BPH (Enlarged Prostate): Complete Guide to Symptoms & Treatment
📚 All BPH & Enlarged Prostate Topics
BPH Symptoms & IPSS Score
Recognise early signs of enlarged prostate and use the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to assess severity.
Causes of BPH
Why the prostate enlarges with age – hormones, genetics, and lifestyle factors that increase risk.
BPH Diagnosis
How doctors diagnose enlarged prostate – DRE, PSA, uroflowmetry, post-void residual, and cystoscopy.
BPH vs. Prostate Cancer
How to distinguish benign enlargement from cancer – key differences and when to worry.
BPH Medications: Alpha-Blockers
Tamsulosin, alfuzosin, silodosin – how they work, side effects (retrograde ejaculation), and effectiveness.
BPH Medications: 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
Finasteride and dutasteride – how they shrink the prostate, timeline, side effects (ED, libido).
Combination Therapy for BPH
When alpha-blockers plus 5-ARIs work better than either alone – evidence and indications.
Minimally Invasive BPH Treatments
Overview of office-based procedures – Rezum, UroLift, TUMT, and when they are appropriate.
Rezum Water Vapor Therapy
Steam injection to reduce prostate tissue – procedure, success rates, and recovery.
UroLift System
Implants that hold the prostate open – no heating or cutting, preserves ejaculatory function.
TUMT (Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy)
Microwave energy to reduce prostate tissue – effectiveness and side effects.
Aquablation Therapy
Robotically controlled water jet ablation – for large prostates with precise tissue removal.
Natural Remedies for BPH
Saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, pygeum – what works, what doesn't, and evidence levels.
BPH Diet & Lifestyle
Foods to eat, fluids to avoid, and lifestyle changes that improve urinary symptoms.
TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)
The gold standard surgical treatment for BPH – procedure, recovery, risks, and outcomes.
HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation)
Laser removal of prostate tissue – best for large prostates, shorter recovery, fewer complications.
BPH Complications: Urinary Retention
Acute and chronic urinary retention – when BPH becomes an emergency and how it's treated.
🎯 Who Should Read This Section?
- Men over 50 with urinary symptoms – Learn about your condition and treatment options.
- Men newly diagnosed with BPH – Understand the disease and make informed decisions.
- Men considering BPH treatment – Compare medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.
- Family members of BPH patients – Understand what your loved one is experiencing.
- Medical students and trainees – Build clinical knowledge of BPH management.
🔗 Related Pillars
- Pillar 1: Prostate Basics – Anatomy, function, PSA, DRE.
- Pillar 3: Prostatitis – Inflammation and infection of the prostate.
- Pillar 4: Prostate Cancer – Screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes. BPH treatment decisions should be made with a qualified urologist. At Vivekananda Hospital, we offer comprehensive BPH care – from lifestyle advice to advanced surgical treatments.