BPH Treatment in Arkansas
What is BPH or Enlarged Prostate?
Why does BPH Need to be Addressed?
BPH involves the enlargement of the prostate gland, a small organ located just below the bladder. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that produces fluid for semen. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
When the prostate enlarges, it can compress the urethra, leading to various urinary symptoms. While BPH is not cancerous, it can lead to bothersome symptoms.
Symptoms of BPH
As the prostate enlarges and puts pressure on the urethra, the added pressure typically results in problems of the urinary system such as:
- A frequent and powerful urge to urinate
- Straining during urination
- Accidental release of urine (urinary incontinence)
- A weak stream of urine
- Trouble starting to urinate
- Stopping and starting the flow of urine several times when urinating
- A constant feeling of fullness in the bladder
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Recurring urinary tract infections
In extreme circumstances, the urethra can become totally blocked, which will cause severe complications if not treated as soon as possible.
We Can Help
Many men will think of this as “a normal part of aging,” and continue to deal with their symptoms and adjust their life accordingly. This often means taking more bathroom breaks, especially throughout the night.
Not only does this ruin your chances of getting a good night’s rest, but it can also have negative effects on your overall health since BPH can quickly lead to a bladder infection or kidney damage. BPH can also impair your overall quality of life, as you will likely miss many moments while running back and forth to the bathroom.
The best way to take full advantage of your life is to discuss your symptoms with your doctor to determine which course of treatment will be best for you.
To diagnose BPH you can expect:
- A discussion about your medical and health history.
- A digital rectal exam (DRE) to examine the size and condition of the prostate.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to measure PSA levels that can be elevated in BPH or point to other conditions.
- UroCuff – a specialized test to measure you urine flow and bladder pressure.
Treatment for BPH
The treatment approach for BPH depends on the severity of symptoms, the size and shape of your prostate, and your overall goals. We have a variety of options including medications, minimally-invasive procedures, or surgery.