Treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

In mild cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), no treatment is necessary. In many cases, men with BPH eventually request medical intervention. The goals of treatment are to allow urine to pass easily, to prevent urine retention, and to reduce the risk of urinary infection .

The treatment and management of BPH may involve medicine or surgery. Medicine, which is used for less advanced cases, may either relax the bladder outlet valve or shrink the prostate by hormonal manipulation. Surgery removes the obstruction. There are several methods available.

Treatment involves the following:

Medications Surgery Alternative and complementary therapies

References

American Urological Association. Guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. American Urological Association website. Available at: http://www.auanet.org/ . Updated 2006. Accessed July 26, 2010.

American Urological Association Practice Guidelines Committee. AUA guideline on management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2003;170:530-547.

Burnett AL, Wein AJ. Benign prostatic hyperplasia in primary care: what you need to know. J Urol. 2006;175:S19-24.

Dull, P, Reagan RW Jr, Bahnson RR. Managing benign prostatic hyperplasia. Am Fam Physician. 2002;66:87-88.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Adrienne Carmack, MD
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/91/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.