Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Talk to your doctor about BPH.

BPH happens when the prostate becomes enlarged, which interferes with urination. BPH is a very common condition and is one of the leading reasons men visit a urologist. There are a range of treatment options available. If you've already tried medication or even surgery, there may still be other options.

Before you visit the doctor's office, you can get your BPH Symptom Score. This questionnaire will help determine how severe your symptoms are. We will discuss your symptoms together to decide which treatment option is best for you. While BPH isn't cancer and doesn't develop into cancer, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life. It's important to get the medical treatment you need to maintain your lifestyle and overall well-being.

Schedule an appointment today to discuss your BPH symptoms with us.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options for BPH

UroLift®

Treatment with the UroLift System uses a minimally invasive approach. It provides rapid relief and recovery for BPH symptoms. This earlier treatment option can help men avoid medication and major surgery. UroLift works by lifting and holding the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra. It is the only BPH procedure that does not require ongoing BPH medication or cutting, heating or removal of the prostate tissue.

Advantages include:

  • Rapid symptom relief
  • Lower risk than surgical procedures
  • Preservation of sexual function
  • Rapid return to normal activity
  • No ongoing medication
  • Improved quality of life

After the treatment, patients typically go home the same day without a catheter. There is minimal downtime post-treatment and many patients experience symptom relief in as early as two weeks. Patients may experience some urinary discomfort during the recovery period. Most common side effects are mild to moderate and include pain or burning with urination, blood in the urine, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate and/or the inability to control the urge to urinate. Most symptoms go away within two to four weeks after the procedure.

Clinical studies have shown the UroLift System treatment does not cause new, sustained instances of erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction. The same cannot always be said of other BPH therapies, such as transurethral resection of the prostate, laser and even medication. The UroLift System treatment is covered by Medicare and many private insurers. Contact your insurance provider for your specific coverage information.

Medication

There are several medications available to help alleviate BPH symptoms. These are used to shrink, or at least stop, the growth of the prostate without using surgery. Some medications work by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck. Other medications relax the blood vessels. These options help improve urine flow and reduce BPH symptoms. Talk to your doctor about potential side effects of prescription medications and what medications might be right for you.

Surgical Treatment Options for BPH

Your doctor may recommend surgical options to treat your BPH. The most common surgery to treat BPH is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). TURP involves removing prostate tissue to relieve pressure on the urethra. The surgeon inserts a cystoscope, a thin, telescope-like device, into your urethra. This device provides visibility of the blocked part of the urethra. A cutting device is inserted through the cystoscope to remove the excess prostate tissue. The cut tissue collects in the bladder. These are washed away with fluids during the procedure and sent to the lab to ensure they are free of cancer.

A possible side effect of TURP is retrograde ejaculation. After some surgical treatments, semen may travel into the bladder instead of out of the penis during ejaculation. This side effect is called retrograde ejaculation. As a result, there may be little or no semen when you ejaculate, which can result in infertility. If you are planning to have children, talk to your healthcare provider before having TURP. Otherwise, this is not harmful to your bladder and the feeling, or orgasm, and your erection won't change. Retrograde ejaculation can also be a side effect of certain medicines.

During the first few weeks of recovery you may feel burning when you pass urine. You may also feel like you have to urinate often. These sensations will go away. If your urine becomes bright red it means that the treated area is bleeding. This may happen on and off for a month or so after TURP. If this occurs, rest and drink plenty of fluids until the bleeding stops. After surgery you'll visit with your doctor to make sure you're healing without problems. If tests were done on your prostate tissue your doctor will discuss the results with you.

Diagnosing BPH

Diagnosing BPH in its earlier stages can lower the risk of complications. Your health care provider will review your health history and do a physical exam. Other tests may include:

  • Urine test - Urine is examined to check for infection.
  • Digital rectal exam - A gloved finger is inserted into the rectum to feel the part of the prostate next to the rectum.
  • Ultrasound - High-frequency sound waves are used to create images on a computer of the prostate and nearby organs.
  • Cystoscopy - A thin flexible tube with a viewing device (cytoscope) is inserted into the penis and through the urethra to allow visibility of the bladder and urinary tract to identify structure changes or blockages.
  • Urine flow study - The patient urinates into a device that measures how quickly urine flows; reduced flow may suggest BPH.
  • Post void residual - A handheld ultrasound device measures the amount of urine in the bladder after urination.