Most men will experience the symptoms of an enlarged prostate at some point. The medical name for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The term benign refers to something that is not harmful or malignant, but the symptoms can still cause discomfort, embarrassment, and other difficulties.
The prostate gland surrounds the urethra; the tube drains urine from the bladder. As the prostate gland grows, it can squeeze the urethra and block urine flow. BPH can induce a wide range of symptoms, including:
- having to urinate often
- difficulty when starting to urinate
- a weak urine stream
- leaking or dribbling urine
- feeling as though the bladder is not emptying completely
- frequently urinating during the night
BPH affects more than just the prostate. Symptoms can impact other elements of a patient’s life, leading to poor sleep, loss of attention, lower energy, and increased anxiety about needing to find a restroom.
The goals of BPH treatment are to alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and minimize consequences caused by untreated or undertreated BPH.
5 Ways BPH Treatment is Changing Lives
1. Better sleep
Nocturia is a condition that causes you to wake up during the night to urinate. BPH treatment can alleviate these symptoms, providing a better night’s sleep.
2. Improved focus
When we lack sleep, our focus, attention, and vigilance waver, making it more difficult to receive information. Getting extra rest will help clear your mind and restore concentration.
3. More energy
When you are tired, you can’t function at your best. Better sleep quality will lead to more daytime energy.
4. Fewer bothersome symptoms
BPH treatment can help alleviate some of the most bothersome symptoms, including:
- frequent urination
- straining to urinate
- experiencing a weak urine stream
- leaking urine
- post-void dribbling
- incomplete bladder emptying
- nocturia
5. Less stress searching for bathrooms
Urinary urgency is a feeling that can strike without warning, leaving you feeling like there is no time to find a bathroom. BPH treatment can help relieve those sudden urges.
Treatment Options
Medication
Three main types of medicine are commonly used to treat BPH:
Alpha-blockers relax the muscles surrounding the urethra, allowing urine to flow more easily.
Alpha-reductase inhibitors stop the prostate from growing and may even help it shrink.
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors treat erectile dysfunction along with mild or moderate urinary symptoms.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
Minimally invasive treatments may be recommended if symptoms are more severe or do not improve with medication. Three options that can be performed as same-day procedures are UroLift®, Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy, and GreenLight XPS™ Laser Therapy.
- UroLift® is a minimally invasive procedure in which enlarged prostate tissue is lifted out of the way, opening the urethra and relieving urinary symptoms.
- Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy removes excess prostate tissue, reducing prostate size.
- GreenLight XPS™ Laser Therapy works by vaporizing excess prostate tissue where urinary flow is being obstructed.
The impact of untreated treated BPH on quality of life is significant. BPH therapy can minimize bothersome symptoms, disrupted sleep, and daytime fatigue, improving overall well-being.
Don’t continue to suffer from the symptoms of BPH – call 843.347.8600 to make an appointment today!