Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Your prostate is the gland that produces the fluid part of semen. Before puberty, your prostate is very small, but as you mature into an adult, your prostate begins to grow. It continues to expand throughout the rest of your life.

BPH is the clinical term for an enlarged prostate. Your prostate is located below your bladder and surrounds your urethra. This is why, when you have an enlarged prostate, you can experience urinary symptoms including:

• Difficulty urinating
• Weak urine stream
• Frequent urination
• Trouble emptying your bladder
• Urinary incontinence

If you experience these symptoms, it’s critical that you make an appointment at Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists. Not only are these symptoms disruptive to your well-being, but they can also indicate prostate cancer.

What causes BPH?

Medical researchers and physicians haven’t identified a specific cause of BPH. Some of the risk factors associated with BPH include:

• Aging
• A family history of BPH
• Medical conditions including diabetes and heart disease
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle

While you may not be able to prevent BPH, following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco products can lower your risk and improve your overall health.

How is BPH diagnosed?

The urologists at Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists provide detailed consultations to diagnose BPH. They ask questions about symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health and perform a physical exam including a digital prostate exam and lab tests. Your doctor may also order a urinary flow test or a post-void residual test.

How is BPH treated?

If your symptoms are caused by BPH, the urologists at Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists suggest the treatment that best resolves your symptoms and restores your health. Most treatments are minimally invasive and performed in the comfort and convenience of the practice’s office. Some of the procedures available include:

• UroLift®
• Transurethral electro-evaporation of the prostate
• Transurethral microwave thermotherapy
• Photoselective vaporization
• Transurethral prostate resection
• Robotic simple prostatectomy

Your doctor can also prescribe medication and suggest lifestyle modifications to improve your symptoms.

If you’re concerned about BPH, call Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists or make an appointment online today.