Prostate enlargement, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a common benign condition in men that often occurs with age. The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. As men age, the enlargement of this gland can obstruct urine flow, leading to a variety of symptoms.
What are the symptoms of BPH?
BPH can affect your urination habits. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Waking up at night to urinate (nocturia)
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or intermittent urine flow
- The feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urinating.
These symptoms can reduce your quality of life and limit your daily activities.
When does BPH become dangerous?
BPH is generally not a serious health problem, but in some cases it can lead to complications:
- Urinary tract infections
- Bladder stones
- Kidney damage
- Inability to completely pass urine (acute urinary retention)
These complications can develop into serious conditions requiring medical intervention.
How is BPH treated?
BPH treatment is tailored to each individual based on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s overall health condition.
- Lifestyle changes:
Simple measures such as reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, limiting fluid intake in the evening, and engaging in regular exercise may be sufficient for some patients. - Drug treatment:
Alpha blockers (medications that relax the urinary tract) and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (medications that reduce prostate size) are the most commonly used medical options.- Minimally invasive treatment methods:
These are procedures that aim to shrink prostate tissue and do not require hospitalization. A common example is Rezum – Vapor Therapy. A special device delivers controlled vapor to the prostate tissue, causing it to shrink over time. It is an outpatient procedure, requires minimal anesthesia, and ejaculation can be preserved.
- Minimally invasive treatment methods:
Surgical procedures:
In more advanced or drug-resistant cases, surgery is considered: Today, HoLEP (Holmium Laser Prostatectomy) surgery, which we use most frequently and regardless of prostate size, is one of the most commonly performed surgical methods due to its less bleeding, shorter hospital stays, and high patient satisfaction. Using laser energy, the entire enlarged portion of the prostate is removed endoscopically.
When should you consult a doctor?
It is recommended that you consult a urologist in the following situations:
- Urinary problems that affect your daily life
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate
Early diagnosis and treatment are important in preventing complications.
At UroHealth, we care about your prostate health. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you can contact our expert team to schedule a detailed evaluation appointment. Take the first step towards a healthy life.
