Prostate enlargement (BPH) ranges from mild to severe. Many men begin with lifestyle changes and monitoring. When symptoms bother daily life, medications - mainly alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors - are effective for many. If drugs fail or complications arise, a range of procedures and surgeries, from minimally invasive options (UroLift, Rezūm) to TURP or laser enucleation, are available. Herbal supplements such as saw palmetto show limited consistent benefit and should be discussed with a clinician.

What is prostate enlargement?

Prostate enlargement, medically called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition as men age. It can narrow the urinary tract and cause symptoms such as weak stream, frequent urination (especially at night), urgency, or incomplete emptying. Symptom severity varies from mild nuisance to problems that interfere with daily life.

Three broad treatment paths

There are three broad ways clinicians and patients manage BPH: lifestyle/watchful waiting, medications, and procedures (including surgery). Many factors guide the choice: symptom severity, prostate size, patient preference, and other medical conditions.

1) Watchful waiting and lifestyle changes

Men with mild symptoms often start with observation and behavioral adjustments. Reducing evening fluid intake, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and timed voiding can help. Regular follow-up lets doctors track any worsening that would prompt active treatment.

2) Medications

Medications are the mainstay for men whose symptoms bother them but do not require immediate surgery. Two common drug classes are:

  • Alpha-blockers (for example, tamsulosin): these relax prostate and bladder neck muscles to improve urine flow and typically act quickly.
  • 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (for example, finasteride, dutasteride): these shrink the prostate over months and are used when the prostate is enlarged. They can reduce long-term risk of acute urinary retention and need for surgery.
Sometimes clinicians combine both types for better symptom control when indicated. All medications have potential side effects - alpha-blockers can lower blood pressure; 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can affect sexual function. Discuss risks and benefits with your clinician.

3) Procedures and surgery

When medications fail, symptoms are severe, or complications (like recurrent urinary retention or kidney damage) arise, a procedural approach may be recommended. Options range from minimally invasive office procedures to surgery under anesthesia.

Common procedures include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser enucleation (HoLEP), and newer minimally invasive implants or energy treatments such as UroLift or steam therapy (Rezūm). Choice of procedure depends on prostate size, anatomy, and patient goals (for example, preserving ejaculation).

What about saw palmetto and supplements?

Saw palmetto and other herbal supplements are widely used for urinary symptoms. High-quality systematic reviews generally find limited or inconsistent evidence that saw palmetto provides meaningful long-term benefit compared with placebo; some people report symptom relief. Supplements are not regulated like prescription drugs and can interact with other medications, so tell your clinician if you use them.

Next steps

If urinary symptoms affect your quality of life, see a primary care clinician or urologist. They will assess symptom severity, check for urinary infection, evaluate prostate size, and discuss evidence-based options tailored to your health and preferences. 1

  1. Confirm prevalence statistics and age-related prevalence wording for BPH (specific percentages by age).
  2. Verify current guideline recommendations for initial management of BPH (watchful waiting thresholds, first-line medications).
  3. Confirm systematic review findings on saw palmetto efficacy and any recent high-quality trials altering that conclusion.

FAQs about Prostrate Enlargement

At what age does prostate enlargement become common?
Prostate enlargement becomes increasingly common with age and is especially seen in middle-aged and older men. Many men begin to develop symptoms after 50, with prevalence rising further by older decades.
Can saw palmetto cure an enlarged prostate?
No. Saw palmetto is not a cure. Reviews show limited and inconsistent evidence that it gives meaningful long-term benefit. Some men report symptom improvement, but it should not replace medical evaluation or evidence-based treatments.
What are the main drug treatments and their side effects?
Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) act quickly to relax urinary muscles and may cause dizziness or low blood pressure. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) reduce prostate size over months and can cause sexual side effects. Your clinician will discuss trade-offs.
When is surgery recommended?
Surgery or procedural intervention is recommended when symptoms are severe, medications fail, or there are complications such as urinary retention, recurrent infections, bladder stones, or kidney problems.
Are there minimally invasive options?
Yes. Minimally invasive options include implant-based approaches (UroLift) and energy treatments like steam therapy (Rezūm). Laser procedures such as HoLEP are also commonly used and can shorten recovery compared with traditional surgery.

News about Prostrate Enlargement

Urologist says men shouldn’t ignore these 5 common symptoms of prostate enlargement - Healthshots [Visit Site | Read More]

Enlarged prostate: Robotic technology treatment brings hope - BBC [Visit Site | Read More]

Prostate cancer - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic [Visit Site | Read More]

Sound of Success: Mel’s Horseshoes Comeback After Enlarged Prostate Treatment - University of Missouri Health Care [Visit Site | Read More]

New survey reveals men would rather sit in traffic than talk about prostate health - EurekAlert! [Visit Site | Read More]

Can saw palmetto treat an enlarged prostate? - Harvard Health [Visit Site | Read More]

KNH treats enlarged prostate in 20-minute procedure using steam therapy - The Eastleigh Voice [Visit Site | Read More]

Aquablation shows promise for treating enlarged prostate with fewer side effects - News-Medical [Visit Site | Read More]