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Hi,
I remember hearing on Radio 4 a few months ago a claim that a new process had been discovered which reduces the size of the prostate gland without invasive surgery. Was it a laser process maybe?

Is there such an accredited treatment?

thanks for this question...

how can you reduce the size of your prostate? and why would you want to?!

Prostate size reduction may be a useful part of treating men with symptoms due to prostate enlargement - eg slow flow, intermittent flow etc.

For years we have been able to do this with medication - in the form of the '5-alpha reductase inhibitors' such as finasteride or dutasteride. These can work well, but sometimes can be associated with side effects such as loss of libido or erection problems.

Surgery can be used to reduce prostate volume - mainly by concentrating on reducing obstruction of the urethra by the lobes of the prostate. The 'standard' operation has been the TURP, which cuts out prostate tissue from the centre of the gland. Laser operations have ben around for some time - either used to vaporise prostate tissue, or to mimic traditional surgery by cutting out prostate tissue.

In recent years we have seen a number of innovations aimed to offer similar symptom relief to a TURP but in a 'minimally invasive' way - ie operations with less bleeding and other complications, that can be performed under local anaesthetic and as a day case (avoiding overnight stays in hospital).

Currently there are 3 interesting new options for this:
Urolift - the prostatic urethral lift - introduces implants to pull the lobes of the prostate out of the way and improve urination.
Rezum - 'steam treatment' - which has had a fair amount of publicity recently - this may be what you refer to - it heats prostate tissue with steam, and causes tissue to slowly die away, thus reducing prostate size.
Prostate artery embolisation - blocking off arteries to the prostate and again causing prostate tissue to die away and reduce prostate size.

Most men will be advised to try medical therapy first - ie tablets - if they have bothersome urinary symptoms - with these surgical options reserved for men when tablets have either not been effective or have not been tolerated due to side effects.

A long answer - sorry - but hope that helps...

I would echo Dr Rees’ comments
The only reason to reduce prostate size is to impove symptoms

If you have no waterworks symptoms.. no need to change anything