Grade 1 BPH Treatment

What happens in BPH Grade 1 treatment?

Diagnosis

Before surgery, your urologist will likely ask about your medical and surgical history and the symptoms you are facing. Your urologist may also perform a series of simple tests and diagnostics to not only assess your overall health but also uncover any medical conditions you may have that could require additional precautions during and after surgery. Some of the most common diagnostic tests that are usually performed before a Grade 1 BPH Treatment include: 

• Digital rectal examination: A digital rectal examination is a simple and commonly performed physical test in which the urologist will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum and physically feel the shape and size of your prostate gland.
• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test: In a PSA test, the urologist takes a blood sample to analyse and determine the PSA levels in your blood. If the PSA levels in your blood are more than 2.5 ng/mL, it is likely that you have some degree of prostate enlargement. 
• Urodynamics: Urodynamics is a series of tests that are performed to analyse and evaluate the overall functioning of your urinary bladder and urethra. These tests will help your urologist determine if you have weak bladder muscles or any other abnormalities that could be causing urinary symptoms. 
• Transrectal ultrasound: This test will allow your urologist to visualise and accurately diagnose your BPH and its severity. A transrectal ultrasound is considered to be more accurate than a digital rectal examination. 

Grade 1 BPH Treatment

BPH Grade 1 usually does not require any surgical intervention and its symptoms can be treated through certain changes in lifestyle and medications. Some of the most common non-surgical methods of treating mild to moderate symptoms of prostate enlargement include: 

• Alpha blockers: These medications are commonly prescribed by urologists to reduce symptoms of BPH and are considered as the first-line treatment for men with mild to moderate urinary symptoms. Alpha blockers help the muscles of your prostate and bladder neck relax allowing urine to flow more easily. While there can be some side-effects to using alpha blockers such as low blood pressure and dizziness, they can be avoided by taking the medications before sleep. It is to be noted however, that taking these medications without consulting your urologist can lead to potential complications.
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Alpha reductase inhibitors are medicines that can effectively stop the prostate gland from growing any further by blocking hormonal changes that cause the prostate growth. Alpha reductase inhibitors can be an effective non-surgical treatment to reduce moderate to even severe symptoms of BPH. However, these medications may take 5-6 months to be effective. Some common side-effects of taking these medications may include retrograde ejaculation, difficulty with erection and symptoms of depression.
• Combination treatment: In case either of the medications, alpha blockers and alpha reductase inhibitors, fail to respond or fail to provide satisfactory results, your urologist may recommend taking both these medications at the same time.
• Tadalafil: Tadalafil is a medication that is commonly prescribed as an effective treatment for ED (Erectile dysfunction) but these medications have demonstrated to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate as well. 

It is important to mention that while these medications can help reduce some mild to moderate symptoms that usually occur in case of BPH Grade 1, they may not be enough for severe cases of BPH. If you continue to exhibit any symptoms of an enlarged prostate even after taking medications, it is important to consult your urologist regarding your BPH and its severity. After a thorough diagnosis, the urologist can recommend a suitable treatment method for you.

Benefits of Grade 1 BPH treatment

Treating benign prostate enlargement at an early stage can bring several benefits such as:

• Relief from urinary symptoms such as frequent urge to urinate, difficulty in urination and weak urine stream. 
• Reducing chances of complications such as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), kidney damage or formation of bladder stones.
• If left untreated, it is likely that your prostate gland will continue to grow at a significant rate and eventually cause severe urinary symptoms. While a timely treatment cannot stop prostate growth completely, it can slow it down enough to prevent any complications or severe urinary symptoms.