McLEOD HEALTH 22 NOVEMBER 2024

A concern many men encounter as they age is prostate health. From PSA, BPH, Low T – men are flooded with mysterious terms when discussing this topic. One of the most common is BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, otherwise known as an enlarged prostate.

The prostate is a gland found only in males and is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding the urethra. According to the American Urological Association, nearly 80 percent of men will develop BPH, with 30 percent receiving treatment for it.

As the prostate gland enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra causing symptoms like a weak urine stream or the need to push or strain to pass urine. If untreated or in more serious cases, it may stop urination completely or cause kidney failure. For these reasons, it is important for men to know when to seek care.

BPH impacts each man differently, and some men may not experience any major symptoms. For most, the first signs are changes in bathroom habits with urination:

• Frequent urination, as often as every one to two hours
• Weak or slow stream, or stream that starts and stops
• Feeling of bladder not emptying completely
• Delay in starting urination, or straining to start
• Awakening frequently at night to urinate

Men should seek medical treatment if they are experiencing any of these symptoms to such a degree that it is impacting their quality of life. See a doctor immediately if there is blood in the urine, pain with urination, burning with urination or inability to urinate.

A diagnosis of BPH does not necessarily mean treatment is necessary. It is important for men to discuss with their doctor the most beneficial and effective treatments available and weigh the impact of their symptoms on their daily life.

When symptoms are severe enough to require more than routine monitoring, urologists may recommend one of multiple treatment options for BPH. These include medicines, minimally invasive treatments or surgical procedures. The best treatment option for each individual depends on:

• The size of your prostate
• Your age
• Your overall health
• How serious your symptoms are

Oral medications may be prescribed to help relax the bladder or shrink the prostate and improve urine flow. Some work quickly, while others may take more time to show improvements.

Minimally invasive treatment options include a Rezum procedure for BPH which uses steam to shrink the prostate, a Urolift procedure, also known as a Prostatic Urethral Lift, to treat BPH, and a iTind procedure to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by an enlarged prostate. Depending on the procedure, these may offer less bleeding and recovery time, and shorter hospital stays.

Surgical treatment for BPH is when removing sections of the prostate is necessary. Surgery may be the most effective relief of symptoms, but as always the case with surgery, it does involve more risk. Some men may also have other health conditions that make surgery a less favorable option for their care.

Another treatment option for BPH now offered at McLeod Regional Medical Center is Aquablation Therapy. Aquablation therapy combines real-time, multi-dimensional imaging, automated robotics, and heat-free waterjet ablation for targeted, controlled, and immediate removal of prostate tissue.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is just that: Benign. BPH is not cancer, but men can experience both conditions at the same time. In both BPH and early stages of prostate cancer, men may not have obvious symptoms, so annual physical examinations and regular checkups are essential to combatting both diagnoses.

It is important to not overlook the signs and symptoms of BPH. Men should consult a urologist to explore all available treatment options. By working together, they can determine the best course of action to promote optimal health and enhance quality of life.

Dr. Ronald W. Glinski provides care for the full spectrum of urological concerns. Dr. Glinski serves patients at McLeod Urology Associates in Florence. To schedule an appointment, call 843-777-7555.