BPH treatment options when drugs are not enough
A range of surgical and office based procedures can restore urine flow. Each has its own benefits, risks, and effects on sexual function.
- Reviewed by Heidi Rayala, MD, PhD, Contributor
Most men develop some degree of prostate enlargement as they age. In many cases, the enlarged gland presses against the passage that leads out of the bladder, making it hard to urinate. This noncancerous condition, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is treatable with medications and lifestyle changes (such as limiting fluids before bed). But if urinary symptoms worsen despite these strategies, or if treatment side effects become too bothersome, the next step is surgery.
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About the Author
C.W. Schmidt, Editor, Harvard Medical School Annual Report on Prostate Diseases
About the Reviewer
Heidi Rayala, MD, PhD, Contributor
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