Enlarged Prostate

What Is BPH?

BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is also referred to as an enlarged prostate. The prostate gland is located in the lower portion of a man's abdomen and is positioned around the urethra. Most men will encounter BPH as they grow older, some with more severe side effects than others. As the prostate continues to become more enlarged, pressure is placed on the urethra. As the pressure increases, it can become more difficult for the man to urinate. The flow may decrease, or it may stop and start intermittently depending on the severity of the condition. If you have prostate issues, schedule an appointment with Dr. Alfred Shtainer to discover your treatment options.

Who is at greatest risk for developing BPH?

The majority of men continue to experience prostate growth throughout life, however, certain factors may affect the age at which symptoms occur and their severity. These include:

• Age. The likelihood of symptoms increases with age. While one-third of men over age 60% suffer moderate to severe prostate issues, that percentage jumps to half of all men over age 80.

• Family history. Men with a close blood relative who’s had or has prostate problems are more likely to suffer symptoms themselves.

• Ethnicity. Prostate enlargement occurs less frequently in Asian men, versus men who are white and black.

• Diabetes and heart disease. Research suggests that men with diabetes, or heart disease, along with those who use beta blockers may be at a greater risk for developing BPH.

• Lifestyle. Being obese increases a man’s risk of developing BPH, while exercise may decrease the risk.

What are the treatments for BPH?

There are several options to treat the symptoms of BPH. Behavioral modifications like water and coffee consumption should be examined. Herbal supplements may be very effective for mild symptoms. Several medications are also available which can decrease prostate size.

Minimally invasive procedure Rezum is available in our practice. Rezum is painless and performed in-office. It takes as little as 5 minutes and no cutting is involved.