Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment in Atlanta
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common age-related condition where the prostate, a gland below the bladder that produces semen, enlarges and can restrict urine flow, causing discomfort.
We Offer The Best Treatment For
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia In Atlanta
Our highly precise BPH treatments are performed as outpatient procedures with minimal sexual or urinary side effects. Read on to learn what causes BPH, the signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and the treatment options you can expect at Advanced Urology.
Common Signs & Symptoms Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Frequent or urgent need to pee, also called urination.
- Peeing more often at night.
- Trouble starting to pee.
- Weak urine stream, or a stream that stops and starts.
- Dribbling at the end of urination.
- Not being able to fully empty the bladder.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Not being able to pee.
- Blood in the urine.
Possible Causes
Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms don't always align with the size of the prostate—some with a small enlargement may experience severe symptoms, while others with significant enlargement might have mild or no symptoms.
At Advanced Urology, we thoroughly evaluate the root causes of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). If you have a history of BPH-related issues, such as urinary problems, we can help prevent further complications. Our goal is to provide proactive care to reduce the chances of recurring symptoms or conditions associated with BPH.
When to See a Doctor for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Talk to your healthcare provider about your benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, even if they don't seem bothersome. It's important to determine if there are treatable causes, as untreated BPH can increase the risk of serious urinary tract blockages.
While many associate BPH with urinary issues, symptoms can vary depending on factors such as prostate size and location. At Advanced Urology, we always evaluate the root cause of BPH to provide targeted treatment. If you experience trouble passing urine, pain, or other symptoms like blood in your urine, fever, or burning during urination, seek immediate medical attention, as these signs should not be ignored.
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Lifestyle Changes for Managing Prostate Enlargement
Adopting certain lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and improve quality of life. Key modifications include:
Medications for Treating an Enlarged Prostate
Medications
are the cornerstone of BPH management. They are chosen based on the severity of
symptoms and the patient's overall health.
Choosing the Right Approach
The best
approach often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, supplements, and
medications tailored to the patient's symptoms, prostate size, and overall
health. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is crucial to monitor
effectiveness and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Understanding Your Treatment Options for an Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH),
affects many men, but modern treatments offer effective relief tailored to your
needs. Below is a comprehensive guide to the options, categorized by prostate
size, including the benefits, risks, typical site of service, and Foley
catheter duration.
Understanding Your Treatment Options for an Enlarged Prostate
Small Glands (Typically <40cc)
1. Urolift
How it works: Implants are used to lift and hold prostate
tissue out of the way, relieving blockage without cutting or removing tissue.
Benefits:
·
Quick recovery.
·
Preserves
sexual function.
·
No cutting, heating, or removal of tissue.
Risks:
·
Temporary urinary discomfort.
·
Rare risk of bleeding or infection.
·
Potential need for additional treatments over
time.
Site of Service: Outpatient Advanced Urology Ambulatory
Surgery Center
Foley Catheter Duration: Typically not required; occasional
same-day/next day removal if used.
Ideal for: Men seeking a rapid, minimally invasive solution
with no significant downtime.
2. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
How it works: Tiny particles are injected into the arteries
supplying the prostate, reducing its blood flow and size. This is performed
through a small puncture in the wrist or groin. May take 6 weeks to 6 months to
see results. This procedure is performed by a highly experience Interventional
Radiologist.
Benefits:
·
Non-surgical; performed through a small puncture
in the wrist or groin.
·
Minimal downtime.
·
Effective for most gland sizes.
·
Highly effective for men with catheter dependent
urinary retention
Risks:
·
Mild pain or bruising at the puncture site.
·
Rare risk of non-target embolization or urinary
retention.
Site of Service: Outpatient Advanced Urology Interventional
Radiology Lab
Foley Catheter Duration: Typically not required.
Ideal for: Men seeking a non-invasive treatment without
general anesthesia.
Medium Glands (40–80cc)
1. Aquablation
How it works: A robotic high-velocity water jet removes
prostate tissue precisely under ultrasound guidance. This allows for uniform
and effective tissue removal.
Benefits:
·
Uniform and precise tissue removal.
·
Reduced risk of sexual side effects.
·
Shorter operating time compared to traditional
methods.
Risks:
·
Temporary bleeding or urinary retention.
·
Rare risk of urethral stricture or sexual side
effects.
Site of Service: Hospital with at least 1 stay night in the
hospital for monitoring and bladder irrigation.
Foley Catheter Duration: 2-5 days.
Ideal for: Men seeking effective symptom relief with minimal
impact on urinary or sexual function.
2. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
How it works: A heated loop removes prostate tissue through
the urethra, allowing for better urinary flow. This traditional surgical option
has been widely used and studied.
Benefits:
·
Proven long-term effectiveness.
·
Widely available and well-studied.
Risks:
·
Temporary bleeding or urinary discomfort.
·
Risk of Erectile Dysfunction and Urinary
Incontinence
·
Possible retrograde ejaculation.
Site of Service: Outpatient Advanced Urology Ambulatory
Surgery Center
Foley Catheter Duration: 1-3 days.
Ideal for: Men seeking a traditional surgical solution for
moderate gland sizes.
Large Glands (>80cc)
1. Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)
How it works: A laser enucleates prostate tissue,
which is then removed through the urethra.
Benefits:
- Effective for very large
glands.
- Minimal bleeding and
long-lasting results.
Risks:
- Temporary bleeding or
urinary retention.
- Risk of retrograde ejaculation.
Site of Service: Hospital with 1 night stay.
Foley Catheter Duration: 1-3 days.
Ideal for: Men seeking a definitive, long-term
solution for large glands.
2. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
How it works: Tiny particles are injected into the arteries
supplying the prostate, reducing its blood flow and size. This is performed
through a small puncture in the wrist or groin. May take 6 weeks to 6 months to
see results. This procedure is performed by a highly experience Interventional
Radiologist.
Benefits:
·
Non-surgical; performed through a small puncture
in the wrist or groin.
·
Minimal downtime.
·
Effective for most gland sizes.
·
Highly effective for men with catheter dependent
urinary retention
Risks:
·
Mild pain or bruising at the puncture site.
·
Rare risk of non-target embolization or urinary
retention.
Site of Service: Outpatient Advanced Urology Interventional
Radiology Lab
Foley Catheter Duration: Typically not required.
Ideal for: Men seeking a non-invasive treatment without
general anesthesia.
3. Robotic Simple Prostatectomy
How it works: Robotic-assisted removal of excess
prostate tissue.
Benefits:
- Precision of robotic
technology.
- Suitable for very large
prostates.
- Provides long-term symptom
relief.
Risks:
- Bleeding or infection.
- Temporary urinary
incontinence.
- Possible retrograde
ejaculation.
Site of Service: Hospital.
Foley Catheter Duration: 7 days.
Ideal for: Men with very large prostates requiring a
definitive surgical solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about BPH
Q Can an enlarged prostate (BPH) lead to other health complications?
Yes, if left untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to complications such as urinary retention, where the bladder is unable to empty completely, increasing the risk of bladder infections and kidney damage. Other potential complications include bladder stones, blood in the urine (hematuria), and, in severe cases, the complete inability to urinate, which may require emergency medical intervention.
Q Are there lifestyle changes that can help manage BPH symptoms?
Yes, several lifestyle changes can help alleviate BPH symptoms. These include reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, which can irritate the bladder, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and practicing bladder training techniques to improve control. Additionally, avoiding drinking fluids before bedtime and performing pelvic floor exercises can help reduce nighttime urination and improve overall bladder function.
Q How is an enlarged prostate diagnosed?
BPH is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Common diagnostic methods include a digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess the prostate's size and shape, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to rule out prostate cancer, and imaging tests such as ultrasound. A urine flow study or postvoid residual test may also be performed to evaluate bladder function.
Q What treatment options are available for BPH?
Treatment options for an enlarged prostate depend on the severity of symptoms and may include lifestyle changes, medications such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to relax or shrink the prostate, and minimally invasive procedures like UroLift or laser therapy. In more severe cases, surgical procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) may be recommended to relieve symptoms.
