Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects many men as they age. Also known as an enlarged prostate, BPH affects about half of men over age 50 and up to 90% of those over 80.
The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system located below the bladder. When it becomes enlarged, it can block the flow of urine by pressing on the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
If left untreated, BPH can lead to urinary tract infection (UTI), acute urinary retention (being unable to urinate), bladder stones, blood in the urine, and kidney damage. If you are unable to pass urine, please seek immediate medical attention.
Common symptoms
When the prostate is enlarged, it can cause bothersome urinary symptoms. These include:
- Feeling like the bladder is full, even after passing urine
- The need to stop and start several times when passing urine
- Weak urine flow
- Frequent urination or urges to pass urine
- Difficulty passing urine or feeling the need to push or strain
- Waking up more than two times per night to pass urine
BPH can be diagnosed in several ways including a physical exam, urine flow tests, imaging scans, and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
Treatments
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is considered the gold standard for treating BPH. It is a type of minimally invasive procedure, meaning that it is done with very small cuts, tiny holes, or natural body openings instead of one large incision (cut).
With HoLEP, a thin, flexible tube called a scope – which has a tiny camera and special tools at the end – is inserted into the urethra to reach the prostate. It is done while the patient is asleep. A small laser is then passed through the scope and used to remove the excess prostate tissue, which is broken up and suctioned out.
HoLEP does not usually affect erections or the ability to have intercourse, and the risk of prostate tissue growing back after the procedure is very low. In addition to HoLEP, UAB Medicine offers other minimally invasive treatment options that are tailored to each patient’s needs, including:
- Aquablation – uses a water jet to remove excess prostate tissue
- UroLift – uses small implants to lift and hold enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra
- Prostate artery embolization (PAE) – uses microscopic beads to slow blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink
- Rezūm – uses water vapor to shrink excess prostate tissue
- Optilume balloon therapy – widens the urethra and delivers medication to stop regrowth of prostate tissue
- Robotic simple prostatectomy – uses robotic technology to remove excess prostate tissue
Why choose UAB Medicine?
At UAB Medicine, we use the most advanced techniques to evaluate and treat BPH. We manage one of the highest volumes of enlarged prostate cases in the nation.
Our HoLEP surgeons have over 30 years of combined experience with the procedure and are recognized internationally as experts. Our urology program is ranked among the top 50 of its kind nationally by U.S. News & World Report, and we often receive patient referrals from hospitals across Alabama and the Southeast.
As a major center for research, UAB Medicine may offer access to cutting-edge techniques and treatments not widely available at other hospitals.
UAB Medicine Urology has convenient locations at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital and UAB St. Vincent’s East, and appointments are available within 30 days. Our expert providers and staff are committed to prostate health and helping patients regain any lost confidence. To make an appointment, please call 205-934-9999.