An enlarged prostate can make everyday life frustrating. You may find yourself waking up several times a night to urinate, struggling with a weak urine stream, or feeling like your bladder never fully empties.

The good news is that many enlarged prostate treatment options are available. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery. The right option depends on your symptoms and prostate size. Understanding your options can help you decide when it’s time to seek treatment and what approach may be right for you.

What Is an Enlarged Prostate?

The prostate sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra as it grows. This can make it harder for urine to pass through.

This can lead to symptoms such as:

What Are the Treatment Options for an Enlarged Prostate?

If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend monitoring your condition instead of starting treatment right away. Some lifestyle changes may also help, including:

Lifestyle Changes

  • Limiting caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder
  • Waiting a few moments after urinating and then trying again to empty your bladder, a technique called double voiding
  • Drinking less fluid before bedtime to reduce nighttime bathroom trips

Medications

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medication for BPH may help. Several medications can improve urine flow, reduce symptoms, or help shrink the prostate.

Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin and doxazosin relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck. This helps improve urine flow. These medications don’t shrink the prostate, but many men notice symptom relief within days or weeks.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride work by blocking DHT, a hormone linked to prostate growth. Over time, they can help shrink the prostate and improve urinary symptoms.

Tadalafil (Cialis) is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can also help relieve urinary symptoms caused by BPH. It may be a good option for men dealing with both conditions.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

If medication isn’t helping enough, a minimally invasive procedure may be an option. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day.

Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy

Rezūm uses water vapor to treat the enlarged prostate tissue that’s blocking urine flow. Over time, the body absorbs the treated tissue, which reduces pressure on the urethra.

The procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes and doesn’t require general anesthesia. Sexual function can often be preserved. Many men notice improvement within two to four weeks.

UroLift

UroLift doesn’t remove or destroy prostate tissue. Instead, small implants hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. This helps restore normal urine flow.

UroLift has a strong track record of preserving sexual function, including ejaculation.

Aquablation Therapy

Aquablation uses a high-pressure water jet to remove the prostate tissue blocking urine flow. The procedure is guided by real-time imaging, which helps the surgeon precisely target the treatment area.

Aquablation can be used for prostates of different sizes and has a low risk of affecting urinary or sexual function. There are no external incisions, and many men experience lasting symptom relief.

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)

PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist. A small catheter is guided into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. Tiny particles are then injected to reduce blood flow.

As blood flow decreases, the prostate gradually shrinks. PAE is usually performed under local anesthesia and may be a good option for men who aren’t candidates for traditional surgery.

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended if the prostate is very large or if other treatments haven’t worked well enough.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

TURP is one of the most common surgical treatments for BPH. A thin scope is passed through the urethra, and the surgeon removes the prostate tissue blocking urine flow.

TURP provides reliable, long-lasting symptom relief without external incisions.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)

HoLEP uses a laser to remove the portion of the prostate causing the blockage. It’s especially effective for men with very large prostates.

When Is Surgery Recommended for BPH?

There are several ways to treat BPH. The best option depends on the size of your prostate, your symptoms, and your treatment goals.

Surgery is usually considered when:

  • Symptoms are severe
  • The prostate is significantly enlarged
  • Other treatments haven’t provided enough relief

Enlarged Prostate Treatment in San Antonio

If an enlarged prostate is affecting your sleep, comfort, or quality of life, you don’t have to live with the symptoms. Today’s enlarged prostate treatment options range from medication and minimally invasive procedures to advanced surgical techniques for more severe cases.

The team at Urology San Antonio offers personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms, prostate size, and goals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn which enlarged prostate treatment option may be right for you.

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