Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia | BPH

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is also known as prostate enlargement. It is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition that affects around 50% of men over the age of 50.

What are the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia often develop urinary symptoms which may be troublesome and prompt them to go to their doctor for evaluation. These symptoms can impact on their quality of life.

Some of the common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include:

Increased frequency to urinate
Increased urgency to urinate
Straining to begin urination
Stop/start urine flow or weak stream
An inability to completely empty the bladder
Dribbling at the end of urination.

What treatment options are available for benign prostatic hyperplasia?

There are a number of effective treatment options available for benign prostatic hyperplasia. These include both medical therapies and surgical treatments.

At Melbourne Urology Centre, our urologists are experts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. We offer patients the full range of treatments for BPH.

Your urologist will be able to advise you on the suitability of each treatment option for your individual condition.

Medical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia:

As the name suggests, medical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia involve the use of various medications to manage the condition. Some of the medications used, work by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and prostate, whilst others reduce the growth of or shrink the size of the prostate gland.

Alpha blockers (Prazosin, Tamulosin, Silodosin)
These types of medications relax the muscles of the bladder and prostate, making it easier to urinate. They may provide some symptomatic relief, but they do not treat the underlying cause (the enlarged prostate), nor do they change the natural progression of the condition. Side effects can include dizziness/low blood pressure, fatigue, and retrograde ejaculation (sexual dysfunction).
5A-reductase inhibitors (Dutasteride, Finasteride)
These medications alter the production of the particular sex hormones that cause the prostate to grow over time. In the instance of some 5A-reductase inhibitors, they are able to shrink the prostate by around 25% over the course of 6-9 months. These medications have the potential to improve symptoms and may reduce the need for surgical intervention. Up to 10% of men who take these medications may experience decreased libido (sex drive) and erectile dysfunction, which may be permanent. Patients would need to be on these medications long term. The maximal effect may not be apparent until 6-9 months from commencing them..
Combination therapy (Duodart)
Combination therapy involves the use of a medication that is a combination of tamulosin and dutasteride. Duodart is more effective in treating prostate enlargement than either of the other two types of medications alone. Patients can expect to see the maximal effect of this medication at around 6-9 months. It is important to note that the side effect profile of both other types of medications also applies for this combination therapy.

Minimally invasive treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia:

Minimally invasive treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia are those surgical procedures that are performed under anaesthetic, but do not involve any incisions.

Rezum TherapyRezum therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia is a treatment that uses steam (water vapour) to deliver very targeted energy to the enlarged prostate tissue. The steam causes thermal damage to the affected BPH tissue, causing the body to absorb it, thereby creating a more open channel for the urine to flow through. This relieves many of the problematic symptoms associated with BPH, and does not usually require revision treatments.
Urolift System
Urolift may be an option for men who do not wish to undergo medical treatment or more invasive surgical treatment for their benign prostatic hyperplasia. During this procedure, the obstructing prostate tissue is lifted out of the way using specialised clips. This attempts to create a more open channel for urine to flow through, relieving some of the symptoms associated with BPH.

Surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia

There are a number of surgical treatment options that can definitively resolve benign prostatic hyperplasia. Your urologist will be able to discuss these options with you and advise you on whether you are a suitable candidate for these procedures.

Surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia include:

In conclusion…

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a very common condition that can bring about a number of troubling symptoms in men. Fortunately, there are a variety of medical and surgical treatments that can help to manage or definitely treat BPH.

Please contact our rooms today to arrange an appointment with a specialist urologist, should you wish to discuss treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)