Can Medicine Cure BHP, or is Surgery The Required?

Hello,

If you have been suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) (enlarged prostate) for more than 10 years, it is important to have your condition reviewed by an experienced Urologist. While medicines are the first-line treatment for BPH, the decision to continue medication or undergo surgery depends on your current symptoms, prostate size, bladder function, and overall health.

When Are Medicines Enough?

Medicines are generally recommended for patients with mild to moderate symptoms. They help by

• Relaxing the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow.

• Gradually reducing the size of the enlarged prostate over several months.

• Reducing symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, and getting up multiple times at night.

Many patients achieve good symptom control with medicines and regular follow-up. However, medicines manage the condition rather than permanently removing the enlarged prostate tissue.

When Should Surgery Be Considered?

If you have had BPH for 10 years or longer, surgery should be considered if :

• Medicines are no longer providing adequate relief.

• Your symptoms have become severe and are affecting your daily life.

• You are unable to empty your bladder completely.

• You develop acute urinary retention (complete inability to pass urine requiring catheterization).

• You experience recurrent urinary tract infections due to incomplete bladder emptying.

• You have recurrent blood in the urine caused by the enlarged prostate.

• You develop bladder stones.

• There is evidence that the enlarged prostate is affecting kidney function.

• The side effects of medicines, such as dizziness or sexual dysfunction, become difficult to tolerate.

What Are the Surgical Options?

If surgery is required, the Urologist will recommend the most appropriate procedure based on your prostate size and overall health. Common treatment options include

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – one of the most commonly performed procedures for BPH.

• Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) – especially suitable for larger prostates.

• Minimally invasive procedures, such as UroLift, for selected patients.

These procedures remove or reduce the obstructing prostate tissue, providing significant improvement in urine flow and urinary symptoms.

What Should You Do Next?

Since you have had BPH for more than 10 years, it is advisable to undergo a detailed evaluation by a Urologist. The doctor may recommend

• Ultrasound of the prostate and bladder.

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test, if appropriate.

• Urine flow rate assessment.

• Measurement of urine remaining in the bladder after urination.

• Kidney function tests.

• Additional investigations, if required.

These tests will help determine whether continuing medicines is appropriate or whether surgery would provide better long-term relief.

How HexaHealth Can Assist You?

• Experienced Urologists : We can connect you with experienced Urologists for a comprehensive evaluation.

• Partner Hospital Network : We can help you find the most suitable partner hospital for consultation and treatment.

• Diagnostic Guidance : We can assist you with the recommended investigations for BPH.

• Treatment Support : We can help with medicines, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery based on the Urologist's advice.

• Insurance & Ayushman Guidance : If you have health insurance or Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), we can guide you regarding eligibility and cashless treatment, wherever applicable.

• End-to-End Assistance : From consultation to treatment and follow-up, HexaHealth supports you throughout your healthcare journey.

Kindly let us know

• Your age.

• Your City and State.

• What symptoms are you currently experiencing? (Weak urine stream, frequent urination, difficulty passing urine, waking up at night, etc.)

• Are you currently taking any medicines for BPH? If yes, for how long?

Based on these details, we will help you connect with the most suitable experienced Urologist and partner hospital for the appropriate treatment.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth