What is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia?

What is benign prostate hyperplasia?

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition more commonly known as enlarged prostate gland. An enlarged prostate gland can cause compression of the urethra. This can cause partial, or sometimes complete, obstruction. An enlarged prostate can interfere with the normal flow of urine and cause discomfort and inconvenience.

What are the symptoms of BPH?

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate

• Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)

• Difficulty starting and maintaining urination (hesitance or straining)

• Weak urine stream or a stream that starts and stops

• Dribbling at the end of urination

• Inability to completely empty the bladder

What imaging/tests are done to diagnose BPH?

The only lab test that is universally recommended for BPH is urinalysis. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are used as a marker for prostatic diseases, including BPH. An ultrasound can help confirm prostate size. BPH is diagnosed based on a written clinical history, digital rectal examination findings and focused urological examination findings.

What intervention/treatment can be performed for BPH?

There are several options for patients who suffer from BPH. When considering a possible treatment plan, you and your physician will want to consider your symptoms, the severity of the symptoms, lifestyle considerations and your own preferences. Options to treat BPH include:

• Watchful waiting

• Medications

• Prostate surgery (there are a variety of surgical options)

• Prostate artery embolization (this is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure offered at RIA Endovascular)

Learn more here about prostate artery embolization and why it might be the right procedure for you – https://www.riaendovascular.com/2019/07/09/a-physicians-perspective-on-prostate-artery-embolization-pae.