Surgical procedures for Benign Prostate Hypertrophy, or "BPH", range from open prostatectomy to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP). Balloon dilatation is also being used by some urologists, although it is still officially classified as experimental. Medications for BPH include a1-blockers like terazosin (Hytrin®) and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride (Proscar®). Newer treatment methods currently under investigation run the gamut from laser prostatectomy to microwave thermal therapy to urethral stents. The objective of scientists developing these new techniques is to find ways to treat BPH that are less involved and, therefore, safer than surgery.
Treatment for BPH is covered by almost all insurance plans.