Enlarged Prostate or BPH

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): What is it and What Can You Do About It?

Are you a man who has been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate or are you concerned that you may have an enlarged prostate? You could have a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. It is an age-related medical condition most often associated with difficult urination. There are several different effective treatment options available for BPH.

At Lazare Urology, we want everyone to have the knowledge and resources that they need to get the form of care for their specific medical needs. In this article, our Brooklyn urologist for BPH provides an overview of the most important things to know about benign prostatic hyperplasia and the available treatment options.

What You Need to Know About Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Background: Prostate is an Accessory Reproductive Gland that Grows

A prostate is a small gland located inside the groin region. An accessory gland of the male reproductive system, the prostate is responsible for secreting fluid that becomes part of semen. There are two periods of prostate growth in a man’s life. The first is during puberty. The prostate doubles in size during this time. Additionally, a man’s prostate will start (gradually) growing again during a man’s mid-twenties. Eventually, it can become so large that it causes problems.

BPH is a Common, Non-Cancerous Prostate Condition

To be clear, BPH is not a form of prostate cancer. It does not cause cancer, nor does it lead to cancer. Further, it is a relatively common medical condition. Many older men have an enlarged prostate. In fact, a study published by Medscape estimates that approximately one-third of men over the age of 50 are dealing with BPH. As the prostate continues to grow during the entire course of a man’s life, the rate of benign prostatic hyperplasia also rises with age. A study found that nearly 90 percent of men over the age of 85 have an enlarged prostate.

The Effects of an Enlarged Prostate Vary Significantly

There is significant variation in BPH cases. The primary symptom associated with an enlarged prostate is difficult or slow urination. Depending on the specific circumstances, a man who is diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia may have issues with any of the following:

• Weak urine flow;
• Frequent urination;
• Trouble starting or stopping; and
• Other urinary tract issues.

In mild cases, BPH may not require treatment at all. It may simply be a minor inconvenience. In more severe cases, BPH can be a frustrating, embarrassing, and even physically painful condition to have to deal with. The good news is that there are treatment options available.

Three Key Treatment Strategies for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

BPH and other urologic issues should always be evaluated and treated on a case-by-case basis. As noted previously, there are several treatment options available for benign prostatic hyperplasia. If you are dealing with an enlarged prostate, there are solutions available. New York urologist Dr. Jonathan Lazare can help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation. The most common treatment strategies for BPH are as follows:

Prescription Medication: There are prescription medications available for enlarged prostates. Indeed, medication is often the initial medical intervention for BPH. Common drugs such as Flomax (tamsulosin) may be the answer. While Flomax does not shrink a man’s enlarged prostate, it does markedly improve your ability to urinate. Avodart is a drug that actually shrinks the size of the prostate.

Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TURP): For men dealing with more serious effects of a BPH, a surgical operation may be the best solution. A common procedure called Transurethral Incision of the Prostate, or a TURP, involves the removal of tissue that blocks urine flow. Most often, a TURP requires a patient to spend one or two days recovering in the hospital. If you have any questions about TURP, New York urologist Dr. Jonathan Lazare can help.

Green Light Laser TURP: Another more advanced type of operation called a Green Light Laser TURP is an alternative to a standard TURP. The primary difference is that a Green Light procedure involves the use of laser energy instead of electrical energy to remove excess tissue. With this procedure, many people are free from a catheter within a single day. Dr. Lazare has extensive experience performing Green Light Laser TURP procedures. If you have any questions about this operation, our team can help.

How Board-Certified New York Urologist Dr. Jonathan Lazare Can Help

Prostate issues are complicated. It is normal to have a lot of questions and concerns if you have benign prostatic hyperplasia or any related condition. As a board-certified, nationally-recognized urologist, Jonathan Lazare, MD is available to help. When you reach out to our practice, you have an opportunity to consult with a New York City urologist who will:

• Listen to your story and answer your questions;
• Always put you, as the patient, first;
• Take a thorough medical history and conduct a comprehensive exam;
• Discuss all of the available BPH treatment strategies; and
• Develop a treatment plan that works best for your specific situation.

The reality is that BPH can cause significant problems for men. You may be dealing with frequent urination, a weak urine stream, or a number of related issues. Dr. Jonathan Lazare is an expert in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. With support from his team, he will provide you with the top-quality, personalized urologic care that you deserve.

Do You Have Questions About Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

At Lazare Urology, our New York urologist has the skills, experience, and medical expertise to help patients who are dealing with prostate issues, including BPH. If you have any specific questions or concerns about benign prostatic hyperplasia and the available treatments, we are available to help. Give us a call now or connect with us directly through our website to book a fully confidential appointment. We provide urology services in Brooklyn, Queens, and throughout New York City.