As men age, conditions that affect the health and long-term well-being of the prostate gland become more and more likely to occur.
For many, benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH, can create a wide variety of complications. However, many do not know or understand this condition. By learning more about BPH, you can be prepared to protect your health and the health of loved ones. Through the aid of a skilled urologist, you can not only determine the presence of BPH, but create a treatment plan that returns you to health as soon as possible.
Understanding the Effects of BPH
The prostate gland surrounds the urethra. Should the prostate become enlarged due to BPH, the bladder can be compressed, leading to urinary difficulties. While BPH may not present the immediate dangers posed by prostate cancer, the condition can lead to bladder dysfunction, obstruction of the kidneys, urinary tract infections, and kidney failure if left untreated. As such, seeking out help from a skilled urologist is vital for anyone suffering from the condition.
If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that you have BPH.
- Difficult starts to urination
- Intermittent urinary flow
- Slow urinary flow
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Frequent urination
- Urgent urination
- Frequent nighttime urination that disrupts sleep (aka nocturia)
- Urinary incontinence, leading to urine leakage
Only a skilled urologist can determine the presence of BPH. Once diagnosed, an effective treatment plan can be created in order to restore your health and bodily functions.
Putting an End to BPH
Modern medical advancements have led to the creation of multiple treatments for BPH. Depending on the stage of your condition and various other factors, a urologist may determine which form of BPH treatment is best for you. These treatments include:
- Medication – Medications used to treat urinary incontinence include alpha blockers, which relax smooth muscle fibers in the prostatic tissue, and 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, which block the hormones stimulating prostate growth. Both options can be given alone or together, depending on the state of a patient’s BPH.
- Surgical Options – Surgical options include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser photovaporization of the prostate (PVP), and a simple prostatectomy. These options each provide different paths to reduce pressure on the bladder and return urinary function to its normal condition.
With the help of an experienced urologist, you can create a treatment plan that returns you to health a completely and quickly as possible.
Finding a Skilled Urologist for BPH Treatment
If your or a loved one has been diagnosed with benign prostate hyperplasia or is currently suffering from symptoms that indicate the presence of the condition, it is crucial that you find a skilled urologist as soon as possible. The medical team at Comprehensive Urology has helped countless patients find solutions to urological conditions for a healthier and happier everyday life. To learn more about what treatments are available and what can be done for your condition, call (310) 499-2756 or schedule an appointment with our team today.