Enlarged Prostate Treatment

Transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP or TVP) is the most recently introduced technology to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). TUVP was developed to overcome some of the major problems associated with the surgical procedure... Full Answer

Although plant extracts have a long history of use in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), questions still remain about how they work and how effective they really are. Important effects have been identified in laboratory studies that use... Full Answer

The interest in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related symptoms with herbs has increased in the United States because of herbal use in Europe and for the following other reasons: The public considers herbs to be safer than... Full Answer

Here are the cons of using saw palmetto to help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Need to discuss with doctor if taking finasteride (Proscar) Evidence is limited; no randomized comparison studies or long-term studies Takes four to six... Full Answer

Here are the pros of using saw palmetto to help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Has been used for many years in Europe Similar effectiveness as finasteride Three out of four get some favorable response; symptom score reduced by an... Full Answer

The possible risks of transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) include the following: Retrograde ejaculation, in which semen flows backward into the bladder, occurs in about 6 to 55 men out of 100. Retrograde ejaculation is not harmful.... Full Answer

TUIP may be a good option for men with only slightly enlarged prostates. TUIP may be chosen instead of TURP by men who: Are at higher risk for complications from surgery and anesthetic, including men with serious health problems. TUIP involves less... Full Answer

Symptoms improve after TUIP in about 8 out of 10 men. Men notice about a 73% improvement in their American Urological Association (AUA) symptom index scores. For example, if you have a score of 25 (indicating severe symptoms), it could be reduced to... Full Answer

Surgery usually is not required to treat BPH, but it may be a reasonable choice for some men. Choosing surgery depends largely on your preferences and comfort with the idea of having surgery. Things to consider include your expectations, the severity of... Full Answer

During photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), also called the GreenLight procedure, the surgeon threads a thin tube called a cystoscope through the urethra into the enlarged prostate. The surgeon then threads a fiber-optic device through the... Full Answer