Prostate (BPH) Treatment in Nepal
Expert Urological Care, Explained with Clarity.
An enlarged prostate can affect your urine flow, sleep, comfort, and daily routine. Understand the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options to make informed decisions about your health.
When should you seek advice?
Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination, or repeated night-time urination.
Urinary symptoms can have several causes. An assessment helps identify the cause and guide appropriate care.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly called an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland.
The prostate is located below the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As the prostate enlarges, it may narrow the urethra and interfere with normal urine flow.
BPH becomes more common with age. It is not prostate cancer, although some symptoms can overlap. A medical assessment helps identify the underlying cause of urinary symptoms.
Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
Symptoms vary from person to person. Common changes include:
Weak Urine Stream
A slow, weak, or interrupted flow of urine.
Difficulty Urinating
Difficulty starting urination or needing to strain.
Frequent Urination
Needing to pass urine more often during the day.
Night-Time Urination
Waking repeatedly at night to use the toilet.
Urgency or Dribbling
A sudden urge to urinate or dribbling after urination.
Incomplete Emptying
Feeling that urine remains in the bladder after passing urine.
If urinary changes affect your sleep or daily activities, consider seeking medical advice.
What Causes Prostate Enlargement?
The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood. Age-related and hormonal changes are thought to contribute.
- Increasing age
- Family history of prostate enlargement
- Age-related hormonal changes
- Some health conditions or medicines that can affect urinary symptoms
Does Every Enlarged Prostate Need Treatment?
No. Some people have mild symptoms and may need only monitoring. Others may benefit from lifestyle changes, medicines, or a procedure.
The decision depends on symptoms, examination findings, test results, overall health, and the effect on quality of life.
How Is BPH Diagnosed?
A urologist may recommend one or more assessments depending on symptoms and medical history.
Medical History
Review of urinary symptoms, their duration, medicines, and medical history.
Physical Examination
A prostate examination may be recommended when clinically appropriate.
Urine Tests
May help identify infection, blood, or other urinary abnormalities.
PSA Blood Test
May be discussed when appropriate and interpreted in the context of the patient’s health.
Ultrasound
May assess the prostate, urinary tract, and urine remaining in the bladder.
Urine-Flow Testing
Uroflowmetry measures urine flow. Additional tests may be recommended if needed.
Prostate (BPH) Treatment Options
There is no single treatment that is right for everyone. The appropriate option depends on symptom severity, prostate anatomy, bladder function, complications, general health, and personal preferences.
1. Lifestyle Changes and Monitoring
For mild symptoms, monitoring and practical adjustments may be appropriate. These may include reducing fluids close to bedtime, limiting caffeine or alcohol if they worsen symptoms, staying active, and reviewing medicines with a healthcare professional. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
2. Medicines for Prostate Enlargement
Some medicines relax muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, while others may gradually reduce prostate growth. The choice depends on symptoms, prostate characteristics, other health conditions, and possible side effects.
3. TURP — Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
TURP is an established surgical option for suitable patients. An instrument is passed through the urethra to remove obstructing prostate tissue, usually without an external skin incision. A urologist can explain the benefits, risks, recovery, and possible effects on ejaculation or urinary control.
4. HoLEP — Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate
HoLEP uses a laser to separate and remove obstructing prostate tissue. It may be suitable for a range of prostate sizes, depending on the patient’s clinical circumstances and available expertise.
5. Rezūm Water-Vapour Therapy
Rezūm uses water vapour to treat selected areas of enlarged prostate tissue. It may be an option for some patients, but suitability depends on prostate anatomy and individual circumstances. Availability varies by location.
6. Other Minimally Invasive and Surgical Treatments
Other options may include prostatic urethral lift and additional endoscopic or laser procedures. Each option has different eligibility criteria, benefits, risks, and recovery considerations.
The procedures listed are general educational information and are not confirmation that every procedure is offered by Dr. Anil Shah. Confirm available services with the clinic.
Which Treatment May Be Right for You?
A treatment plan may consider:
- Severity of urinary symptoms
- Prostate size and shape
- Urine flow and bladder emptying
- Infections, retention, stones, or kidney concerns
- Other health conditions and medicines
- Your preferences and treatment goals
What Happens After Treatment?
Recovery varies by treatment. Some patients need continued medicines or follow-up visits. After a procedure, temporary urinary symptoms, catheter use, or activity restrictions may occur.
Ask your urologist about recovery time, follow-up, possible effects on ejaculation and sexual function, and risks such as bleeding, infection, or urinary incontinence.
Frequently Asked Questions About BPH
Is an enlarged prostate cancerous?
No. BPH is non-cancerous. However, other conditions can cause similar urinary symptoms, so medical assessment may be appropriate.
Does every enlarged prostate require surgery?
No. Monitoring, lifestyle changes, or medicines may be suitable. A procedure may be considered when symptoms remain troublesome or complications develop.
Can medicines reduce prostate enlargement?
Some medicines improve urinary symptoms, while others may gradually reduce prostate size in suitable patients. Treatment should be guided by a healthcare professional.
What is the difference between TURP and HoLEP?
Both aim to relieve obstruction by removing prostate tissue, but they use different techniques. A urologist can explain which may be appropriate for your circumstances.
Is Rezūm suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability depends on prostate anatomy, symptoms, medical history, and local availability.
Can BPH affect sleep?
Yes. Frequent night-time urination can interrupt sleep and affect daytime comfort and concentration.
When should I seek urgent medical care?
If you suddenly cannot pass urine at all, seek urgent medical care. Prompt assessment is also important for fever or chills with urinary symptoms, visible blood in urine, or severe lower abdominal pain.
Get Guidance for Your Prostate Symptoms
If urinary symptoms are affecting your sleep, comfort, or daily routine, arrange a medical assessment to understand the possible cause and discuss appropriate options.
Book an AppointmentMedical disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.