BPH Treatment

Common symptoms of BPH include:

• A weak or interrupted urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• A feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
• Urgency or difficulty holding on
• Dribbling at the end of urination

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and their impact on your quality of life. Not all cases require intervention. Where treatment is needed, options fall into two main categories: medical and surgical.

For mild to moderate symptoms, medication is often the first step. The most commonly used drug classes include:

• Alpha-blockers, which relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow
• 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which reduce the size of the prostate over time
• Combination therapy, which uses both classes together for more significant symptom relief

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a well-established surgical procedure for BPH. It involves passing an instrument through the urethra to remove excess prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. No external incision is required.

TURP has a long track record and remains an effective option for many patients with moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medication.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive surgical option that uses laser energy to remove obstructing prostate tissue. It is particularly well suited to larger prostates that might otherwise require open surgery.

During HoLEP, the laser is used to separate the enlarged tissue from the prostate capsule, and the tissue is then removed through the bladder. The procedure is performed through the urethra with no external incisions.

• Suitable for prostates of all sizes, including very large glands
• Lower risk of bleeding compared to traditional TURP
• Shorter catheter time and hospital stay in many cases
• Durable, long-term results

The choice between medical treatment, TURP, and HoLEP depends on several factors, including the size of your prostate, the severity of your symptoms, your general health, and your preferences. Dr Naudé will assess your condition thoroughly and discuss the options that are most appropriate for you.