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What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an extremely common occurrence in men. In fact, up to 90% of men will experience it by the age of 85. BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland. Because the prostate sits near the urethra and bladder, it can impede the flow of urine when it becomes enlarged. Over time, it’s possible for bladder issues to worsen, such as infection, incontinence, kidney stones, and more. BPH is not cancerous, but symptoms may be similar to those of prostate cancer (and they may occur together), meaning effective diagnosis and treatment for BPH is essential.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Symptoms of BPH are related to difficulties passing urine. These include:
- Slow or dribbling urination
- Incontinence
- An inability to completely empty your bladder
- Changes in the color or smell of urine
- Difficulty starting to pee
- An urgent need to pee
- Frequently getting up at night to pee
It’s unknown exactly what causes the prostate to enlarge as you age. The prevailing theory is that it may be related to hormone changes and the drop in testosterone that many men experience in middle age and later.
If you’re a man over the age of 40, you have a higher risk of developing BPH. Additionally, conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, excess body weight, or a family history of BPH can make it more likely you’ll develop it.
How is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Diagnosed?
BPH can sometimes be diagnosed with a digital rectal exam, urinalysis, and prostate gland imaging, but may also include tests for prostate cancer. Once we have a complete diagnosis, we can discuss what treatments are most appropriate for you.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment Options
Traditional treatments for BPH such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can come with the risk of significant side effects like erectile dysfunction. Our preferred treatment option is prostate embolization, a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure that carries far fewer side effects and, in some cases, can even improve sexual function afterward.
Prostate embolization uses a tiny opening to insert an X-ray-guided catheter into the blood vessels in the area. Microscopic particles are then injected into some of the blood vessels supplying the prostate. This blocks off the treated blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the prostate. Over time, the prostate will shrink because of the reduced blood and oxygen supply. It doesn’t completely get rid of the prostate – rather, it shrinks it down to a healthier size, relieving pressure off the urethra and allowing for better urination. Best of all, prostate embolization can be performed using only local anesthesia and IV sedation, drastically cutting down on recovery time. It can also be performed at our spa-like surgical facility, eliminating the need for a hospital environment.
Providers
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At South Florida Vascular Associates, we offer groundbreaking alternatives to traditional vascular surgeries. To learn more about your treatment options with BPH, contact our offices conveniently serving the greater Southeast Florida region. We’re located in Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach, and Plantation, FL, and provide advanced vascular and interventional oncology treatments performed on an outpatient basis.