Yes, it is possible to treat BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) without surgery. BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause bothersome urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination, urgency, difficulty starting the urinary stream and a weak or interrupted flow.
The first line of treatment for BPH is usually medications, such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Alpha-blockers work by relaxing the muscles of the bladder neck and the prostate, allowing for improved urine flow. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors work by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is believed to play a role in the enlargement of the prostate.
In addition to medications, lifestyle changes may also be beneficial in treating symptoms of BPH. Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, as well as avoiding certain medications such as decongestants, can help reduce urinary symptoms. Increasing fluid intake to help flush out the bladder can also be helpful.
In some cases, BPH can be treated with minimally invasive procedures such as transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) and transurethral needle ablation (TUNA). These procedures use heat or radiofrequency energy to destroy prostate tissue causing the obstruction. However, these treatments are not always effective and may need to be repeated.
Overall, BPH can be effectively treated without surgery in many cases. However, if medications and lifestyle changes are not sufficient to control symptoms, surgery may be recommended.