Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
If you’ve experienced urination problems related to an enlarged prostate, you’re not alone. Most men will get BPH as they age. But you don’t have to live with the symptoms.
At LVHN, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services and a full range of the most effective BPH treatments available today. We were the first center in the northeast to offer the innovative UroLift® procedure during an office visit. And our “centers of excellence” care approach ensures you get the care you need, quickly.
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
As men age, the prostate gland often grows in size. In rare cases, BPH may block urine flow completely and require urgent treatment. But this growth doesn’t typically pose a threat to your health.
More often, an enlarged prostate causes uncomfortable urination symptoms when it presses on the urethra. These symptoms, requiring frequent bathroom trips, can decrease your quality of life.
BPH symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- More frequent urination, especially at night
- A strong urge to urinate
- Problems urinating
- A weak or interrupted stream of urine
If not treated, these symptoms can lead to other medical problems, including:
- Incontinence (bladder leaks)
- Kidney or bladder damage
- Urinary tract infections
- Bladder stones
- Worsening urination problems, such as pain while urinating or being unable to urinate
BPH diagnosis
At LVHN, we take a “centers of excellence” approach to urology care. This approach speeds your access to the most appropriate tests and treatments, by providers who specialize in your specific concern.
In addition to a thorough physical examination, our urology specialists may use sophisticated urodynamics or other tests to measure your bladder function before coming to a precise diagnosis. Your provider may also order a digital rectal exam or blood tests to detect for possible prostate cancer, which may mirror the symptoms of BPH.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments
Your provider will consider your symptom severity as well as your preferences before developing a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Nonsurgical BPH treatments
We offer a full range of nonsurgical BPH treatments, including:
- Behavior modification: Training your bladder to go longer in between bathroom breaks may improve your symptoms. Avoiding certain foods and drinks could also help.
- Medication management: Your provider may recommend you try certain prescription medications.
- Pelvic floor therapy: Our physical therapists can help you maximize your bladder function by strengthening and relaxing your pelvic muscles.
Surgical BPH treatments
If other steps don’t provide the relief you seek, your provider may recommend surgery to remove part or all of the prostate (prostatectomy). Our urology surgeons are experienced in both robotic and open prostatectomy surgery techniques and will choose the best treatment option for your circumstances.
- UroLift® – A revolutionary minimally invasive procedure, UroLift can be done in the hospital or in the LVPG Urology office. UroLift lifts or holds the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra. There is no cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue. Patients can go home the same day without a catheter.
- Rezum® is a treatment for BPH that uses the stored thermal energy in water vapor (steam) to treat the extra prostate tissue. The water vapor is injected into the prostate tissue and immediately turns back to water, releasing the energy stored in the vapor into the cell membranes. At this point, the cells are gently and immediately damaged, causing cell death. Over time, your body will absorb the treated tissue through its natural healing response.
- Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is another common procedures for BPH. In the HoLEP procedure, surgeons enter the urethra with a laser to removes the parts of the prostate that pushes the tissue into the bladder.
To learn more about other treatments available for BPH, please call us at 888-402-LVHN (5846).