Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is surrounded by a capsule of fibrous tissue. The urethra (tube that transports urine and sperm out of the body) passes through the prostate to the bladder neck.
BPH affects more than 50% of men over age 60 and as many as 90% of men over the age of 70. The cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is unknown. It is possible that the condition is associated with hormonal changes that occur as men age. The prostate grows in two different ways:
- Cells multiply around the urethra and squeeze it, much like you can squeeze a straw.
- The middle-lobe prostate growth in which cells grow into the urethra and the bladder outlet area.
BPH does cause prostate cancer, but the 2 conditions can exist at the same time. There is no cure for BPH and once prostate growth starts, it often continues, unless therapy is started.
Symptoms for BPH include urinary urgency, frequency, waking at night to urinate, slow stream and incomplete bladder emptying.
As the prostate enlarges patients are at risk for urinary tract infections, bladder stone formation and kidney failure.
MEDICATIONS FOR BPH
In many men, medical therapy will only temporarily improve their urinary symptoms. According to studies, BPH will progress and they will require a procedure or operation to remove the obstructing prostate tissue.
Microwave Therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses microwave energy to shrink prostate tissue. This is a procedure performed in the office. It does not require any anesthesia and takes approximately 60 – 90 minutes to complete. A catheter is placed for 24 hours.
Laser Therapy of the prostate is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a special high-energy laser (GreenLight PVP™ Laser or Revolix Laser) to vaporize excess prostate tissue. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in a hospital or surgical center and may be performed under local, spinal, or general anesthesia. A catheter is placed for 24 hours. Patients are able to return to most normal activities within 72 hours.
MEDICATIONS FOR BPH
Surgical intervention is required for patients who want to stop taking medication or whose medication no longer improves their symptoms. There are many ways to surgically treat BPH.
Our office specializes in minimally invasive procedures for BPH. Two of these procedures are microwave therapy and laser surgery.
Alpha blockers (ex: Flomax, Uroxatral and Rapaflo) relax smooth muscle tissue in the bladder neck and prostate which increases urinary flow. They typically are taken orally, once or twice a day.
5-Alpha reductase inhibitors (ex: Avodart and Finasteride) prevent the conversion of testosterone to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Over time the prostate will shrink in size to improve urinary flow.
In many men, medical therapy will only temporarily improve their urinary symptoms. According to studies, BPH will progress and they will require a procedure or operation to remove the obstructing prostate tissue.
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