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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatments

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, can significantly impact your quality of life. The experienced teams at Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists in Beaufort and Okatie offer many BPH treatments that do not require major surgery. In many cases, these procedures have fewer side effects, allowing you to find relief from symptoms of BPH without experiencing long-term impacts.

Your team will work with you to choose the right treatment based on the severity of your symptoms. They will explain what you can expect from each treatment and its benefits and possible side effects, so you feel confident in your treatment decisions.

Let our urology experts help you find the right solution for BPH. Call 843-524-7607 to request an appointment with Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists in Beaufort or Okatie.

UroLift™

Prostatic urethral lift, also called the UroLift procedure, involves placing tiny implants in the prostate. The implants, which are permanent, lift the prostate and prevent it from blocking the urethra. Your urologist can perform UroLift as an outpatient surgery under local or general anesthesia.

The risk of sexual dysfunction is low compared to other surgical options.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)

The HoLEP procedure uses laser energy to remove prostate tissue. During the procedure, your urologist inserts a thin instrument called a resectoscope into your urethra. The resectoscope has a camera that allows your urologist to view your prostate and guide a laser to the excess tissue. The lasers cut the excess prostate tissue blocking your urethra, and another tool is sent in after the laser removes the tissue.

Like other laser treatments for BPH, HoLEP requires no incision and results in faster recovery than other procedures. You can typically go home the same day.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

TURP is a common procedure for BPH. It also involves a resectoscope inserted through the urethra. Once the resectoscope reaches the prostate, your urologist sends an electric current or laser through the tool to remove tissue. Only tissue from the middle of the prostate is removed because that’s what blocks the urethra.

The TURP procedure generally requires a hospital stay of one to two days and is typically used for men who have moderate to severe symptoms.

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

For extremely enlarged prostates that have not responded to other treatments, urologists might recommend surgery. Surgery can help if you are unable to pass urine or have kidney damage, frequent UTIs or bleeding.

A common surgery for BPH is prostatectomy, or removal of the entire prostate gland. The urologists at Beaufort Memorial use robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy whenever possible to reduce side effects and speed your recovery.

Rezum™ Therapy

Rezum therapy is currently one of the most effective minimally invasive therapies for BPH treatment.

The technique consists of introducing water vapor, at high pressure and temperature, through a very thin needle inside the prostate adenoma with the aim of eliminating excess prostate tissue, reducing the volume of the prostate over time and restoring normal urinary function.

Because of the technique’s low invasiveness, it is possible to preserve sexual and ejaculatory function in most patients, and the morphological structure of the urinary tract is not affected.

Nonsurgical Treatments for BPH

If your symptoms do not bother you very much, you may not need a BPH procedure. Your urologist might recommend annual visits to monitor the size of your prostate to ensure it isn’t growing, plus any lifestyle changes or medications.

Lifestyle Changes

Many men find that changing their diet, losing weight and exercising more can improve mild BPH symptoms. You can limit consumption of alcohol, caffeine, soda and artificial sweeteners and drink less fluid in the evening.

You may also benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy. This specialized physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles that support your bladder and other pelvic organs. Pelvic floor physical therapy can address urinary incontinence and other urinary symptoms associated with BPH.

Prescription Medication

Medications for BPH can serve two functions: treating BPH symptoms and shrinking the size of the prostate.

Medications that address BPH symptoms include:

  • Alpha-blockers, which relax the prostate and bladder muscles and can improve urine flow
  • Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, a class of medications used to treat erectile dysfunction that may also help with some urinary symptoms

Medications that shrink the prostate include 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors, which block the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT may promote prostate cell growth.

Your urologist might prescribe a combination of medications for the best results. They will discuss potential side effects and how long you may need to take them. Some medications can take a few months to be fully effective.

Personalized Care for BPH

Our urology specialists understand the impact BPH can have on your quality of life. You can trust that your team will help you choose the most appropriate surgical or nonsurgical treatment and discuss the risks and benefits of each so you feel confident in your care. Our goal is to minimize your symptoms and help you regain the confidence to enjoy life.