BPH Treatments

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There are effective treatments available at BPH Canada for prostate gland enlargement, including medications, minimally invasive therapies and surgery.

To choose the best option, you and your doctor will consider your symptoms, the size of your prostate, other health conditions you might have, and your preferences.

The primary categories of treatment options are:

MIST (Minimally
Invasive Therapies)
Surgical Treatment

Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MIST) for BPH

MIST procedures can be done without general anaesthesia or a hospital stay. Minimally invasive therapies are increasingly available and recommended when possible as an alternative to the risks of surgery.

Rezum

Controlled doses of hot steam are applied directly into the enlarged prostate tissue via a handheld device. Water vapour is injected into the prostate tissue that blocks urinary flow gently and immediately causing cell damage.

iTind

The treatment reshapes the anatomy of the prostatic urethra, gently creating a wider opening for urine to flow freely, without burning or cutting out tissue, and without leaving behind a permanent implant.

UroLift

Urolift is a minimally invasive approach to treating an enlarged prostate that holds the prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra. There is no cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue.

Zenflow Spring

While still in the clinical trial phase, Zenflow Spring is a device that is designed to improve the flow of urine by keeping the urethra propped open. No burning, incisions, or piercing of tissue required.

Optilume

Optilume is a medication-coated balloon that combines specialized drug delivery technology with balloon dilation techniques. It opens the urethra to slow the regrowth of strictures and help reduce symptoms of BPH.

Contino

The Contino urethral insert is a self-administered licensed medical device that controls bladder leakage in men. It physically blocks the flow of urine so that you can reduce or even eliminate your need for diapers or pads.

Surgical Treatment for BPH

If the patient has attempted other treatments without success, is unable to urinate or has bladder stones, surgery may be required. Common surgical options include these procedures.

TURP (Transurethral resection of the prostate)

The doctor goes through the urethra with a scope and removes portions of the prostate that are affecting your urinary flow. This is the most common surgical procedure for enlarged prostate.

GreenLight Laser

The surgeon uses a high-energy laser to vaporise some of the tissue blocking the prostate. This opens the prostate to let urine flow more easily.

HoLEP (Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate)

The holmium laser is a surgical laser that has been found particularly effective in performing several types of urological surgeries. In the case of HoLEP, the laser is used to cut and remove the bulky prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine.

Aquablation

An advanced, minimally invasive treatment for BPH that uses a robotically-controlled, heat-free waterjet to remove prostate tissue, providing long-lasting relief with low rates of complications.

Medications to Treat BPH

Medicine is one of the most common ways to treat men with mild to moderate BPH symptoms. The primary types of medications prescribed for men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostate hyperplasia are Alpha Blockers, 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors, and PDE-5 Inhibitors.

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Other Treatment Options

Lifestyle factors can also help control the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you can:

Limit beverages in the evening. Don't drink anything for an hour or two before bedtime to avoid middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet.
Limit caffeine and alcohol. They can increase urine production, irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms.
Limit decongestants or antihistamines. These drugs tighten the band of muscles around the urethra that control urine flow, making it harder to urinate.
Go when you first feel the urge. Waiting too long might overstretch the bladder muscle and cause damage.
Schedule bathroom visits. Try to urinate at regular times — such as every four to six hours during the day — to "retrain" the bladder. This can be especially useful if you have severe frequency and urgency.
Follow a healthy diet. Obesity is associated with enlarged prostate.
Stay active. Inactivity contributes to urine retention. Even a small amount of exercise can help reduce urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
Urinate — and then urinate again a few moments later. This practice is known as double voiding.
Keep warm. Colder temperatures can cause urine retention and increase the urgency to urinate.

In some cases, no active treatment may be the recommended option. If a man has minimal bothersome symptoms from his enlarged prostate the doctor may recommend “watchful waiting”, perhaps combined with lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.

Testimonials

" I couldn’t be happier with the results…I can sleep through the night easily. "

Jeff, Rezūm patient

" Taking my medication wasn't a long-term solution for me. I was looking for something to replace it and solve the problem. "

Joe, Rezum patient

" If you have a BPH problem, the Rezūm procedure is the way to go…I would recommend it to anyone. "

John, Rezūm patient