Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment in Sarasota, FL
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects more than 50 percent of men over the age of 60. When it occurs the prostate gland presses against and narrows the urethra making it difficult to urinate. Depending on the symptoms or the severity of one’s benign prostatic hyperplasia, your doctor will prescribe a number of treatment alternatives.
The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system that produces most of the seminal fluid. A normal prostate is the size of a chestnut and weighs about 20 grams. It is situated below the urinary bladder and surrounds parts of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to exit
Common Symptoms of BPH
BPH manifests a variety of symptoms that differ from patient to patient. The narrowing of the urethra causes various urination problems such as:
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Sudden, recurrent urge to urinate
- Dripping and leaking after urination
- Interrupted, slow or weak urine stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Painful, pushing or straining to urinate
- Inability to empty the bladder completely
Sometimes these symptoms can reduce the quality of life to such a great extent that those affected build their daily routines around the condition. They avoid drinking or plan their errands around easy access to toilet facilities. When symptoms are interfering with daily routine, it is highly recommended that patients consult a physician for an effective therapy. If BPH is not treated, it holds considerable risks. Without treatment, it can lead to complications such as severe urinary tract infections, urinary retention or even kidney failure.
Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate in Sarasota, Florida
Drug therapy is often used to provide relief from symptoms and to help reduce the enlargement of the prostate gland. These are especially helpful where the symptoms are mild. There may be side effects and the drugs must be taken regularly for the rest of one’s life. Additionally, the drugs may lose their effectiveness over time.
The use of surgical intervention is recommended to relieve or eliminate symptoms and when symptoms are severe or other options haven’t worked. Procedures include:
Transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP)
The most common type of BPH surgery that generally provides long-term relief. Side effects can include erectile dysfunction and bleeding.
Performed to remove large amounts of prostate tissue. This procedure is performed in a hospital and under general anesthesia. As with medication, there can be side effects that most notably can include erectile dysfunction or incontinence.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
By their nature, these treatments are not as invasive as surgery and can be performed in an outpatient environment. These can include:
- Thermography – for treating patients with moderate symptoms. This treatment uses heat to destroy prostate tissue. Microwave energy is a major approach for this treatment.
- Laser Therapy – to treat mild to severe symptoms. This approach most commonly uses GreenLight Laser Therapy together with TURP to provide effectiveness with fewer side effects.
- Urethral Stent – for use with patients who are not candidates for surgery. It involves placing a mesh tube to hold the urethra open at the point where it is obstructed by the prostate gland.