Prostate Treatments

Prostate Treatments: Drug Treatments for Prostate Health

As most men age, they begin to encounter issues with an enlarged prostate gland; while this is not always an indication of cancer, prostate treatments may be necessary to control prostate enlargement for good health. The prostate gland is the small male organ which produces semen, the whitish liquid that makes up about 1/3 of seminal fluid. At birth, it is only about the size of a pea, reaching the size of a walnut around adulthood. Prostate treatments often become necessary later on in life, when the gland undergoes a second phase of growth. The prostate can get as large as a plum, or in some cases swell to the size of a grapefruit. Enlarged prostate, known medically as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) can cause problems with urinary tract function. Prostate treatments are aimed at reducing the size of the prostate in order to prevent problems with urination. The prostate gland is located directly under the urethra, and when it expands, it squeezes the urethra, causing frequent urination, blocking the flow of urine, and making it difficult to completely empty the bladder. There are a number of prostate treatments which can help, depending on the severity of the enlargement and the preference of the individual being treated. Surgery to remove part of the prostate gland is usually helpful, although it is often used as a last resort; medications are often prescribed as prostate treatments, and there are alternative therapies which can promote prostate health and reduce or prevent prostate enlargement.

Drug therapies and prostate treatments: Medications used as prostate treatments are usually effective in reducing the size of the prostate, but may cause some mild side effects. The most commonly used drugs for an enlarged prostate include Alpha blockers, which relax the muscles of the urethra and make urination easier; and enzyme inhibitors, which reduce the testosterone levels which promote prostate growth. These may be used separately or in combination.

Lifestyle changes and non-drug treatments for enlarged prostate: Lifestyle changes and alternative therapies may be used effectively as prostate treatments. Herbal supplements to promote prostate health can successfully prevent or slow BPH; lifestyle changes to reduce the symptoms associated with a large prostate include avoiding caffeine and alcohol, as well as other diurectics. Going as soon as you feel the urge and trying to completely empty the bladder is also necessary.

Surgery for enlarged prostate when drug treatments fail: When medications are unable to slow the growth of the prostate and reduce its size, a minimally invasive procedure such as laser therapy may be tried. If this is unsuccessful, and prostate symptoms are interfering with everyday life, then surgery can usually correct the problem. Surgical prostate treatments involve removing a small portion of the prostate gland to reduce the pressure on the urethra.