BPH in Flagstaff

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly called BPH, is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The condition becomes increasingly common as men get older and can interfere with normal urine flow.

The prostate is a small gland located beneath the bladder. It surrounds part of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. As the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra and make it more difficult for the bladder to empty.

BPH is not prostate cancer and does not automatically increase a man’s risk of developing cancer. However, both conditions can cause similar urinary symptoms, so a proper urologic evaluation is important.

What Are the Symptoms of BPH?

Symptoms of BPH can range from mild inconvenience to significant urinary obstruction. They often develop gradually and may worsen over time.

Common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• An urgent need to urinate
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Difficulty starting the urine stream
• A weak or slow urine stream
• Stopping and starting during urination
• Dribbling after urination
• A feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely
• Straining to urinate
• Urinary leakage

Men experiencing these symptoms may also benefit from a broader evaluation for related urinary issues in Flagstaff.

What Causes the Prostate to Enlarge?

The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, but it is closely associated with aging and changes in hormone levels. The prostate commonly continues growing throughout adulthood, although not every man develops bothersome symptoms.

Factors that may increase the likelihood of BPH include:

• Being over age 40
• A family history of prostate enlargement
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Heart and circulatory disease
• Limited physical activity

The size of the prostate does not always match the severity of symptoms. A slightly enlarged prostate can cause significant obstruction in some men, while a larger prostate may cause few problems in others.

Can BPH Cause Complications?

Untreated BPH can sometimes lead to complications, particularly when the bladder cannot empty properly.

Potential complications include:

• Acute urinary retention
• Recurring urinary tract infections
• Bladder stones
• Bladder damage
• Blood in the urine
• Kidney damage caused by prolonged obstruction

Sudden inability to urinate is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.

How Is BPH Diagnosed?

Evaluation begins with a discussion of urinary symptoms, medical history, medications, and how much the condition affects daily activities and sleep.

The provider may perform a digital rectal examination to assess the size and shape of the prostate. Additional testing may be used to rule out infection, prostate cancer, bladder dysfunction, or another cause of urinary symptoms.

Diagnostic testing may include:

• Urinalysis
• Urine culture
• Blood testing
• Prostate-specific antigen testing
• Urinary flow testing
• Post-void residual measurement
• A 24-hour voiding diary
• Transrectal ultrasound
• Urodynamic testing
• Cystoscopy
• Prostate imaging or biopsy when appropriate

Because BPH and prostate cancer can cause similar symptoms, the provider may recommend additional testing when examination or PSA findings require further evaluation.

How Is BPH Treated?

Treatment depends on symptom severity, prostate size, bladder function, overall health, and patient preferences. Men with mild symptoms may only need monitoring and lifestyle changes, while more significant obstruction may require medication or a procedure.

Treatment options may include:

• Active monitoring
• Lifestyle and dietary changes
• Prescription medication
• Minimally invasive office procedures
• Endoscopic prostate procedures
• Robotic or traditional surgery

The goal is to improve urine flow, reduce urinary urgency and frequency, protect bladder and kidney function, and improve quality of life.

Lifestyle Changes for Mild BPH Symptoms

Some men with mild symptoms can reduce urinary problems by changing daily habits.

Helpful strategies may include:

• Limiting fluids before bedtime
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol
• Urinating when the urge first develops
• Trying to urinate again shortly after finishing
• Avoiding medications that worsen urinary retention when possible
• Maintaining regular physical activity
• Managing diabetes and cardiovascular conditions

Patients should discuss over-the-counter cold and allergy medications with a provider because some decongestants and antihistamines can make urination more difficult.

Medication for BPH

Medication may be recommended when lifestyle changes do not provide enough relief.

Common BPH medications include:

• Alpha blockers that relax prostate and bladder-neck muscles
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that gradually shrink prostate tissue
• Combination medication therapy
• Tadalafil for urinary symptoms and erectile dysfunction

Medication can be effective, but some patients experience side effects or find that symptoms return or worsen over time. When medication no longer provides adequate relief, a minimally invasive treatment or surgery may be considered.

Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy

Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses controlled steam energy to reduce excess prostate tissue.

During the procedure, sterile water vapor is delivered through the urethra into targeted areas of the enlarged prostate. The body gradually absorbs the treated tissue, creating more room for urine to flow.

Potential benefits may include:

• No external incisions
• Outpatient treatment
• Short procedure time
• Reduced reliance on BPH medication
• Preservation of sexual function for many patients

Symptom improvement develops gradually as swelling decreases and treated tissue is absorbed.

UroLift Treatment for BPH

The UroLift system uses small permanent implants to move enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. This opens the urinary channel without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue.

UroLift may be appropriate for qualifying men who want symptom relief while minimizing the risk of sexual side effects. Prostate size, shape, and anatomy help determine whether the procedure is suitable.

Surgical Treatment for an Enlarged Prostate

Surgery may be recommended when symptoms are severe, urinary retention develops, bladder or kidney damage is present, or less invasive treatments have not worked.

Surgical options may include:

• Transurethral resection of the prostate
• Laser prostate procedures
• Simple prostatectomy
• Robotic-assisted prostate surgery

The appropriate procedure depends on prostate size, anatomy, overall health, and the severity of obstruction. Your urologist will explain the expected benefits, recovery process, and possible risks before treatment.

When Should I See a Urologist for BPH?

Schedule an evaluation when urinary symptoms interfere with sleep, work, travel, exercise, or daily activities. Men should also seek care for recurrent infections, visible blood in the urine, bladder pain, or worsening difficulty urinating.

Seek immediate medical attention if you become completely unable to urinate.

Contact Flagstaff Surgical Associates at (928) 773-2222 to schedule a BPH consultation in Flagstaff, AZ .

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