Living with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can feel like a constant battle. The late-night trips to the bathroom. The weak stream. The never-quite-empty feeling after you go. For many men, medication helps manage these symptoms. But over time, the results may start to fade.
If you’re back to waking up multiple times a night or finding it harder to empty your bladder, you’re not alone. It’s frustrating to feel like you’re doing everything right and still not getting relief. When medications stop working, other treatment options may be needed to get symptoms back under control.
What Are the Signs My BPH Medications Aren’t Working?
The primary sign that your medication is no longer working includes worsening urinary symptoms. This may show up as:
- More trips to the bathroom during the night (nocturia)
- Not being able to empty your bladder completely
- Dribbling or reduced urine flow
- A feeling that your bladder is not fully empty after voiding
- Urinary symptoms that are disruptive to activities
When this happens, other interventions may be needed to improve urinary function.
What to Do When BPH Medications No Longer Work
If BPH symptoms persist or worsen despite medication, it may be time to explore other options. Several minimally invasive procedures and surgical interventions are available. The choice depends on the severity of your symptoms and overall health.
Minimally invasive treatments
1. UroLift system
The UroLift system consists of a small implant placed in the prostate. The device holds the enlarged tissue away from the urethra, improving urine flow. UroLift is best for men with mild to moderate BPH who want to preserve ejaculation. It is performed in the office and offers a quick recovery with no sexual side effects.
2. Rezūm therapy
For Rezūm, steam is used to shrink excess prostate tissue, relieving pressure on the urethra. It is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. It provides effective symptom relief for men with moderate BPH who want lasting results.
3. Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. For the procedure, the doctor uses high-powered lasers to vaporize or cut away enlarged prostate tissue. The benefits include less bleeding and a faster recovery than other surgeries.
4. Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT)
TUMT delivers microwave energy to heat and shrink prostate tissue in a single session and does not require anesthesia. This treatment benefits men with moderate BPH who are not candidates for more invasive treatments.
5. Prostatic artery embolization (PAE)
Using imaging, a catheter is guided into the blood vessels supplying the prostate. Then, tiny beads are injected to reduce blood flow and shrink the gland. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with minimal recovery time. It can help men with very large prostates or those who cannot undergo traditional surgery.
Surgical treatments
If minimally invasive treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgery may be necessary. Options include:
1. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
With this procedure, excess prostate tissue is removed using a surgical instrument inserted through the urethra. Men with moderate to severe BPH and serious urinary blockage can find lasting relief from symptoms.
2. Simple prostatectomy
A simple prostatectomy can work well for men with very enlarged prostates who haven’t had success with other treatments. For this procedure, the surgeon removes the inner portion of the prostate, leaving the outer capsule intact. The procedure provides lasting relief and is recommended for very large prostates.
Seeking Timely Treatment
Many men put off discussing worsening BPH symptoms with their doctor, assuming that frequent urination or a weak stream is just a part of aging. However, delaying treatment can lead to serious complications such as:
- Bladder damage
- Kidney problems
- Complete inability to urinate, which may require emergency medical intervention.
If medications don’t work anymore, there are many procedures to help regain normal urinary function. The earlier you seek treatment, the more options you will have. This includes minimally invasive techniques that don’t carry the risks of major surgery.
Don’t continue to be frustrated by BPH medications – call (541) 334-3350 to schedule an appointment today!