Henry’s Health And Medical Advice

Posted on: 16 January 2023

As you get older, two events may cause your prostate to grow bigger. Prostates naturally grow larger with age. Another life event is prostate cancer, which is one of the commonest cancers affecting men. In both cases, laser prostate surgery isn't always necessary. There may come a time when you need to consider it, though. Understanding more can guide you towards the best decision for you.

Ongoing Problems

Initially, an enlarged prostate may cause minor problems. You might need to urinate more often than normal, for example. When those symptoms worsen, they can start interfering with your everyday life. Being unable to empty your bladder fully and getting up to urinate more often during the night may reduce your quality of life. If you start experiencing urinary infections or can't empty your bladder at all, you may need medical interventions. Laser prostate surgery removes affected tissue and can ease some symptoms. Your surgeon will discuss the chances of needing repeat treatment and you can use that information to form your decision.

Other Options

Some medications can be used to reduce the symptoms you're experiencing. You may be able to use 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which reduce the size of your prostate. These medications require a daily commitment and they may produce side effects. Some men find that they have reduced libido and may experience symptoms of anxiety. If you try using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, closely monitor the side effects you're experiencing. If you feel as though they're interfering with your life, schedule an appointment to discuss alternative options with your doctor.

Your Feelings

Having any form of surgery is a big decision. There's potential to improve your quality of life, but surgery may also impact your life. Laser prostate surgery is minimally invasive and requires very little downtime. However, it does have side effects and you may need to take some time off work. For example, you might experience some urinary incontinence for the first few weeks. A small number of men also need repeat surgery. It's a good idea to ask your surgeon for a full overview of potential side effects so that you can weigh your options up carefully. When doing so, make sure you make a note of the likelihood of each side effect happening. You may also want to take some time to reflect on your decision away from your doctor before opting for surgery.

To learn more, reach out to a laser prostate surgery provider near you.