What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
BPH, also known as prostatic enlargement, is a common condition that typically occurs as men get older. The prostate gland is unique to the male anatomy. It’s about the size and shape of a walnut and lies directly under the urinary bladder.
Its main role is to create prostate fluid, one of the components of semen, and to cause muscular contractions that help move seminal fluid into the urethra during ejaculation. As men age, the gland can enlarge and eventually cause problems with urinary flow. This is a benign and fairly common condition that isn’t believed to increase your risk of prostate cancer.
What are BPH symptoms?
The tube (urethra) that passes urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis runs through the center of your prostate gland. As the gland enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra and cause problems with urinary flow.
With BPH, you may experience:
- Difficulty starting your urine stream
- A weak urine stream that stops and starts
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Nocturia, increased frequency of urination at night
- Unexpected dribbling at the end of urination
- The inability to completely empty your bladder
These symptoms can worsen over time and significantly interfere with routine activities. Even getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult with BPH.
How does UroLift® help with BPH?
Unlike more invasive procedures that require removal of prostate tissue to ease compression of the urethra, UroLift uses innovative technology to lift and hold the enlarged prostate away from the urethra.
It’s an in-office procedure that requires only local anesthesia. If you’re overly anxious, however, your Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina specialist can provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax.
First, the UroLift delivery device is used to access the prostate. Small UroLift implants are then permanently placed, almost like curtain tiebacks, to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. This increases the urethral opening and improves urinary flow.
Individual results can vary but there’s no significant downtime required for recovery after the procedure and symptom relief is typically fast.
Schedule an evaluation today regarding UroLift as a possible solution for your BPH symptoms. Call the office or use the online scheduling tool to book your visit.
