Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate, is a condition in which the prostate grows larger than normal but is not related to cancer.
“The prostate continues to grow throughout our lifetime, and when it becomes too large, it creates issues,” explained Rodrigo Donalisio da Silva, MD, a urologist with UT Physicians Urology – Texas Medical Center and the UT Physicians Endourology and Kidney Stone Program. “There are many options to treat BPH.”
The prostate sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which is the channel that urine uses to leave the bladder. The prostate is like a doughnut, and the urethra is like a straw positioned in the hole of the doughnut. As the prostate grows, it squeezes into the urethra, reducing the amount of urine that can be emptied.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate
The most common symptom of early BPH is a reduced urine stream.
Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Trouble emptying the bladder
- Frequent urge to use the restroom
- Interrupted sleep to use the restroom
- Urge incontinence
If left untreated, BPH can lead to several complications:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Hematuria: blood in the urine
- Bladder stones
- Kidney and bladder failure
Who is at risk?
BPH most commonly affects men 50 and older. Although rare, it can impact men younger than 40.
Other common risk factors for developing BPH include:
- Family history of BPH
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Having certain conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or erectile dysfunction
Diagnosis
Diagnosing BPH often requires a urological evaluation, which can include:
- Ultrasound
- Cystoscopy: a procedure to examine the bladder and urethra
- Blood or urine testing
Treatment for BPH
The treatment for BPH includes behavioral and dietary modifications, medications, and minimally invasive procedures.
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is one effective method to treat an enlarged prostate of all sizes without surgical incisions.
The utilization of technology such as high-powered lasers, morcellators, and small scopes allows for a fast recovery from HoLEP.
“For patients who have severe cases of BPH or are no longer responding to medications, we offer a variety of options such as laser and robotic surgeries,” said Donalisio da Silva, an associate professor of urology in the Department of Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “We tailor each treatment to fit the patient’s needs. The goal of treatment for BPH is to improve your symptoms and quality of life.”
For questions or concerns regarding BPH, call UT Physicians Urology at 832-325-7280.
