About Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition more commonly known as enlarged prostate.
BPH involves hyperplasia of prostatic cells, resulting in the formation of large, fairly discrete nodules in the prostate. When sufficiently large, the nodules compress the urethral canal. This can cause partial, or sometimes virtually complete, obstruction of the urethra. Prostate Artery Embolization is a relatively newer, non-surgical treatment for BPH. As many men well know, an enlarged prostate interferes with the normal flow of urine and causes discomfort and inconvenience. This new procedure, which is still being studied, promises new hope for men with enlarged prostate. Read testimonials about this procedure from our patients at the upper right of this page. Physicians and patients alike may be interested in numerous abstracts on Prostate Artery Embolization assembled here.
What are the symptoms of BPH?
Symptoms of enlarged prostate include:
- Urinary frequency Urinary urgency Hesitancy – difficulty initiating the urinary stream; interrupted, weak stream Incomplete emptying of the bladder – feeling of persistent residual urine, regardless of the frequency of urination
- Straining – need to strain or push to initiate and maintain urination to more fully empty the bladder
- Decreased force of stream – loss of force of the urinary stream over time
- Dribbling – loss of small amounts of urine due to poor urinary stream
How is it diagnosed?
The only lab test that is universally recommended for BPH is urinalysis. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are used as a marker for prostatic diseases, including BPH. Imaging studies can help confirm prostate size. BPH is diagnosed based on a written clinical history, a digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, and focused neurologic examination findings.
What are the prostate treatment options?
There are several options for patients who suffer with BPH. When considering a possible treatment plan, your physician and you will want to consider your symptoms, the severity of the symptoms, lifestyle considerations and your own preferences.
Options to treat BPH include:
- Watchful waiting
- Medications
- Prostate surgery – There are a variety of surgical options.
- Prostate artery embolization – This is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure which may be appropriate — or not — for certain cases.
- Your RIA Endovascular physician will work closely with your urologist to make sure that your symptoms are related to BPH and that prostate artery embolization is the appropriate therapy.