Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It is a common condition in men over the age of 50. It can cause urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting or stopping urine, a weak or interrupted urine flow and frequent urination.

 

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland found in men located between the bladder and the penis. It produces a fluid that makes up part of semen. As you age, it can become enlarged and cause urinary problems. When the prostate increases in size, it can press on the urethra (a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) and cause difficulty with urine flow.

 

What are the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

BPH symptoms are different for each person and may change over time. For some, BPH never progresses beyond mild symptoms, which can include a weak urine stream, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, a frequent need to urinate, a sense of urgency to urinate, and waking up multiple times during the night to urinate.

 

Some men may choose to do nothing and watch the symptoms, while others may find relief with prescription medications and lifestyle changes. However, surgical treatments may be an option if you have more severe symptoms that impact your quality of life.

 

Complications can arise from BPH. These may include:

  • Bladder damage
  • Bladder or kidney infection
  • Bladder stones
  • Hematuria (blood in the urine)
  • Kidney damage/renal failure
  • Urine retention and urinary tract infection

 

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia diagnostics

Urologists can diagnose BPH through a physical exam and lab tests.

In some cases, we also use imaging tests, such as ultrasound to measure the size of the prostate and determine the amount of urine in the bladder, cystoscopy to evaluate the urethra and bladder, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans to examine the prostate. We also use a prostate biopsy to rule out prostate cancer.

 

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia treatments we offer

If you’ve been diagnosed with BPH, your urologist can talk with you about the best treatment approach for your specific needs. Your urologist will describe each treatment option and help you decide which treatment can offer you the best outcome.

 

  • Lifestyle changes/behavioral therapy: These treatments will help you reduce fluid intake in the evening and remove bladder irritants from your diet, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy and acidic foods, and highly processed foods.
  • Minimally invasive therapies: There are several minimally invasive approaches to treat BPH on an outpatient basis. One new approach is the UroLift® System.
    • UroLift® System – an approach to treat an enlarged prostate or BPH that helps relieve lower urinary tract symptoms. During the procedure, your urologist places tiny implants to hold the prostate lobes apart to relieve compression on the urethra. Separating the lobes allows urine to flow normally again. You can experience quicker symptom relief, retain sexual function, need no ongoing BPH medications and return to regular activity in days, not months.
  • Surgery: Surgical approaches can treat BPH when lifestyle changes or minimally invasive therapies are unsuccessful. We use the following surgical techniques to treat BHP:
    • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) – a procedure to remove prostate tissue using a thin, lighted tube inserted through the urethra. We use this to treat moderate to severe BPH.
    • Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) – a procedure used to make small cuts in the prostate gland to help the urethra expand, making urination easier.
    • Incisional Implantation of Neurostimulator Sacral Nerve – this procedure treats certain bladder and bowel disorders.

 

Urology appointments and locations

Get the answers you need about BPH from your urologist. Call 208-852-1295 to schedule an appointment.