Enlarged Prostate

Get lasting symptom relief

More than 70% of men in their 60s have symptoms of an enlarged prostate. If you’re experiencing symptoms related to an enlarged prostate, our Aurora BayCare Urological Surgeons are here to help. You don’t have to let symptoms of an enlarged prostate impact your quality of life.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a common condition in which the prostate enlarges as you get older. While BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) condition, it can cause loss of sleep, reduced productivity, and a lower quality of life. 

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate are typically related to urination. Some common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • Inability to completely empty the bladder
  • Increased frequency of urination at night
  • Stopping and starting while urinating
  • Dribbling at the end of urination
  • Straining while urinating
  • Weak urine stream
  • Visiting the bathroom more often to urinate

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. If left untreated, an enlarged prostate can block urine flow, causing urinary tract infections, reduced kidney function, and bladder stone formation. To be proactive, see a doctor to discuss your options. Because symptoms of an enlarged prostate are similar to those of other urological conditions, it’s important to rule out other causes.

If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend monitoring your condition before recommending treatment options. If treatment is necessary, options may include medications, laser therapy, traditional surgery or minimally invasive surgery.

What is an Enlarged Prostate?

The prostate is a male reproductive gland. The prostate surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. As the prostate enlarges, it presses on the urethra, causing uncomfortable urinary symptoms. The prostate continues to grow as you age, which is why BPH affects so many older men.

Normal vs enlarged prostate graphic

Enlarged Prostate Medications

Your doctor may recommend medication to manage your symptoms. Medications include alpha blockers and alpha inhibitors. Alpha blockers relax the muscles around the neck of your bladder, making it easier to urinate. Alpha-reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate. Medications can be helpful in relieving symptoms, but you must continue taking them long-term to maintain the benefits.

Prostate Surgery Options

Traditional and minimally invasive surgical options are available. Surgery will reduce the size of the prostate gland and open the urethra by treating the enlarged prostate tissue that blocks the flow of urine. The type of surgery you have is based on a number of factors, including the size of your prostate and the severity of your symptoms.

Prostate Lift

A prostatic urethral lift (PUL), also known as a UroLift® procedure, is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate. This procedure involves the use of small implants that lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way. This relieves pressure and allows urine to flow. Patients report that symptoms improve as early as two weeks after the procedure.

A PUL procedure does not involve heating, cutting, or removing prostate tissue. Clinical data shows that prostate lift treatment is safe and effective without effecting sexual function.

Benefits of a prostate lift include:

  • Rapid symptom relief
  • No loss to sexual function
  • Faster recovery

HoLEP

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, or HoLEP, uses a laser to remove tissue that’s blocking urine flow through the prostate. This procedure is most often done on men with large prostates. The laser procedure is done endoscopically, with no incision.

Transurethral resection

Transurethral resection of the prostate is when tissue in the central portion of the prostate is removed to stop the blockage of urine flow.

Symptom Relief and Better Quality of Life

More than 500 million men in the world have an enlarged prostate. You don’t have to suffer along with them! Talk to an Aurora BayCare urologist to determine if you are a candidate for treatment. With the right medical care, you can get fast and lasting relief from the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.

If you're experiencing enlarged prostate symptoms, or want to learn about treatment options, call Aurora BayCare Urological Surgeons at 888-437-9613.