BPH Specialist

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition in which your prostate becomes enlarged. Your prostate is a gland that sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, or urine tube.  It's responsible for secreting a fluid that provides nourishment and protection to your sperm.

Usually, your prostate gland is about the size of a walnut. As you age, your prostate grows bigger, which places pressure on your urethra. That can cause difficulty with urination.

Researchers aren't sure what causes prostate enlargement, although age-related hormonal changes seem to play a role. Nearly every man experience prostate enlargement at some point, but not all of them suffer from BPH.

What are the symptoms of BPH?

While prostate enlargement is a normal part of aging, men should understand the symptoms of BPH, so they know when to seek treatment. These are some common symptoms:

• Worsening frequency of urination
• Difficulty starting your urine stream
• Stopping and starting during urination
• Weak stream of urine
• Sudden, urgent need to urinate
• Waking up often to urinate at night
• Incontinence, also known as lack of bladder control   

Many men suffer from these symptoms for years without seeking treatment. It’s important to know that effective treatment options exist.

What are the treatment options for BPH?

The first step in treating BPH involves a thorough examination. Your doctor at Midtown Urology Associates completes the appropriate screening and reviews your medical history before creating your customized treatment plan.

In some cases, treatment consists of making lifestyle adjustments to ensure that symptoms don’t worsen. Your doctor may advise you to avoid drinking liquids before bedtime and cut back on caffeine and alcohol. Avoiding certain over-the-counter medications can also relieve prostate symptoms.

Medications can also help with BPH. Alpha-blockers can relax the muscles around your prostate to improve urinary function, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can shrink the size of your prostate and inhibit future growth. Each medication comes with a risk of side effects, so it’s vital to discuss drug therapy with your doctor before making a decision.

In some cases, a minor procedure or a surgery is the best way to treat an enlarged prostate, especially if you suffer from:

• Bladder stones
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Kidney damage

The UroLiftⓇ System is a minimally invasive surgical option that involves implanting devices that separate the lobes of your prostate gland, relieving pressure on your urethra. This treatment delivers impressive results without the need to cut or remove prostate tissue, and with no need for lengthy recovery.

Depending on the size and configuration of your prostate, many other treatment options exist and may be right for you.  These other options will be carefully considered and discussed.  Here at Midtown Urology, we want to help you chose the treatment option that will produce the best results for you.  

Book an appointment online or over the phone with Midtown Urology Associates to learn more about improving your prostate health.