Expert Care and Treatment Options for an Enlarged Prostate
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly called an enlarged prostate, is a noncancerous condition that becomes more common as men age. As the prostate grows, it can put pressure on the urethra and make it harder for urine to flow normally.
Some men with BPH have few or no noticeable symptoms, while others experience urinary changes that can interfere with sleep, daily activities, and quality of life.
At Conrad Pearson Clinic, our urologists provide comprehensive care for BPH, from evaluation and monitoring to medication, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical treatment. Our goal is to help you understand what may be causing your symptoms and which treatment options may be appropriate for you.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder that surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As men get older, the prostate can gradually grow larger. This growth is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
As the prostate enlarges, it can narrow the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine. This can lead to changes in how often you urinate, how urgently you need to go, and how easily you can empty your bladder. The bladder may also have to work harder to push urine through the narrowed urethra, which can contribute to changes in bladder function over time.
BPH is not prostate cancer. However, urinary symptoms can have several possible causes, which is why persistent or bothersome changes in urination should be evaluated by a urologist.
BPH affects every man differently. The size of the prostate does not always determine how severe a man’s symptoms will be, and some men with an enlarged prostate may have little trouble urinating. Likewise, men with a smaller prostate can sometimes experience significant urinary symptoms if the prostate’s size and shape cause greater obstruction.
Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
BPH can cause a variety of urinary symptoms, including:
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Difficulty starting or maintaining the urine stream
- A slow or weak urine stream
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Dribbling after urination
- A feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied
Frequent and urgent urination can have causes other than an enlarged prostate. Overactive bladder (OAB), for example, can cause similar symptoms but is related to bladder function rather than prostate blockage. An evaluation can help determine whether BPH, OAB, or another condition is contributing to your symptoms and guide the appropriate treatment.
Symptoms may become more noticeable over time. In more severe cases, BPH can cause urinary retention, or an inability to urinate, which requires prompt medical attention.
BPH Treatment Options
Understanding BPH Treatment Approaches
BPH can be treated in several ways depending on the severity of your symptoms, prostate size and anatomy, overall health, and personal treatment goals. Treatment options generally fall into three categories: medication and nonsurgical treatment, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical treatments.
Medication and Nonsurgical Treatment
For men with mild or manageable symptoms, monitoring may be all that is needed. Nonsurgical treatment may also include lifestyle changes or medications to help improve urinary symptoms and urine flow. Common BPH medications include alpha blockers, such as tamsulosin (Flomax®), alfuzosin (Uroxatral®), and silodosin (Rapaflo®), as well as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride (Proscar®) and dutasteride (Avodart®). Tadalafil (Cialis®) may also be used to help treat urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
Minimally Invasive Treatment
Minimally invasive BPH treatments are procedures designed to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate without traditional surgery. They may be an option for men who continue to experience bothersome symptoms, do not want to rely on medication long term, or are looking for an alternative to traditional surgery. The right procedure depends on factors such as prostate size and anatomy, symptoms, overall health, and treatment goals. Conrad Pearson Clinic offers minimally invasive BPH treatment options, including UroLift, Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy, iTIND, Optilume, and Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE).
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatments for BPH focus on removing or reducing prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. Surgery may be considered when symptoms are significant, continue to worsen, or are not adequately managed with medication or other treatments. Options may include Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) and Robotic Simple Prostatectomy for larger prostates. Your urologist can help determine which surgical approach may be appropriate based on your prostate size, anatomy, symptoms, and individual needs.
Finding the Right Approach for Your BPH
BPH treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right approach begins with understanding your symptoms and evaluating your prostate.
Your urologist may consider:
- The type and severity of your urinary symptoms
- How symptoms affect your quality of life
- The size and anatomy of your prostate
- The degree of urinary obstruction and bladder function
- Your overall health and medications
- Previous BPH treatments
- Your treatment preferences and goal
Your evaluation may include a symptom questionnaire, PSA testing, cystoscopy, prostate imaging, urodynamics, or other testing when appropriate. These evaluations can help determine whether BPH is causing your symptoms and which treatment options may be appropriate.
An accurate understanding of your prostate’s size and anatomy is particularly important because not every treatment is appropriate for every prostate.
Comprehensive BPH Care at Conrad Pearson Clinic
You do not have to simply live with bothersome urinary symptoms.
Conrad Pearson Clinic offers a range of BPH treatment options, allowing our urology team to develop an approach based on each patient’s individual needs. From monitoring and medication to minimally invasive procedures and surgical treatment, our team can help you understand your choices and determine the next step in your care. Patients interested in clinical research can also learn more about our clinical trials and explore current studies and eligibility requirements.
If BPH is affecting your sleep, daily activities, or quality of life, schedule an appointment with Conrad Pearson Clinic to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. Getting the right evaluation is the first step toward finding an approach that works for you.
Patient Testimonial
I’m satisfied with the care I have received from Conrad Pearson. My needs are in good hands, and the care given is always top notch.
— Joe
