Enlarged Prostate

What is an enlarged prostate?

An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition characterized by a swollen prostate gland and uncomfortable urinary symptoms. 

There are several effective treatments that can ease the symptoms of BPH. To choose the best option, it’s important you meet with a qualified medical professional like men’s health expert Dr. Blick. 

What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

The symptoms of BPH vary from person to person and depend on the severity of your condition. That said, the symptoms of BPH usually get worse slowly over time. Telltale symptoms of BPH include:

• Frequent urination
• Experiencing an urgent need to urinate
• Difficulty starting urination
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Inability to completely empty your bladder

As BPH progresses, you might also experience a urinary tract infection or blood in your urine. 

Surprisingly, the size of your enlarged prostate doesn’t necessarily correlate to the severity of your symptoms. Some men with slightly enlarged prostates experience significant symptoms, while others with very enlarged prostates only experience minor symptoms. 

Am I at risk of an enlarged prostate?

Any man can develop an enlarged prostate, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk, including:

• Being 40 or older
• Family history of prostate problems

How is an enlarged prostate diagnosed?

To diagnose BPH, Dr. Blick performs a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks questions about your symptoms. He also does a digital rectal exam to determine the size of your prostate. If these measures don’t provide enough information, Dr. Blick might also order a urine test, a voiding study, a cystoscopy (look into the bladder) or a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. PSA is an enzyme produced by your prostate gland that is used to screen patients for prostate cancer. High PSA levels suggest a higher risk of prostate cancer, but it may als be associated with an enlarged prostate.

How is an enlarged prostate treated?

Treatment for BPH depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. If possible, Dr. Blick usually recommends integrative, conservative measures of care. For example, if you only have mild or moderate symptoms, he might recommend taking prescription medication to moderate your symptoms. 

In more serious cases, a minimally invasive procedure may be necessary. Dr. Blick proudly offers UroLift®. UroLift® is a simple outpatient procedure that involves Dr. Blick placing a series of tiny implantable prostatic retractors to hold your prostate lobes apart. This relieves pressure on your urethra and allows urine to flow freely again. 

The UroLift® System Treatment

What is the UroLift System?

Treatment with the UroLift® System uses a minimally invasive approach that provides rapid relief and recovery of BPH symptoms.1 It is an earlier treatment option that can get men off BPH medications and avoid major surgery. The goal of the UroLift System treatment is to relieve symptoms so you can get back to your life and resume your daily activities.

The UroLift® System treatment has demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life for patients that is greater than reported for medications. 2,3 The UroLift® System is the only BPH procedure shown not to cause new and lasting erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction*, while being a safe and effective treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH.1,3-6

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How Does The UroLift® System Work?

The UroLift® System uses a revolutionary approach to treating BPH that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue so it no longer blocks the urethra. It is the only available BPH treatment performed by a urologist that does not require heating, cutting, or removal of the prostate tissue. The procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia in a physician’s office or ambulatory surgery center. Patients typically return home the same day without a catheter.

UroLift® System Animation

1. Roehrborn, J Urol 2013, L.I.F.T. Study 2. AUA Guidelines 2003 3. Roehrborn et al. Can J Urol 2017 4. Roehrborn, Can J Urol 2015, 3-Year L.I.F.T. Study 5. Roehrborn, Urology Practice 2015, 2-Year L.I.F.T. Study 6. Roehrborn Urology Clinics 2016 *No instances of new, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction

To learn more about your treatment options for BPH, make an appointment with Dr. Shawn Blick today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.