A man’s prostate gland, resting below the urinary bladder and surrounding the urethra, changes in size and shape with aging. This age-related problem, called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, impedes urine flow and leads to other uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, various treatment options are available to treat BPH.
Let’s talk about the treatment options available for BPH and where you can go in Phoenix, AZ, for high-quality treatment.
The Aging Prostate
About half of all men between the ages of 51 and 60 exhibit the symptoms of BPH, the non-cancerous enlargement of the male gland, which produces a component of semen, or ejaculate. While not overtly dangerous to a man’s health, benign prostatic hyperplasia causes bothersome problems, such as urinary frequency and urgency, particularly at night.
Besides frequent and “hurry up” bathroom trips, BPH causes a thickening of the urinary bladder wall. Accordingly, men complain of:
- Bladder irritation and lower back pain
- Burning with urination
- Poor urine flow
- Retention of urine in the bladder
- Urinary tract infection
In severe cases, the enlarged prostate causes urine to back up to the kidneys. This may lead to kidney infections and damage.
How Do I Treat an Enlarged Prostate?
Your urologist will order a digital rectal exam (DRE) and some imaging tests to detect the exact nature of your prostate problem. Also, your doctor will likely draw blood to run a PSA, or prostate-specific antigen test, to rule out prostate cancer. He may test your bladder to see how much fluid it retains after urination.
Your urologist will tailor your enlarged prostate treatment plan to your assessment results, overall health and other factors. Here are just some of the most common treatment options which may be used singly or in combination.
Medication
A variety of prescription medications can shrink the prostate and open the urethra, so urine flows freely. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and/or alpha-blockers are commonly used singly or together to reduce prostate size and to relax the bladder and prostate muscles.
Prostatectomy
Your urologist surgically removes the prostate gland in part or in its entirety. Due to today’s advanced operative techniques, this procedure may involve less invasive tools, such as laser instruments.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
This in-hospital surgery opens the urethra at the juncture between the prostate and the urinary bladder. Several small incisions change the shape of the prostate and urethra, making urine flow quicker and easier. TURP has been the treatment of choice for decades.
Urolift
Commonly known as prostatic urethral lift, this minimally-invasive corrective procedure installs small implants into each of the prostate lobes. The implants lift the prostate gland away from the urethra, so urine flows most easily. Only an experienced urologist can perform the PUL as an in-office procedure.
Best Urologist and Men’s Health Expert Near Me
If you are looking for a urologist and men’s health expert, visit no other than Ironwood Urology in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Desiderio Avila is a board-certified urologist who can provide traditional and minimally invasive treatments for your urologic/reproductive concerns. With over 20 years of experience, he is also fellowship-trained and a leading expert in men’s health issues in Arizona. He evaluates prostate health and helps scores of men feel better and limit urinary difficulties.
Here at Ironwood Urology, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and tailor-made care for your urinary and reproductive problems. From male infertility to prostate cancer, we have the means and the skills to help you get back to your healthy life. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Avila by calling us at (480) 961-2323! You can also use this form to schedule a consultation with the best urologist near you.
