What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. As the gland grows it squeezes the urethra, causing a weak or interrupted stream, straining, frequent urination, urgency, getting up at night, and the feeling that the bladder never fully empties. About half of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men over 80 have some degree of BPH. It is not cancer and does not raise your cancer risk, but untreated it can lead to bladder damage, infections, stones and urinary retention.

Treatment options

Watchful waiting and lifestyle changes for mild symptoms — timing fluids, limiting caffeine and alcohol, reviewing medications that worsen symptoms.
Medications. Alpha-blockers relax the prostate and bladder neck; 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors shrink the gland over months; some men benefit from a combination.
UroLift®. A minimally invasive office or outpatient procedure that places tiny implants to hold the enlarged lobes apart, opening the urethra without cutting or heating tissue. Rapid recovery and preservation of sexual function make it a good fit for men with mild-to-moderate enlargement.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The long-standing surgical standard: obstructing tissue is removed through the urethra with no external incision.
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). A laser separates the entire enlarged inner prostate from its capsule and removes it through the urethra. HoLEP treats prostates of any size, has very low bleeding and re-treatment rates, and offers durable relief. Most men go home the next day with a brief catheter.

Dr. Uhr will measure your symptoms, check your flow and how well the bladder empties, and review prostate size before recommending the option that fits your anatomy and goals.