Simple changes
If symptoms are mild, these may be enough:
- drink less in the 2 hours before bed
- cut down on caffeine and alcohol
- bladder training, to hold on a little longer
- double voiding: wait a moment after peeing and try again
Medicines
- alpha blockers, such as tamsulosin, relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, and work within days
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride or dutasteride, shrink the prostate over months
- the two can be taken together
Procedures
If medicines do not help, or you have complications, you may be offered:
- TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate), where part of the prostate is removed through the penis
- HoLEP, a laser procedure
- UroLift or Rezum, less invasive options for some men
Your urologist will explain the benefits and possible side effects, such as effects on ejaculation.
Sources we used
- NICE guideline CG97, Lower urinary tract symptoms in men
- NHS, Benign prostate enlargement
- Prostate Cancer UK, Enlarged prostate
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