If you’re making more late-night trips to the bathroom or noticing a weaker urine stream, an enlarged prostate could be the reason. The condition, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common part of aging for many men and can lead to frustrating urinary symptoms.
“The good news is, there are lots of treatment options for an enlarged prostate – and many can start helping right away,” says Shaun Hager, DO, an urologist with Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute.
From medications to minimally invasive procedures, doctors have more options than ever to help symptoms and improve quality of life.
Your evaluation usually starts with an office visit
Your provider will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam, which may include a prostate exam, is often part of the visit. You might also need blood work, a urine test or imaging.
From there, your provider can recommend the treatment options that make the most sense for you. Here’s what that might include.
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1. No treatment at all
It’s true – just because your prostate is enlarged doesn’t mean it needs treatment.
“We might just monitor things if your symptoms are mild and not affecting your day-to-day life,” says Dr. Hager. “But if it starts bothering you, let’s talk about options.”
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2. Simple lifestyle changes
Urinary symptoms can be frustrating, especially when they start to disrupt your routine. But sometimes, small changes can make a noticeable difference.
“The first step is looking at your lifestyle,” says Dr. Hager. “Even small adjustments can ease symptoms and help you feel more comfortable.”
Try:
- Cutting back on fluids in the evening, particularly within 2 hours of bedtime.
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine.
- Avoiding decongestants and antihistamines, which can make it harder to empty your bladder.
- Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Urinating when you feel the urge – don’t hold it too long.
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3. Medications
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medication can also help.
Options include:
- Alpha blockers, most commonly tamsulosin, which relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder.
- Other specific medications, depending on your symptoms and exam findings.
- Combination therapy, using different meds together.
“For many men, this provides great relief and can help you avoid a procedure,” says Dr. Hager. “But like any medications, we’ll keep an eye on how it’s working and adjust if we need to.”
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4. Minimally invasive procedures
If symptoms are sticking around and medication isn’t a great fit, you still don’t have to necessarily jump straight to surgery.
“There are minimally invasive treatments that can relieve obstruction with little downtime,” says Dr. Hager.
Two common options include:
- Rezūm™, which uses steam to shrink excess prostate tissue.
- UroLift®, which pulls prostate tissue away from the urethra using small implants.
“These therapies have changed how we manage BPH,” says Dr. Hager. “They’re safe, effective and often preserve sexual function – a big concern for a lot of patients.”
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5. Surgery
If your symptoms are severe or you’ve developed complications, your team may recommend surgery.
Surgical treatments include:
- Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP).
- TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate).
- TUIP (transurethral incision of the prostate).
- Greenlight laser treatment.
- Simple prostatectomy.
“Surgery is a great option when it’s the right fit,” says Dr. Hager. “We’ll walk through benefits, risks and recovery so you can decide what makes sense for you.”
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Personalized care starts with your doctor
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to prostate health, which is why talking to your doctor is so important.
“The right treatment depends on your prostate size, symptoms, lifestyle and personal goals,” says Dr. Hager. “Together, we’ll figure out what works best to help you feel your best today and in the future.”
