There are several common misconceptions about BPH and its treatment. TO be clear, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not cancer and it does not make your risk of developing prostate cancer higher. 1Prostate in New York is dedicated to the treatment of prostate conditions and the education of our patients. In this guide, we will discuss five common myths about BPH and BPH treatments.
What Are Common Myths About Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatments?
- Myth 1: I Do Not Need To Treat BPH Because There Is No Risk Of Complications.
- Myth 2: Older Men Commonly Experience BPH So I Just Have To Cope With Enlarged Prostate Symptoms.
- Myth 3: I Can Only Treat An Enlarged Prostate With Medications And Surgery.
- Myth 4: BPH Treatments Are Disruptive To My Lifestyle.
- Myth 5: Enlarged Prostate Treatments Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Myth 1: I Do Not Need To Treat BPH Because There Is No Risk Of Complications.
Enlarged prostate symptoms are not fatal but they can severely reduce your quality of life. For some men, BPH leads to severe complications such as:
- bladder stones
- kidney damage
- bladder damage
With prompt diagnosis and treatment, these complications can be avoided.
Myth 2: Older Men Commonly Experience BPH So I Just Have To Cope With Enlarged Prostate Symptoms.
Over 60% of men in their 60s struggle with BPH symptoms. BPH treatments are meant to alleviate your symptoms, and they are constantly evolving. There are several conventional and new alternative treatments available to help your BPH symptoms. In addition to these treatments, you can try the following lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms:
- Changes in diet and exercise
- Stress reduction
- Avoid caffeine
- Avoid certain types of medication
Myth 3: I Can Only Treat An Enlarged Prostate With Medications And Surgery.
If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH 1Prostate in New York, NY has several treatment options available including:
- Medication intervention: BPH symptom relief can be treated with a variety of different pharmaceutical options. Medication is most commonly used for patients with mild to moderate severity of BPH.
- Prostatic Artery Embolization: PAE is a minimally invasive and outpatient procedure that shrinks the prostate by blocking blood flow to the gland.
- Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy: TUMT is a minimally invasive procedure that safely uses microwave energy to heat prostate tissue and reduces its size.
- The Prostatic Urethral Lift: Urolift is the process of placing tiny implants to hold open the obstructed pathway that blocks urine flow.
- Water Vapor Therapy: Also referred to as Rezum, is a procedure in which a sterile steam of water is injected into the enlarged portions of the prostate to reduce the prostate’s size.
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: TURP is a more invasive surgery to remove parts of the prostate gland through the penis.
Myth 4: BPH Treatments Are Disruptive To My Lifestyle.
Like with any medical intervention there are potential side effects and risks. Although not everyone experiences them, BPH medications do have a higher risk of unintended side effects such as:
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sex drive
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure
For the patients who do experience these effects, ensure that your provider is promptly notified.
Alternative minimally invasive procedures such as Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) have a lower risk of complications and side effects than other conventional treatments. If you have any concerns about specific side effects, our team of doctors can discuss your specific situation, and determine which treatment option is best for you.
Myth 5: Enlarged Prostate Treatments Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Though it is true that certain BPH treatments are linked to a decrease in sexual function, our clinic offers alternative treatments that aid in providing relief without sacrificing sexual performance. Minimally invasive procedures, such as PAE or Rezum, have been proven to provide relief without causing incontinence or sexual dysfunction. If you have any concerns about BPH treatments our providers will thoroughly discuss your symptoms and concerns and explain all of your available options at length. We will ensure that you longer have to worry about choosing between BPH relief or a healthy sex life.
Would I Benefit From BPH Treatments?
If you are experiencing any of the following you could be a good candidate for BPH treatments:
- Frequent urination
- Straining
- Hesitancy
- Weak stream
- Urgency to urinate
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Excessive urination at night
- Pain after ejaculation or while urinating
- Urine that looks or smells different
Living with BPH symptoms can be very conflicting and complicated. Trust that the professionals at 1Prostate can help you to determine which treatment option is best for you. For more information contact us at (212) 991-9991
