• No treatment.
• Frequent check-ups to evaluate condition.

• No BPH treatment side effects.

• No relief of BPH symptoms.

• Drugs are taken orally every day.
• Alpha Blockers relax the muscle of the prostate and bladder neck.
• 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors prevent conversion of testosterone to DHT.
  

• Hospitalization not required.
• Non-invasive.
  

• Requries lifelong use of medication.
• Effectiveness may decrease over time, potentially resulting in the need for surgery.
• Side effects: reduced libido, impotence, breast tenderness and enlargement and reduced sperm count.

• A tiny, springlike device is inserted into the urethra to increase flow.

• For patients with significant medical problems that prohibit medication or surgery.

• Urinary incontinence, dislodgement of stent position, stone formation on the stent with blockage and difficulty removing the stent.

Photo-Selective Vaporization of the Prostate:
GreenLight PVP

• A minimally invasive procedure that uses a special high-energy laser to vaporize excess prostate tissue and seal the treated area.

• Immediate symptom relief and dramatic flow rate improvements - the long-lasting results of more aggressive surgery.
• Procedure is extremely fast. Takes between 10 and 30 minutes to perform.
• Many patients do not require a catheter.
• Safe, minimally invasive, virtually blood-free, little or no side-effects.
• No rectal thermal monitoring device needed.
• Preserves sexual functions.
  

• Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks following the procedure.
• Requires insertion of an endoscope into the urethra (though various anesthetic options can be used, from local to general, to insure patient's comfort).
  

Microwave
Thermotherapy:
Prostatron

• A non-surgical treatment that sends computer-regulated microwaves through a catheter to heat selected portions of the prostate.
• The heat destroys enlarged prostate tissue.
• Chilled water is circulated inside the catheter to protect the urethra.
  

• Anesthesia-free, the procedure takes about an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis.
• Clinical outcomes have virtually matched conventional surgical interventions and surpassed medical management.
• Does not cause incontinence or impotence.
• Long-lasting results.
• Most patients resume normal activity immediately after treatment.
  

• Possible complications include urinary retention and mild-to-moderate frequency, urgency, and straining.
• Most complications resolve without intervention during the healing period.
  

• Surgeon inserts instrument through urethra in the penis to remove excess prostate tissue one piece at a time using electricity.
• Inpatient procedure lasting 30 to 60 minutes.
  

• Traditional surgical procedure for BPH.
• Immediate symptom relief.
• Curative.
  

• Increased risk of impotence and retrograde ejaculation.
• Up to 30% of patients experience problems with sexual function after procedure.
• Hospital stay of 1 – 3 days typically required.
  

• Patient is anesthetized, surgeon makes an incision in the back or perineum and removes the prostate.

• Typically reserved for when prostate is very large or when transurethral procedures are not possible.
• Curative.
  

• Potential complications include incontinence and impotence.
• Urge continence and involuntary passing of urine while asleep may occur.
• Erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction may occur.