medications don’t help, your doctor may suggest a surgery called a transurethral prostatectomy (TUIP) or a procedure that uses a device that removes only the part of the prostate that blocks the urethra, called an open prostatectomy. Both of these procedures are performed with local or general anesthesia in your doctor’s office, a surgical center, or the operating room.