Prostate Enlargement – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostate Enlargement - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostate Enlargement – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment at Northwest Urology

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as Prostate Enlargement, is a non-cancerous condition that occurs when the prostate gland grows larger and obstructs urine flow. While BPH does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms that impact quality of life. At Northwest Urology, we provide comprehensive care for BPH, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and a range of personalized treatment options to help manage symptoms and restore comfort.

Treatment for BPH is only necessary when symptoms become bothersome. Options range from lifestyle modifications and medications to minimally invasive procedures and surgery.

The primary treatment options for Prostate Enlargement – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) include:

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate vary depending on the severity of the obstruction. Common symptoms include:

Difficulty starting to urinate
Slow or dribbling urine flow
Leaking or urinary incontinence
Frequent or urgent need to urinate, especially at night
Pain during or after urination
Changes in the color or smell of urine

BPH occurs as the prostate gland naturally enlarges with age. While the exact cause is not fully understood, hormonal changes and cellular growth in the prostate are contributing factors.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing an enlarged prostate, including:

Age: BPH is more common in men over 50.
Genetics: A family history of prostate conditions may increase the risk.
Geographical Location: Men in certain regions, such as North America and Europe, have higher rates of BPH.
Obesity: Excess weight can exacerbate symptoms of BPH.
Metabolic Syndrome: A group of conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease can increase the risk.

Medications – Medications are often the first step in treating BPH. Alpha-blockers and PDE5-inhibitors relax the smooth muscle of prostate and portions of the bladder, while 5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate. Bladder relaxing medication may also augment treatments for overactive bladder symptoms associated with BPH.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MIST)

Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) (UroLift®): Implant permanent, mechanical implants to relieve bladder outlet obstruction.

Water Vapor Thermal Therapy (WVTT) (Rezum™): Uses steam to induce local tissue cellular death.

Robotic Waterjet Treatment (RWT) (Aquablation®): Uses real-time ultrasonographic imaging and robotically guided water jets for prostatic resection.

Prostatic Arterial Embolization (PAE): A minimally invasive treatment that helps improve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH by shrinking the prostate.

Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device (iTind®): A temporary implantable device to relieve bladder outlet obstruction.

Traditional Surgical Procedures- For severe cases, surgical options include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser vaporization of the prostate, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), or (open or robotic) simple prostatectomy. These procedures are designed to remove or reduce the overgrown prostate tissue, relieving symptoms.