Non-Invasive Procedures for Treating an Enlarged Prostate

Many men who enter their 50s face several health challenges, with one of the most prevalent issues being an enlarged prostate.

This condition requires a comprehensive treatment approach to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Non-invasive procedures have started becoming more common because they lead to a rapid reduction in symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.

They also offer various other benefits — including a quick recovery time and reduced risk of sexual dysfunction — that make them an attractive option.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most common non-invasive procedures for treating an enlarged prostate to help you understand your options and make the right choice.

What is an Enlarged Prostate?

An enlarged prostate — also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — is a common condition that affects many males as they age.

It develops when the prostate gland increases in size and puts pressure on the urethra and bladder.

This can cause uncomfortable lower urinary tract symptoms and various issues with sexual performance, including erectile dysfunction.

What are the Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostates?

Two common ways of treating BPH include using medication and making certain lifestyle adjustments. These methods are typically used together.

Oral medications

Oral medications are usually the first-line treatment for most cases of BPH. Common drugs that your doctor may prescribe include:

• Alpha-blockers
• 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
• Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors

These medications typically work by relaxing the muscles of the prostate gland to relieve pressure on the urethra.

This helps to alleviate urinary symptoms like difficulties emptying the bladder, leaking, and a weak urine stream.

Lifestyle changes

In addition to using medications, your doctor may also recommend a number of lifestyle changes to help improve BPH symptoms. These may include:

• Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
• Following a balanced diet
• Limiting fluids in the evening
• Staying physically active
• Maintaining a healthy weight

For more severe cases of BPH, your doctor may also suggest bladder training to help increase bladder control and capacity.

It’s important to remember that these lifestyle adjustments should be made alongside using BPH drugs for a comprehensive treatment approach.

In most cases, the effects of lifestyle changes usually aren’t significant enough to treat BPH on their own.

Which Non-invasive Procedures are Recommended for BPH Treatment?

An enlarged prostate can also be treated through non-invasive procedures. These offer an alternative to surgery and involve shorter recovery times with fewer complications.

Rezũm water vapor thermal therapy

Rezũm water vapor thermal therapy is a popular minimally invasive procedure for treating BPH.

It involves delivering small amounts of steam into the prostate gland to destroy excess tissue and reduce its size back to normal.

The process is typically done as an outpatient procedure and only takes a few minutes. Your doctor may also administer local anesthesia to reduce some discomfort.

Once the vapor therapy has been completed, individuals usually experience a significant reduction in symptoms and a lower risk of sexual dysfunction.

The recovery time is also relatively short, with most men returning to their normal day-to-day activities within a week.

Prostatic urethral lift

This treatment — also known as a UroLift — involves the placement of small implants that lift the enlarged prostate from the urethra.

When the prostate is elevated, the pressure it places on the urethra is relieved and urinary obstruction may be alleviated.

A prostatic urethral lift is a common treatment option for BPH because it provides rapid symptom relief while preserving sexual function.

It can also be performed in a doctor’s office under general anesthesia and typically allows men to return to their normal life within a few days.

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE)

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a new non-invasive treatment for enlarged prostate symptoms that’s becoming increasingly popular among healthcare providers.

A PAE procedure involves injecting microscopic beads into the arteries that are vital for adequate prostate blood supply.

This reduces blood flow to the prostate gland and can help in reducing its size.

Other procedures

Other, less common non-invasive procedures may also be effective in treating BPH.

These options are usually recommended if you’re not a good candidate for the procedures mentioned above and may include:

• Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), which uses microwave energy to reduce prostate size and seal blood vessels to reduce the risk of bleeding.

• Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), which involves using radiofrequency energy to destroy and remove excess prostate tissue.

• High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) employs ultrasound waves to heat and destroy excess prostate tissue.

When Should Non-invasive Procedures Be Considered?

Non-invasive procedures for BPH usually aren’t the first option to treat enlarged prostate symptoms.

They’re usually only considered when lifestyle modifications and medications haven’t been effective or if your condition is severe.

In these cases, your doctor will consider several factors to determine whether you’re eligible for alternative BPH treatments.

Patients who prefer medical procedures with fewer side effects may also consider non-invasive options before undergoing surgery.

How effective are non-invasive procedures?

Although non-invasive surgeries are well-known for successfully treating BPH, it’s important to note that their long-term effectiveness may vary.

Some procedures provide rapid results, while others will reduce symptoms over time.

Compared to traditional surgical options, non-invasive procedures may have fewer complications but may require more maintenance to keep BPH symptoms under control.

In cases where an individual has an extremely enlarged prostate, non-invasive treatments may not be effective.

Should You Speak to Your Doctor about Non-invasive BPH Procedures?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, it’s important to consult your doctor as soon as possible.

They’ll conduct a medical assessment to determine the appropriate course of action and recommend an effective treatment strategy.

You should also speak to your doctor if your current treatment plan isn’t providing sufficient symptomatic relief. This may indicate the need for non-invasive or surgical procedures.

If you’re considering non-invasive procedures because of their low-risk advantages, it’s important to mention this to your doctor, too.

They will assess your condition to help you determine if these procedures are the right course of action for properly treating your symptoms.

Where Can You Learn More About Enlarged Prostate and Similar Conditions?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about non-invasive methods for treating an enlarged prostate, LifeMD is here to help.

A team of medical professionals can assist you with information and provide guidance on managing an enlarged prostate while avoiding further complications.

Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more about enlarged prostate care — all from the comfort of your home.