If you wonder if BPH is a danger to your health, read this guide from 1Prostate in New York.

What is BPH?

The prostate is a gland situated beneath the bladder, and is an integral element of male reproductive organs. As men grow older, the probability of having an enlarged prostate increases; research has revealed that more than 50% of men in their sixties, and as many as 90% of those aged 70-89, experience certain symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that causes the prostate gland to become enlarged. Typically the size of a walnut, the prostate gland is located beneath the bladder and encircles the urethra (the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). Despite being an enlargement of the prostate gland, it is worth noting that BPH is not a form of cancer and does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

The enlargement of the prostate gland can lead to various uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as hindering the outflow of urine from the bladder. Moreover, it can also cause issues in the bladder, urinary tract, and kidneys. It is important to note that although BPH is not related to cancer, if left untreated, it can have the potential to cause serious health issues such as urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney stones, urinary retention, and even damage to the kidneys.

What Are Health Risks Associated With BPH?

Some men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may not have any symptoms at all, but those who do may experience lower urinary tract symptoms, which can range from mild to serious. It is worth noting that the size of the prostate enlargement, however, does not necessarily indicate the severity of the symptoms. In some men, the symptoms may even improve over time.

Signs and symptoms of BPH can vary, but commonly include a frequent or urgent need to urinate, increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia), difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream or a stream that starts and stops, and dribbling at the end of urination. Other, less common symptoms can include a urinary tract infection, inability to urinate, and blood in the urine.

If someone’s BPH symptoms are not too severe, at-home care may be sufficient enough to manage them. It is important to consult with a doctor regularly to monitor symptoms and to make sure there are no additional issues related to them. In cases of BPH where there are complications such as an ongoing inability to urinate, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney damage, or persistent blood in the urine occur, it is important to seek treatment right away.

What Are Treatments Available For BPH?

• Medication. For patients with mild to moderate BPH symptoms, symptom relief can be treated with a variety of different pharmaceutical options.

• Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE). This outpatient procedure requires no general anesthesia and can shrink the average prostate size by 40%, one year after treatment. 

• TUMT. This 45-minute in-office procedure is intended to provide a more comfortable and successful alternative to drug therapy and some surgical procedures for the management of BPH symptoms.

• Urolift. This treatment takes less than an hour and addresses an obstructed pathway that blocks urine flow without medication or the cutting or removing of prostate tissue.

• Rezum. This minimally-invasive, in-office procedure uses water vapor to reduce the size of the prostate and provide lasting relief from BPH symptoms.

• TURP. This is a surgical procedure that removes parts of the prostate through the urethra.

When Should I Seek Treatment For BPH?

If you’ve been diagnosed with BPH, it’s time to stop coping with the symptoms and start living. If you are ready to take charge of your life again, reach out to 1Prostate in New York City. 1Prostate is proud to offer a number of treatments to address Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with two locations to serve Manhattan, Queens, and the surrounding areas. At 1Prostate, we can provide the latest, state-of-the-art non-surgical treatment to address enlarged prostate and its symptoms. Call 212-991-9991 to ask about how we can help you today.