TREATMENT FOR ENLARGED PROSTATE (BPH) BY DR. GARY BELLMAN, MD
Board-Certified Urologist, Dr. Gary Bellman offers the latest advancements in Enlarged Prostate treatment, including:
- UroLift Procedure (Hear from Actual Patients)
- REZŪM Therapy Procedure (Hear from Actual Patients)
- iTind Procedure
- GreenLight Laser Therapy
The Southern California Urology Institute has been named a REZŪM Therapy Center for Excellence and a UroLift Center for Excellence.
UroLift: The 5 Most Common Questions Men Ask
UROLIFT PROCEDURE FOR ENLARGED PROSTATE
REZUM SYSTEM FOR ENLARGED PROSTATE
ENLARGED PROSTATE (BPH) TREATMENT OPTIONS
By the age of 50, approximately half of men will have an enlarged prostate. By the age of 80, Enlarged Prostate, or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) will affect up to 90% of men. Fortunately, numerous treatments ranging from medication to minimally invasive procedures are now available to provide relief to men suffering from BPH.
WHAT IS THE PROSTATE?
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system that serves to make a fluid that goes into semen. Therefore, the prostate is essential to fertility. The prostate goes through two primary periods of growth over the course of a man’s life. During puberty, the prostate gland doubles in size.
In healthy young men, the prostate is quite small, about the size of a walnut, which allows plenty of room for the urethra to be its normal size. Around the age of 40, the prostate again goes through a growth period, which will last for the rest of a man’s life.
WHAT IS AN ENLARGED PROSTATE?
An enlarged prostate is diagnosed when the previously normal-sized prostate gland becomes enlarged but is not cancerous. As the prostate gland grows it presses and pinches on the urethra, and the walls of the bladder become thicker. This narrowing of the urethra and thickening of bladder walls makes it more difficult to completely empty the bladder and for urine to pass through the urethra.
WHAT CAUSES THE PROSTATE TO BECOME ENLARGED?
The prostate gland goes through two major growth periods, both of which are natural. However, although the prostate will enlarge in all men over time, only some will experience bothersome symptoms of BPH. The reason that the prostate gland grows large enough to obstruct the flow of urine in some men, but not others, is not entirely understood.
Doctors, scientists, and researchers continue to study this common condition to determine why some men, even with an extremely enlarged prostate report minor symptoms of the condition, while others who have less enlargement suffer severely from the symptoms of BPH.
SYMPTOMS OF ENLARGED PROSTATE (BPH):
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate may range from annoying to severe, resulting in a reduced quality of life. If left untreated, BPH can lead to other complications. Men with an enlarged prostate may notice some or all of the following symptoms
- Blood in urine
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Difficulty in stopping or starting your urine stream
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Frequent urination
- Inability to fully empty the bladder
- Incontinence
- Increased urgency to urinate
- Pain after urinating or ejaculating
- Weak urine flow
COMPLICATIONS OF ENLARGED PROSTATE
The majority of men who are diagnosed with an enlarged prostate will not suffer from additional complications. However, serious health threats may occur if medical treatment isn’t sought to alleviate the pressure on the bladder and the urethra. Complications of an enlarged prostate may include:
- Bladder damage
- Bladder stones
- Chronic urinary retention
- Kidney damage
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR ENLARGED PROSTATE
If you’re beginning to notice symptoms of BPH, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your doctor. For some men, lifestyle changes may help to mitigate mild symptoms of an enlarged prostate. However, if you’re losing sleep due to frequent nighttime urination, or the symptoms of BPH are disrupting your life because you’re constantly running to the bathroom, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
With so many incredible advances made in the treatment of BPH, there is simply no reason to suffer from the symptoms.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UROLOGY INSTITUTE
The Southern California Urology Institute is based in West Hills, California. Founded by Board-Certified Urologist Dr. Gary Bellman, the SoCal Urology Institute has successfully treated thousands of men suffering from the disruptive symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
To schedule an appointment for Enlarged Prostate Treatment with top Los Angeles Urologist Dr. Gary Bellman, contact the office or call: 818-912-1899.