Future Directions

Researchers continue to study the ways in which genetics, hormones, and cell growth stimulators affect prostate growth in an effort to identify new targets for drug treatment of LUTS due to BPH. Combination therapy with existing drug treatments is being actively discussed and evaluated in the medical community to see if the benefits of this approach are strong enough to recommend it to a larger population of men with BPH.

At the same time, medical researchers are studying minimally invasive techniques to determine which may be practical enough and effective enough to use more widely. Laser techniques such as PVP appear promising, but are not yet providing long-term therapeutic benefits. New techniques, such as those using focused ultrasound or chemicals to cause prostate cell death in targeted areas of the prostate, are being explored and may someday result in new and useful treatments.

The possibility that BPH might be prevented or improved through a heart-healthy lifestyle is useful information that needs to be better understood. In the meantime, adopting a low-fat, high-fiber diet and physical exercise as recommended by a doctor who understands your individual situation, and giving up harmful habits such as smoking, may be very positive steps that you can take now to prevent future problems with BPH.

Many supplements and nutrients are advertised for treating BPH. Unfortunately, without studies that look objectively at how these substances work (instead of feedback based on individuals’ personal beliefs), it’s hard to know for certain whether they are effective, safe, and worth your time and money. A recently published study on saw palmetto that used objective study methods is one positive step in this direction.