Men's Health

Enlarged Prostate Treatments

Other Points to Consider With Enlarged Prostate

Need for repeat procedures: With minimally invasive procedures for an enlarged prostate, there is a chance you will need to have a repeat procedure later on. Having the procedure when you're young makes that a near certainty. However, that may be a risk you're willing to take -- to avoid surgery in the short term.

Side effects of treatments: Some BPH treatments cause erection problems, although that risk is low. Men who have normal erections before surgery will not likely have trouble afterward. Some treatments cause retrograde ejaculation (the man ejaculates into the bladder instead of through the urethra). Fertility can also be affected, but is still possible with newer assisted reproductive techniques.

Multiple health problems: If you have other health problems, your treatment options for enlarged prostate may be affected. For example, if you have had heart bypass surgery in the past, having surgery with general anesthesia may be too risky. However, spinal anesthesia may be safe for you -- or you may wish to have a minimally invasive office procedure that doesn't require anesthesia at all.

Talk to your doctor about your BPH symptom score, your concerns, and about the plan of treatment that works best for your enlarged prostate problems.