Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition that affects many men as they get older. An estimated 50% of men have evidence of BPE by age 50, and 75% by the age of 80.
In about half of these men, BPE can cause noticeable problems such as higher than usual urinary frequency, a weak stream, and a frequent urgent feeling to urinate. BPE can be successfully treated with different methods including medicines, office procedures that are minimally invasive, and surgery. In many cases, patients choose a procedure called “microwave thermotherapy or radio frequency ablation”.
We perform these procedures in our office using local anesthesia. These “minimally invasive” procedures often are more effective than medicines and less risky than surgery performed in a hospital.
Diagnosing Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE)
We have every method available for making a painless diagnosis of BPH at our disposal. A history and physical alone as well as simple non-invasive urine tests can help us confirm an enlarged prostate. We may also measure urine flow and bladder pressure using urodynamic studies to determine the degree of obstruction. Using cystoscopy, an examination of the prostate using a small flexible telescope, we can evaluate the size of the prostate, examine the bladder, and help plan potential treatment options in patients where medication alone does not alleviate symptoms. These advanced tests are performed on an outpatient basis, with little or no discomfort.
