Over the past few years, the national media has often focused on men’s health. While this serves men well in general, it has at times only increased their confusion on how to optimize their health. Conflicting information abounds on prostate cancer screening and treatment, the risks of testosterone supplementation, and the appropriate treatment for BPH.
We are particularly interested in helping men make informed choices on their health. Below is some useful information about prostate health and a new procedure that is available for prostate symptoms.
Prostate Enlargement
BPH stands for “benign prostatic hypertrophy,” which is the medical term for “enlarged prostate.” The prostate gland surrounds the male urethra near the bladder. As a man ages, his prostate typically grows. Depending on the rate of growth, the enlarged prostate can significantly impact a man’s urinary flow due to obstruction. This causes a “hesitating” stream, dribbling, incomplete bladder emptying, frequent and urgent urination and sleep interruptions. It is important to identify prostate obstruction early, to prevent the potential long-term damage to the bladder or kidneys.
Benign prostate enlargement can coexist with prostate cancer. Frequently, men ignore urinary symptoms or attribute them to normal aging, when, in fact, prostate cancer is present. The symptoms are impossible to distinguish. A man should see a doctor for an evaluation if there is a change in the urinary stream. It is particularly recommended if he has male family members with prostate cancer.
Medications are available that can either “relax” the prostate or shrink it in size. There are also very minor procedures now available. Urolift is a new treatment we are excited to offer. It is a same-day procedure which only takes around a half hour, requires no hospital stay, works immediately and there are no significant work restrictions afterward.
Urolift: A new treatment for the urinary symptoms associated with enlargement of the prostate
This diagram illustrates the compression achieved with the Urolift procedure. There is no cutting, heating or removal of the prostate. Results are immediate and men can resume normal activity the next day.
This is one option that is available to men with BPH. Call us to schedule a time to visit and discuss options for treatment. If you would like more information about treatment options or other information regarding our practice, visit flagstaffsurgical.com. FBN
Dr. William Badger, M.D., and Dr. Jon Rumohr M.D., are with Flagstaff Surgical Associates-Urology. They can be reached at 928-773-2438.