Content
To treat an enlarged prostate, which is usually caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, the urologist usually recommends using medications to relax the prostate muscles and relieve symptoms, such as difficulty urinating or a sudden urge to urinate, for example.
However, in cases where the medication is unable to control the symptoms, it may be necessary to have surgery to remove the prostate and resolve the problem.
1. Remedies
Treatment for an enlarged prostate usually starts with the use of medications that help relieve symptoms and prevent complications such as urinary retention or kidney stones, for example. Some of the remedies most recommended by the urologist include:
- Remedies to relax the prostate muscles, such as alpha-blockers including tamsulosin and doxazosin;
- Remedies to reduce the action of hormones in the prostate, causing it to reduce in volume, such as finasteride and dutasteride;
- Antibiotics to decrease inflammation of the prostate, if any, such as ciprofloxacin.
These drugs can be used separately or in combination, depending on the symptoms presented and the size of the prostate.
In cases where the man also has prostate cancer, the doctor usually recommends surgery to remove the prostate, as well as radiotherapy and / or chemotherapy to eliminate the malignant cells of the tumor.
2. Natural treatment
In addition to drug treatment, it is possible to use natural extracts to help relieve symptoms more quickly. However, this type of treatment should not replace the treatment indicated by the doctor, and should only be completed.
Some of the medicinal plants used in the natural treatment of this problem include:
1. Saw Palmetto
This plant, of scientific name Serenoa repens, it has excellent anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that help to deflate the prostate and facilitate the passage of urine.
To obtain the full effect it is recommended to take 1 capsule of Saw Palmetto for breakfast and dinner. Another option is to take 1 teaspoon of Saw Palmetto powder mixed in a glass of water, twice a day. Learn more about Saw palmetto.
2. Pygeum africanum
This substance is removed from the inside of the bark of the African plum tree and is often used to treat urinary and prostate problems, reducing the urge to urinate. THE Pygeum africanum it can be purchased as capsules at health food stores and should be taken in doses between 25 and 200 mg per day.
3. Surgery
Surgery to treat an enlarged prostate is indicated in the most severe cases, especially when a bladder catheter is used to urinate, when a large amount of blood is seen in the urine, when there has been no improvement with clinical treatment, or when the person has a bladder stone or kidney failure, for example.
The most widely used surgical techniques include:
- Prostatectomy / adenomectomy: consists of the removal of the inner part of the prostate through normal abdominal surgery;
- Transurethral resection of the prostate, also known as classic endoscopy: removal of the prostate is done with a device that is introduced through the urethra;
- Prostate electrospray or GreenLight: it is similar to transurethral resection but uses a thermal reaction, having a faster hospital discharge.
In addition to these surgeries, in some cases, only a small cut in the prostate can be made to facilitate the passage of the urethra, without having to remove the prostate.
Watch the following video and understand why, in some cases, surgery should be done as soon as possible:
How to relieve the discomfort of an enlarged prostate
To improve the discomfort caused by the enlarged prostate, some tips are:
- Urinating whenever you feel like it, avoiding holding urine;
- Avoid drinking too many fluids at once, in the evening, before going to sleep or in places where there is no bathroom;
- Do physical exercise and physical therapy to strengthen the pelvic muscles. See how to do this type of exercises;
- Urinate every 2 hours, even if you don't feel like it;
- Avoid spicy foods and diuretic drinks, such as coffee and alcoholic drinks, orange, lemon, lime, pineapple, olives, chocolate or nuts;
- Do not leave urine dripping at the end of urination, squeezing the urethra, to avoid infections;
- Avoid medications that cause urine retention, such as nasal decongestant;
In addition, men who are easily constipated should increase their intake of water and laxative foods to stimulate bowel function, as constipation can worsen the discomfort of the enlarged prostate.
Can enlarged prostate become cancer?
No, benign prostatic hyperplasia is a disease different from prostate adenocarcinoma, since malignant cells are not identified in hyperplasia, unlike prostate cancer. Check for any signs that may indicate an enlarged prostate.