Evaluation and Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men as they get older. It simply means the prostate has grown larger and is pressing on the channel that carries urine out of the bladder.
This can lead to bothersome urinary symptoms — but effective treatments are available.
At Twin River Urology, we help men understand their symptoms and choose the treatment approach that fits their needs and goals.
Common Symptoms of BPH
Men with an enlarged prostate may experience:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination
- A weak urine stream
- Dribbling after urinating
- Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
These symptoms can develop gradually and typically worsen over time.
If you are experiencing these issues, a urologic evaluation can help determine whether BPH is the cause and what options may help.
How We Evaluate BPH
During your visit we will:
- Review your symptoms and medical history
- Perform a physical exam
- Obtain and test a urine sample and when appropriate, order blood tests or additional studies
Urinary symptoms can have multiple causes, so our first step is understanding your diagnosis and taking into account how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends largely on your diagnosis, whether it causes medical complications and how bothersome your symptoms are to you.
Options may include:
Lifestyle adjustments
Simple changes such as adjusting fluid intake, limiting caffeine, and improving bladder and bowel habits can help some patients.
Medications
Several medications can relax the prostate or help reduce its size, improving urine flow and reducing symptoms.
Procedures
If medications are not effective or symptoms are more severe, minimally invasive procedures or surgery can relieve obstruction and improve urinary flow. We have experience with a range of procedures, including PVP (laser vaporization of the prostate), Rezum (steam injection of the prostate) and TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate). We anticipate being able to offer Aquablation in the near future.
We take time to discuss the risks and benefits of each option so you can make an informed decision.
When to Schedule an Evaluation
You should seek evaluation if you experience:
Difficulty urinating or other bothersome urinary symptoms
Urgent evaluation is needed if you cannot urinate at all, as this may require prompt treatment.
Call 802-296-7370 to schedule an appointment.
Early evaluation can often lead to simple, effective treatment.