How Can I Treat BPH?

Are you searching for ways to treat BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)? Or do you need to understand this condition, identify symptoms and learn when to ask for help? We'll provide answers to those questions (and more!) in today's post.

What is BPH?

This common condition affects men by enlarging their prostates, in turn leading to a wide array of symptoms. Now, getting a diagnosis may be confusing, since many men's symptoms look very different from what's 'typical.' Yet the most common BPH effects are classified as Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) such as:

• The sudden need to urinate without prior warning or an ability to control that urge
• Incontinence
• Nocturia, or waking up to urinate at least twice in the middle of the night
• Difficulties starting the flow of urine
• Straining to urinate
• Painful urination
• Inability to fully empty the bladder
• Dribbling flow of urine at the end of a bathroom trip
• Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
• Blood in the urine or bladder stones
• Reduced bladder capacity (decompensation)

What Causes BPH

We don't know why some men develop BPH and others don't. However, we know that age, testosterone levels, and changes to the cells of the testicles increase the risk for prostate enlargement. And the problem is common, since most men over 40 have at least mild prostate enlargement, but almost all men over 80 develop BPH.

Should I Treat BPH?

You'll decide to treat an enlarged prostate when symptoms become intrusive to your daily life. Plus, symptom severity can determine the best treatment option. For some men, making lifestyle changes like, urinating as soon as you feel the urge; limiting alcohol and caffeine intake; exercising regularly; managing tension; and avoiding decongestants and antihistamines can help treat the symptoms of BPH

But some men will need medical interventions to find relief. In the past, the only options were taking prescription medications or scheduling surgery. But today we can treat BPH with Prostate Aretery Embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive, out-patient procedure.

Treat BPH with PAE

The American Urologic Association and FDA now approve PAE to treat BPH. This is a minimally invasive, same-day, outpatient procedure that relieves BPH symptoms with minimal risks for sexual side effects or incontinence. Performed with mild sedation or general anesthesia, our Georgia interventional radiologists start PAE by inserting a small catheter into your wrist. Next, guided by X-ray technology, we insert beads to block the prostate's blood flow, causing it to shrink within two weeks of the procedure. In turn, bothersome BPH symptoms should improve, and you may even enjoy improved sexual health.

Ready to treat BPH without surgery or added side effects? Contact the Georgia Prostate Institute today. We'll review your symptoms and determine if you're a candidate for PAE.