The most prominent symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are lower urinary tract symptoms, such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, hesitancy, and a weak urine stream. The decline in quality of life caused by these symptoms is also the primary reason patients seek treatment.
So, what are the treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia?
I. Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a non-pharmacological, non-surgical approach involving patient education, lifestyle guidance, and regular follow-ups. As BPH represents a progressive benign hyperplasia of prostate tissue with unpredictable progression, long-term follow-up shows that only a minority of patients develop complications like urinary retention, renal insufficiency, or bladder stones.Therefore, watchful waiting can be an appropriate approach for most BPH patients, especially when lower urinary tract symptoms have not significantly impacted their quality of life.
II. Medical Therapy
The short-term goal of medical therapy for BPH is to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms. The long-term goal is to delay clinical progression and prevent complications. Overall, the primary objective of medical therapy is to maintain a high quality of life while minimizing drug side effects.
III. Surgical Treatment
BPH is a progressive disease. For patients with severe symptoms, surgical intervention may ultimately be necessary. Surgical treatment is suitable for patients with severe BPH or those whose lower urinary tract symptoms significantly impair quality of life. It is particularly considered for patients who respond poorly to medication or refuse pharmacological therapy.