Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

As a man ages, his prostate gland gets bigger. This walnut sized-gland lives just under the bladder, where it controls the flow of urine and the production of the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. As the prostate grows, it can push against the urethra and bladder which may slow or even stop the flow of urine.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:

• A weak or interrupted urine stream
• A frequent need to urinate
• Difficulty to begin urinating
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Straining while urinating
• Urinary tract infection
• Bladder stones
• A feeling of not being able to empty the bladder

Testing

A doctor will conduct a complete physical exam, including a digital rectal examination (DRE) and take a thorough medical history. Testing can include a digital rectal exam, a neurological exam, and a urine test. In a DRE the doctor will examine the prostate for any abnormalities by feeling the texture, shape, and size of the gland. The doctor may perform a neurological exam to see if there is another cause for the urinary problem other than an enlarged prostate. In a urine test, the doctor may collect a urine sample to rule out any infections or other issues that may cause similar symptoms.

How is benign prostatic hyperplasia treated?

There are many different types of treatment for enlarged prostate. Often, the type of treatment is determined by how severe the symptoms are. If symptoms are mild, they may be managed with “watchful waiting” and lifestyle changes such as a change to medication or diet. Treatment for moderate to severe symptoms may require medication, minimally invasive techniques or open surgery.

The Rezūm System, a steam therapy option, is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment that does not require general anesthesia and provides an alternative to traditional BPH medications. Steam therapy is an in-office treatment that preserves sexual function and offers a rapid return to normal activities.

Steam therapy uses the natural energy stores in water vapor to treat the enlarged and obstructive prostate tissue that causes BPH symptoms such as frequency, urgency, irregular urine flow, weak urine stream, straining, and getting up at night to urinate. The water vapor is delivered into the targeted prostate tissue and condenses, causing the tissue to expire. In the weeks following a therapy session, the body’s natural healing response eliminates the treated tissue, shrinking the prostate. As the extra tissue is removed, the urethra opens back up, reducing BPH symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life. Studies have shown that the steam treatment provides durable symptom relief and allows men to retain sexual function, in contrast with surgical treatments.

Does benign prostatic hyperplasia lead to cancer?

No. BPH isn’t cancer and doesn’t lead to cancer.