Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Care Options
BPH & Enlarged Prostate Care in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation and treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia, enlarged prostate, urinary frequency, weak urine stream, urgency, incomplete emptying, and other prostate-related urinary symptoms.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is an enlarged prostate that commonly causes urinary problems in men age 50 and older. It is a common condition that occurs as men age, causing the gland to press against the urethra and cause problems with urination. BPH may also be due to an excess of certain hormones in the body.
BPH care options near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides enlarged prostate and BPH evaluation for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
More than 50 percent of men age 50 and older are affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia. While the exact cause is unknown, as the prostate expands, more and more urinary symptoms develop. Men with this condition may experience:
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating
- Slowed urine stream
- Frequent urination
- Sudden urge to urinate
As symptoms progress, patients may also develop bladder stones, blood in the urine or a bladder infection. This condition will continue to worsen if left untreated.
BPH may cause difficulty starting urination, a slowed urine stream, or trouble emptying completely.
Frequent urination and sudden urges to urinate can develop as the prostate expands.
Progressive symptoms may be associated with bladder stones, blood in the urine, or bladder infection.
Diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
BPH is diagnosed through a physical examination by a doctor, which may also include the following tests:
- Digital rectal exam
- Urinalysis
- Prostate specific antigen test or PSA
- Cystoscopy
A series of urodynamic tests may also be performed to investigate any urinary problems that may be caused by BPH.
A physical exam may help assess the prostate and guide additional testing.
Urine testing and prostate specific antigen testing may be part of the evaluation.
Additional tests may help investigate urinary problems and bladder function.
Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Patients with mild symptoms may only need to monitor their condition for signs that it is worsening, while more severe cases may require medication to inhibit hormone production or relax the muscle in the prostate. Two common types of medication for enlarged prostate are:
- Alpha blockers
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
Mild symptoms may only require monitoring for signs that the condition is worsening.
Medication may be used to relax the muscle in the prostate and improve urinary symptoms.
Medication may be used to inhibit hormone production involved in prostate enlargement.
Treatment selection depends on symptom severity, prostate size, urine flow, bladder emptying, PSA results, medical history, medication tolerance, and personal goals.
Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. There are several surgical procedures available for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, including:
- Transurethral resection of the prostate
- Transurethral needle ablation
- Transurethral microwave thermotherapy
- Transurethral vaporization of the prostate
- Urethral stent
- Open surgery
Surgery for BPH usually provides effective results for at least 15 years. Patients should continue to have rectal and prostate exams once a year and should see their doctor at the first sign of recurring symptoms.
There are a wide range of treatment options available for an enlarged prostrate and if treated promptly and effectively, patients can live relatively normal lives.
Surgery may remove or reduce tissue that is blocking urine flow from the bladder.
Annual rectal and prostate exams may be recommended, along with prompt care if symptoms return.
The best treatment is determined after a urology evaluation. Your doctor can discuss benefits, risks, recovery expectations, and alternatives for each option.
Common questions about BPH.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for a medical evaluation. A urologist can help determine the cause of urinary symptoms and recommend appropriate care options.
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is an enlarged prostate that commonly causes urinary problems in men age 50 and older.
What symptoms can BPH cause?
Men with BPH may experience difficulty starting to urinate, inability to completely empty the bladder, slowed urine stream, frequent urination, or a sudden urge to urinate.
Can BPH get worse if untreated?
As symptoms progress, patients may develop bladder stones, blood in the urine, or bladder infection. This condition will continue to worsen if left untreated.
How is BPH diagnosed?
BPH is diagnosed through a physical examination by a doctor and may include digital rectal exam, urinalysis, prostate specific antigen test or PSA, cystoscopy, and urodynamic testing.
What medications are used for enlarged prostate?
Two common types of medication for enlarged prostate are alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
When is surgery considered for BPH?
Surgery may be required when prostate tissue blocks the flow of urine or when symptoms are severe. Options may include transurethral resection, transurethral needle ablation, microwave therapy, vaporization, urethral stent, or open surgery.
Will I need follow-up after BPH treatment?
Patients should continue to have rectal and prostate exams once a year and should see their doctor at the first sign of recurring symptoms.
Where can I get BPH care near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides benign prostatic hyperplasia and enlarged prostate evaluation in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a BPH consultation in La Mesa.
If you are experiencing a weak urine stream, frequent urination, urgency, difficulty starting urination, or incomplete bladder emptying, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate your symptoms and discuss care options.