Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Men’s Health

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, commonly referred to as BPH, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The incidence of BPH in American men is so high, that nearly half of men at age 50 have an enlarged prostate and men at age 80 can expect an 80 to 90% chance of developing the condition. As the prostate enlarges, it squeezes the urethra, which runs through the center of the gland, and over time, restricts the flow of urine. Symptoms begin to affect daily activities and quality of life.

Symptoms include:

• urinary frequency, especially at night,
• urgency, hesitancy, intermittency,
• slow urine flow,
• blood in the urine,
• feeling the bladder isn’t empty,
• dribbling after urination,
• pain or burning during or after urination.

Evaluation includes: ultrasound and cystoscopy to determine the degree of prostate enlargement. Treatment options range from drug therapy to surgery. Surgery includes Transurethral Resection of the Prostate or TURP. During a button TURP, excess tissue is cut away. The procedure is bloodless and removes more tissue than other procedures, such as laser, radiofrequency and ultrasound.

TURP is considered to be the optimum treatment for BPH today. It is important to select an experienced board-certified neurologists.