BPH FAQ
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, abbreviated as BPH, is a condition that affects many men and the size of their prostates. Men with an enlarged prostate are at risk for a number of concerning and frustrating symptoms, including difficulty while urinating, pain when urinating, or even accidental leakages of urine (urinary incontinence).
Fortunately, the urologists of South Texas Urology Group each possess extensive experience in diagnosing and treating BPH. During this process, many patients ask similar questions related to BPH, its symptoms, and methods commonly used to treat the condition, which is why our experts would like to offer some of their professional insights and answers.
It is not perfectly clear as to what leads the prostate to grow larger and larger during a man’s life. Significant growth during puberty is expected and completely normal, though research shows that the prostate again begins slowly increasing in size from age 25 and continues throughout the man’s life.
Since gradual prostate growth is consistent among a large majority of men, it is extremely common for this condition to be diagnosed in those of an older age. Statistically speaking, BPH affects:
- 20% of men over 50
- 60% of men over 60
- 70% of men over 70
- 90% of men over 80
In addition to age, other risk factors include having a family history of BPH, being obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle that does not include regular exercise, having type 2 diabetes, and experiencing erectile dysfunction.
Men typically have the health of their prostate evaluated during yearly physical examinations with their physician. This simple screening is often able to detect superficial abnormalities of the prostate, such as unusually large sizing.
Patients who schedule a consultation with South Texas Urology Group regarding BPH will begin by thoroughly discussing their symptoms, personal medical history, and family medical history. A physical evaluation is often performed as well, and additional diagnostic tests may be ordered to analyze the functionality of the patient’s urinary system.
Not necessarily. Some patients may elect to hold off on treating their enlarged prostate and instead choose to monitor the progression of their symptoms over time. Our board-certified urologists will typically suggest more frequent checkups at P our urology clinic in San Antonio, TX to regularly assess the health of the prostate and determine if the patient’s BPH is worsening.
While men can choose to avoid treating their BPH, it is highly encouraged to speak with a specialist about treatment options if symptoms caused by the condition are negatively affecting daily tasks and activities.
ifestyle changes and medications are often the first options recommended for men that experience mild symptoms caused by BPH. Reducing liquid intake, avoiding stimulants, and practicing pelvic floor strengthening exercises can all help patients regain a bit more control over their urinary functions, while some forms medications have shown to slow or completely stop the growth of the prostate.
Through new technological advancements within the healthcare industry, there are many minimally invasive procedures available to men suffering from more considerable urinary difficulties. These include:
- Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy
- The UroLift® System
- Aqua-ablation
In some instances, DOCTOR may suggest surgery for patients with more complex cases of BPH to achieve effective relief from their symptoms. These surgical procedures may include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), and robotic simple prostatectomy. Given our board certified urologists at South Texas Urology Group’s unique expertise in using the da Vinci Surgical System, it may be possible to avoid open surgery in favor of minimally invasive techniques.
Most patients will not experience severe complications caused by an enlarged prostate. However, it is entirely possible for BPH to lead to daily dysfunctions in a man’s life as he struggles to manage worsening symptoms, or for this condition to lead to significant damage to the kidneys, urinary tract, or bladder.
No. Because BPH is a benign condition, its symptoms have absolutely nothing to do with cancerous cell growth of the prostate.
BPH Treatment in San Antonio, TX
Our board-certified urologists at South Texas Urology Group offers comprehensive care to patients suffering from BPH in San Antonio, TX. We are dedicated to helping you get back to living life with minimal urinary interruptions. Our urologists will take the time to provide you with a detailed diagnosis and discover the best treatment option for you. For more information, contact our urology clinic in San Antonio, TX at (210) 267-1709 and schedule an appointment today!
BPH Treatment Options
If you have been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate due to BPH, consult with your physician to determine which treatment is right for you.
Treatment Options May Include:
Watchful Waiting: Watchful waiting involves making behavioral changes such as decreasing your fluid intake prior to bedtime, regular physical activity, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. For men with mild symptoms this may be a viable option until their condition shows signs of worsening.1 However, it is important to note that, in a study, 87% of men who elected watchful waiting experienced a worsening of symptoms over a 4-year time period.2
Medications: Your doctor may prescribe BPH medication, just one or even a combination of BPH medications that may help alleviate your urinary symptoms. These medications are effective and may improve your BPH symptoms; however, some men may not experience enough relief. In addition, some men experience bothersome side effects from BPH medication. Either or both of these things may lead them to discontinue the medication.3-6
Some patients may suffer side-effects including dizziness, headaches, or sexual dysfunction. Some may not get adequate relief of their symptoms. Over 16% of men on medication for BPH discontinue treatment early for reasons such as being dissatisfied with side-effects or not getting adequate symptom relief.1
Minimally Invasive treatments: These are procedures which can often be done as an outpatient procedure with milder forms of anesthesia than what is used in a hospital operating room. They typically have fewer complications than traditional surgery.7
The UroLift® System uses small implants to open the prostate blockage and does not require heating or cutting tissue. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia in a doctor’s office and patients typically return home the same day without a catheter.6,8 The UroLift System offers rapid symptom relief with a low risk profile.6 As the procedure does not destroy tissue, recovery on average is more rapid than for TURP patients. It is the only leading BPH procedure shown to provide symptom relief while also preserving sexual function.*8-11Patients may experience short-term pelvic pain and light blood in the urine.6,7
* No instances of new, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction in the L.I.F.T. pivotal study.
- Another minimally invasive BPH treatment is Rezum™ Water Vapor Therapy. This is a form of thermal therapy in which the prostate is heated with steam. Another form of thermal therapy called Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT) uses microwaves to destroy tissue.7 They can typically be done at a doctor’s office with local anesthesia and patients can usually go home the same day as the procedure. These procedures generally have fewer complications than traditional surgery. A catheter is typically required for a few days after the procedure and recovery may take a few weeks.11-13
Traditional Surgery: Common traditional BPH surgeries include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (GreenLight™ laser PVP). These procedures are the most aggressive treatment option and can be effective. Recovery can take time and is accompanied by a higher risk of complications.1 Less commonly performed surgeries include Aquablation® therapy and Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP).7 Aquablation® therapy uses a high-pressure water jet to remove prostate tissue, whereas HoLEP uses a laser to remove the prostate tissue. Traditional surgery can offer significant relief of symptoms and help you improve quality of life.1
Rezum and GreenLight are trademarks of Boston Scientific. Aquablation is a trademark of PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp.
References
*No instances of new, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction in the L.I.F.T. pivotal study
- AUA BPH Guidelines 2003. Updated 2010.
- Djavan, Urology 2004
- Chang DF, Campbell JR, J Cataract Refract Surg. 2005
- Duan et al, Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2018
- Welk et al, JAMA Intern Med. 2017
- Roehrborn, J Urol 2013
- Roehrborn, Can J Urol 2017
- Shore Can J Urol 2014
- Tutrone, Can J Urol 2020
- Eure, et al., AUA 2020
- Sonksen, et al., Eur Urol 2015
- McVary, J Urol 2016
- McVary, J Urol 2020; AUA abstract LBA01-06 5-year Rezum
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Schedule an Appointment for BPH Treatment in San Antonio, TX
If you're experiencing symptoms of BPH in the San Antonio area, contact South Texas Urology Group today to schedule an appointment. Give our urology clinic a call at (210) 267-1709.
