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Is prostate enlargement reversible?

While it's difficult to completely reverse an enlarged prostate, there are several treatments that can relieve symptoms, reduce the size of the prostate and help restore normal urine flow. In fact, many men with prostate enlargement are able to achieve a positive quality of life with non-surgical treatments.

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Can an Enlarged Prostate Be Cured?

An enlarged prostate—also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—is a common condition among men as they grow older. It is characterized by the natural enlargement of the prostate, a small gland situated between the bladder and penis. The urethra, or the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis, is surrounded by the prostate, and often becomes squeezed and compressed as a result of prostate enlargement. This can cause a weakened urine stream and related issues like a frequent urge to urinate and difficulty sleeping through the night. Prostate enlargement tends to come with age. While it’s difficult to completely reverse an enlarged prostate, there are several treatments that can relieve symptoms, reduce the size of the prostate and help restore normal urine flow. In fact, many men with prostate enlargement are able to achieve a positive quality of life with non-surgical treatments.

Enlarged Prostate Treatment Options

A “watchful waiting” approach is taken in many BPH cases. Some men find that their symptoms are mild and resolve without treatment. However, when symptoms are disruptive or don’t improve over time, one or more of the following treatment options may be recommended.

Medication

Medication is often the first step of enlarged prostate treatment. There are multiple drugs that can help reduce BPH symptoms, including:

5-alpha reductase inhibitors that help shrink the prostate

Alpha blockers that relax prostate muscle fibers and bladder neck muscles

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, which are primarily prescribed to address erectile dysfunction, may help increase urine flow

Lifestyle Changes

There are several lifestyle factors that can contribute to or worsen prostate enlargement. For example, living a sedentary lifestyle can increase urinary retention, so many physicians recommend for patients to engage in routine exercise. Other common recommendations include:

Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption

Reducing liquid consumption before bedtime

Using the bathroom at scheduled times, even when the bladder is empty

Losing excess weight

Avoiding the use of decongestants and antihistamines, if possible

Surgery

If prostate enlargement symptoms are disruptive or don’t respond to conservative approaches, surgery may be recommended. There are many minimally invasive procedures and surgical therapies available that can provide significant relief to men with prostate enlargement.

Our Approach to Urology & Enlarged Prostate Treatment

At Tufts Medical Center Community Care, our patients benefit from the world-class expertise of seasoned urologists, internal medicine physicians and other experts who frequently treat prostate conditions. If you would like to speak with a specialist regarding your symptoms or prostate enlargement treatment options, contact our friendly staff today. We will be happy to schedule you an in-person appointment at one of our easily accessible locations throughout north suburban Boston, or you can consult with our professionals virtually through our convenient telemedicine services.

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Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

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Can an enlarged prostate be temporary?

Does an enlarged prostate improve without treatment? Early on, enlarged prostate symptoms may come and go, so taking a “wait and see” approach to mild symptoms is reasonable. Over the long-term, however, symptoms tend to get gradually worse.

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A man’s feelings about his symptoms are a major factor in determining the most appropriate treatment. If the man is extremely unhappy with his symptoms, he may elect a more aggressive, immediate form of therapy. If he is only mildly bothered but still wishes to pursue treatment, he may elect to use medications. Take the BPH Symptom Quiz to help understand the severity of your symptoms. To quantify the effect of urinary symptoms on a man’s quality of life, urologists use a symptom questionnaire developed by the American Urological Association. The higher the score on the questionnaire, the more likely the patient needs aggressive treatment.

Evaluation & Testing

A man being evaluated for enlarged prostate will also receive a rectal exam and a have his blood drawn to measure his body’s prostate specific antigen (PSA). These steps verify whether the symptoms are the result of an enlarged prostate or could be caused by a prostate infection or prostate cancer.

Treatments

Treatment is available when the symptoms an enlarged prostate are affecting your quality of life or are so severe that they put you at risk for serious complications like urinary tract infections or bladder or kidney damage.

Treatments include:

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