by Katie Bennett, PA-C
Urology at Boulder Medical Center
Have trouble urinating? An enlarged prostate could be the culprit.
Enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is one of the most common conditions in our urology practice at Boulder Medical Center. BPH affects nearly 40 million American men. The prevalence increases with age — more than 40 percent of men in their 50s and more than 70 percent of men in their 60s have BPH.
Recognizing the Signs: BPH Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Urinary frequency
- Waking up throughout the night to urinate
- Trouble starting urination
- A weak stream of urine
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Feeling you cannot fully empty your bladder
In severe cases, the prostate can grow so large that it blocks off your urine flow, and you cannot urinate.
Treatment Dilemma: Past Options for BPH
For many years, the only options for treatment were watchful waiting, use of medications, or invasive surgery.
In current surveys, two out of three men express frustration with their BPH medications. In fact, 26 percent of men discontinue their BPH medications each year. Furthermore, many are hesitant to proceed with surgery due to the potential risks and invasiveness involved.
UroLift®: A Minimally Invasive Breakthrough
Thankfully, the UroLift® procedure has been FDA-approved for treating BPH for the past ten years. This minimally invasive procedure can be performed in the clinic without needing anesthesia.
The UroLift® system boasts a zero percent rate of erectile dysfunction following the procedure, compared to a 5 percent incidence with alpha-blocker medications and a 10 percent incidence following surgery.
Studies have shown the UroLift® system provides rapid relief within two weeks of the procedure and lasting relief through five years. The UroLift® procedure does not prevent you from having future interventions performed for symptom recurrence (such as a repeat UroLift® versus surgery). At five years, the retreatment rate is low at 13.6 percent.
The Consequences of Inaction: BPH Risks
It is important to note that watchful waiting (doing nothing) for an enlarged prostate can result in irreversible bladder damage if left untreated. Symptoms also typically worsen with time, with 87 percent of men who do nothing experiencing worsening symptoms over four years.
Taking the First Step: Your Urology Consultation
The first step in achieving better urinary tract health is visiting your urologist. Not all healthcare providers offer the UroLift® procedure, so verifying that your chosen provider provides this service is essential.
References
About Urology at Boulder Medical Center
Stephen Siegel, MD, and Katie Bennett, PA-C
The Boulder Medical Center urology team diagnoses and treats various conditions associated with the male and female urinary tract. Dr. Stephen Siegel’s practice is a designated UroLift® Center of Excellence, offering the full spectrum of adult care.
- Learn about the Urology Team
- Call 303-440-3093 for an appointment
- Stephen Siegel, MD: Designated UroLift® Center of Excellence