BPH Enlarged Prostate

Urology Center of Florida Our Services BPH Enlarged Prostate

Urology Center of Florida

Urologists located in Pompano Beach, FL

Do you get up in the middle of the night to urinate? Is your urinary stream weak or dribbling? Does it feel like you can’t ever completely empty your bladder? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you could have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition affecting millions of men over age 50. Dr. Craig Herman and Dr. Steven C. Kester at the Urology Center of Florida in Pompano Beach specialize in helping men manage BPH. If you have urinary issues, call or book an appointment online today to get the relief you need.

BPH Enlarged Prostate Q & A

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

As many men age, their prostate glands enlarge and sometimes limit the flow of urine from the bladder. Known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the condition is not cancerous or life-threatening. It can, however, cause discomfort and trigger issues in the bladder, kidneys, and urinary tract.

What are the symptoms of BPH?

Typical signs of BPH include:

  • Urgent need to urinate
  • Frequent need to urinate at night
  • Unable to empty bladder
  • Weak urine stream
  • Dribbling after urination

Am I at risk for BPH?

Age and genetics are the greatest factors for developing BPH. By age 60, most men experience at least some BPH-related urinary issues. By the time men reach their 80s, about half have moderate to severe symptoms. Your chances for developing the condition are even greater if your biological father or brother have it.

Other factors that increase your risk of BPH include:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Obesity

What causes BPH?

Prostate enlargement is linked to hormonal changes that occur as men age. When the prostate grows, it can constrict the urethra, the tube that channels urine from your bladder and out your penis. This leads to the symptoms of BPH.

How is BPH diagnosed?

After reviewing your family and personal medical history, your doctor will perform an exam that includes one or more of these tests:

  • Cytoscopy
  • Digital rectal exam
  • Post-void residual volume assessment
  • Prostate ultrasound
  • Urine flow study
  • X-ray imaging

To rule out prostate cancer, the doctor also screens your blood for elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen.

How is BPH treated?

As with many conditions, early intervention is key to preventing problems with your bladder, kidneys, and urinary tract. If your symptoms are mild and not related to more serious conditions, you can manage your BPH with simple lifestyle changes. These include limiting caffeinated beverages and alcohol, avoiding fluids before bed, and regular exercise.

For obstructive symptoms, your doctor prescribes drugs to shrink your prostate. If these methods don’t provide relief, he may recommend transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) to reduce enlarged prostate tissues and restore urinary flow.

BPH is an aggravating condition that most men experience as they age. With the right treatment, symptoms can be managed and serious complications prevented. If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, call or book an appointment at the Urology Center of Florida today.

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