Introduction

The information below is intended to briefly explain the most common forms of treatment for enlarged prostate, including the treatment, a one-time, non-surgical treatment. The treatment options for moderate to severe BPH include:

• Drug therapy
• Surgery

Drug Therapy

Some 1.5 million men in the U.S. are currently on a lifetime regimen of prostate medications. These drugs have several limitations. Studies show that a large number of patients may discontinue the use of the drugs because of limited effectiveness or negative side effects that include:

• headache and dizziness
• nausea
• impotence

In addition, the long-term use of drugs can cost as much as $12,000 to $18,000 - depending on the patient's age when he begins taking the drugs.

Surgery

BPH surgery known as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate, or TURP, was performed on about 150,000 men last year. During the surgery, the surgeon removes the prostatic urethra and diseased prostate tissue. Surgery has some drawbacks. These drawbacks include a 1- to 4-day hospital stay, general or spinal anesthesia and a recovery at home of up to four weeks. In addition, potential long-term complications include impotence, incontinence and retrograde ejaculation.