BPH Treatment in Central Wyoming
As men age, it is not uncommon for them to experience changes in their prostate, which can lead to a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms. One of the most common prostate conditions in older men is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. BPH occurs when the prostate gland continues to grow and eventually presses against the urethra, causing a range of urinary symptoms such as frequent urges to urinate, difficulty starting urination, and weak urine flow.
At our urology clinic in Central Wyoming, we understand the impact that BPH can have on a man’s quality of life and well-being. Our team of experienced urologists specializes in diagnosing and treating BPH using the latest medical and surgical techniques. Call us at (307) 577-8600 to schedule your appointment today.
What Causes BPH?
It is not perfectly clear as to what leads the prostate to grow larger and larger during a man’s life. Significant growth during puberty is expected and completely normal, though research shows that the prostate again begins slowly increasing in size from age 25 and continues throughout the man’s life.
Who Is at Risk for BPH?
Since gradual prostate growth is consistent among a large majority of men, it is extremely common for this condition to be diagnosed in those of an older age. Statistically speaking, BPH affects:
- 20% of men over 50
- 60% of men over 60
- 70% of men over 70
- 90% of men over 80
In addition to age, other risk factors include having a family history of BPH, being obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle that does not include regular exercise, having type 2 diabetes, and experiencing erectile dysfunction.
Is BPH Related to Prostate Cancer?
No. Because BPH is a benign condition, its symptoms have absolutely nothing to do with the cancerous cell growth of the prostate.
Common Symptoms of BPH
This added pressure typically results in problems of the urinary system such as:
- A frequent and powerful urge to urinate
- Straining during urination
- Accidental release of urine (urinary incontinence)
- A weak stream of urine
- Trouble starting to urinate
- Stopping and starting the flow of urine several times when urinating
- A constant feeling of fullness in the bladder
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Recurring urinary tract infections
Many men will continue to muddle through their symptoms and adjust their life accordingly. This often means taking more bathroom breaks, especially all throughout the night.
Not only does this ruin your chances of getting a good night’s rest, but it can also have negative effects on your overall health since BPH can quickly lead to a bladder infection or kidney damage. BPH can also impair your overall quality of life, as you will likely miss many moments while running back and forth to the bathroom.
The best way to take full advantage of your life is to discuss your symptoms with your urologist to determine which course of treatment will be best for you and your unique case of BPH.
How Does Central Wyoming Urological Associates Diagnose BPH?
Men typically have the health of their prostate evaluated during yearly physical examinations with their physician. This simple screening is often able to detect superficial abnormalities of the prostate, such as unusually large sizing.
Patients who schedule a consultation with your urologist regarding BPH will begin by thoroughly discussing their symptoms, personal medical history, and family medical history. A physical evaluation is often performed as well, and additional diagnostic tests may be ordered to analyze the functionality of the patient’s urinary system.
Treatment for BPH at Central Wyoming Urological Associates
Lifestyle changes and medications are often the first options recommended for men that experience mild symptoms caused by BPH. Reducing liquid intake, avoiding stimulants, and practicing pelvic floor strengthening exercises can all help patients regain a bit more control over their urinary functions, while some forms medications have shown to slow or completely stop the growth of the prostate.
Through new technological advancements within the healthcare industry, there are many minimally invasive procedures available to men suffering from more considerable urinary difficulties. These include:
- Transurethral microwave therapy
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
- Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy
- The UroLift® System
In some instances, your urologist may suggest surgery to offer patients with a more complex case of BPH to achieve effective relief from their symptoms. These traditional surgical procedures include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) as well as transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP). Given your urologist’s unique expertise in using the da Vinci Surgical System it is possible to avoid open surgery in favor of minimally invasive techniques.
BPH Treatment Options Offered at Wyoming Urological Associates
Lifestyle changes and medications are often the first options recommended for men that experience mild symptoms caused by BPH. Reducing liquid intake, avoiding stimulants, and practicing pelvic floor strengthening exercises can all help patients regain a bit more control over their urinary functions, while some forms medications have shown to slow or completely stop the growth of the prostate.
Through new technological advancements within the healthcare industry, there are many minimally invasive procedures available to men suffering from more considerable urinary difficulties. These include:
- Transurethral microwave therapy
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
- Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy
- The UroLift® System
In some instances, your urologist may suggest surgery to offer patients with a more complex case of BPH to achieve effective relief from their symptoms. These traditional surgical procedures include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) as well as transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP). Given your urologist’s unique expertise in using the da Vinci Surgical System it is possible to avoid open surgery in favor of minimally invasive techniques.
TURP
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. This surgery is incredibly effective at relieving symptoms for men that have not had success with medications prescribed to treat their moderate to severe urinary issues.
Rezūm
This procedure is especially recent, as it was approved by the FDA in 2015 for use in the treatment of BPH. The Rezūm System utilizes water vapor to break up lesions in the tissue of the prostate. With these lesions now broken apart, the urinary channel no longer has formations of tissue pressing upon it, and is able to easily pass urine once again.
Do I Have to Undergo Treatment for BPH?
Not necessarily. Some patients may elect to hold off on treating their enlarged prostate and instead choose to monitor the progression of their symptoms over time. Your urologist will typically suggest more frequent checkups at Central Wyoming Urological Associates to regularly assess the health of the prostate and determine if the patient’s BPH is worsening.
While men can choose to avoid treating their BPH, it is highly encouraged to speak with a specialist about treatment options if symptoms caused by the condition are negatively affecting daily tasks and activities.
What Can Happen If BPH Is Left Untreated?
Most patients will not experience severe complications caused by an enlarged prostate. However, it is entirely possible for BPH to lead to daily dysfunctions in a man’s life as he struggles to manage worsening symptoms, or for this condition to lead to significant damage to the kidneys, urinary tract, or bladder.
Is BPH Related to Prostate Cancer?
No. Because BPH is a benign condition, its symptoms have absolutely nothing to do with the cancerous cell growth of the prostate.
Schedule an Appointment for BPH Treatment
We seek to provide the highest level of care through our highly skilled health care professionals and state-of-the-art technologies. Contact our urology clinics in Wyoming at (307) 577-8600 to discuss your BPH symptoms with Central Wyoming Urological Associates.