Getting up several times a night to use the bathroom, struggling to start urinating, or dealing with a weak urine stream can be frustrating and exhausting. If you’ve been told you have an enlarged prostate, you may be wondering what happens next and whether you need surgery.
The good news is that not everyone with an enlarged prostate needs an operation. In many cases, medications and other treatments can help manage symptoms. When it comes to enlarged prostate and surgery, the right approach depends on the size of your prostate, how severe your symptoms are, and whether other treatments have provided enough relief.
Learning more about enlarged prostate treatment options can help you understand what to expect and decide whether surgery may be right for you.
What Is the Prostate and What Does It Do?
The prostate is a gland that’s about the size of a walnut. It’s located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It produces fluid that helps make up semen. It also helps push semen through the urethra during ejaculation. The urethra is the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.
Because the prostate surrounds part of the urethra, changes in its size can affect urination.
Why Does the Prostate Enlarge?
It’s common for the prostate to enlarge as men get older. Doctors don’t know the exact cause, but changes in hormone levels that happen with aging are thought to play a role.
Not every enlarged prostate causes symptoms. But as the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra and make it harder for urine to leave the bladder. This can lead to several urinary symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?
An enlarged prostate can cause several urinary symptoms. Common signs include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Trouble starting urination
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Feeling like your bladder doesn’t empty completely
Less common symptoms include:
- Inability to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Without treatment, symptoms may worsen over time and become more disruptive.
Will I Need Surgery for an Enlarged Prostate?
After being diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, you may wonder if you’ll need surgery.
The answer is maybe. Many men don’t need surgery right away. If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend medication to improve urine flow or shrink the prostate.
Surgery or another procedure may be recommended if you’re experiencing:
- Kidney problems
- Repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Bladder stones
- Blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate
- Little or no relief from medications
What Are the Treatment Options for an Enlarged Prostate?
Several procedures can treat an enlarged prostate. Some are surgical procedures performed in an operating room. Others are done in an office or outpatient setting with little to no downtime. The best option depends on your prostate size, symptoms, and treatment goals.
Aquablation
Aquablation is a surgical procedure that uses a high-velocity water jet to remove excess prostate tissue. Your surgeon pairs a water jet with ultrasound imaging. This creates a detailed map of the prostate, allowing for precise tissue removal. There are no incisions. Many men see improved urinary flow with limited side effects.
GreenLight Laser Therapy
GreenLight uses a laser to vaporize excess prostate tissue. This tissue blocks urine flow. It removes prostate tissue through a minimally invasive procedure. Recovery tends to be faster than with traditional surgery. Doctors often recommend GreenLight for men with larger prostates.
Rezum
Rezum is an in-office procedure that uses steam to treat BPH. A small device delivers brief blasts of steam into the prostate. The steam destroys prostate tissue, which your body absorbs over time. The prostate shrinks, and pressure on the urethra eases. Rezum is a safe and effective alternative to medication for many men.
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
PAE is a minimally invasive procedure. It targets blood flow instead of tissue. A doctor blocks the small arteries that supply blood to the prostate. Without that blood supply, the prostate gradually shrinks. PAE does not require incisions or general anesthesia.
UroLift
The UroLift System uses small implants to hold enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. This procedure is often performed in an office setting. There is no cutting, heating, or removal of tissue, and many men return to normal activities within a few days.
iTind
The iTind procedure uses a temporary device placed in the urethra. It reshapes the prostate channel. Your doctor removes the device about a week later. There are no permanent implants left behind. iTind may be a good option for men who want to avoid long-term medication or more invasive surgery.
Your urologist will review your prostate size, symptoms, and health history. Together, you can choose the best path forward.
What Are the Risks of Prostate Surgery?
All prostate procedures have potential risks and side effects.
Possible complications include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Retrograde ejaculation, when semen flows backward into the bladder
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Irritation or bleeding
Some men may need another procedure if prostate tissue grows back or scar tissue develops.
Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits and risks of each treatment option.
What Are the Benefits of Enlarged Prostate Treatment?
Treatment can improve urinary symptoms and quality of life. Benefits may include:
- Improved urine flow
- Fewer trips to the bathroom, especially at night
- Better bladder emptying
- Reduced risk of urinary retention and other complications
- Improved quality of life
Enlarged Prostate and Surgery: Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Not everyone with an enlarged prostate needs surgery. Some men do well with medication or minimally invasive treatments. Others may need a procedure to improve urine flow or treat complications. When it comes to enlarged prostate and surgery, the right treatment depends on your symptoms, the size of your prostate, and your treatment goals.
If urinary symptoms are affecting your daily life, you don’t have to live with them. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, or Conway, call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment and start feeling like yourself again.