Understanding BPH and What You Can Do About It

By Hayden Jahn, MD, Urologist, CommonSpirit Medical Group - Urology - Holtzclaw

As men journey through life, a common, often silent, health challenge can emerge: benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.  Understanding BPH and its diverse treatment options – including procedures like waterjet ablation therapy – is the first step toward reclaiming comfort and quality of life.

Let's explore what BPH is, how to spot the signs and the innovative ways CommonSpirit - Memorial Hospital helps men live fuller, healthier lives.

BPH: A Closer Look at an Age-Old Problem

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. This tiny, walnut-sized organ sits just below the bladder and plays a key role in the male reproductive system.  As men enter their 50s and beyond, the prostate can gradually grow, often beginning in the inner layers surrounding the urethra – the tube that carries urine out of the body.

While it's rare to experience BPH before 50, most men will encounter some degree of prostate enlargement by their 80s. This growth isn't just a benign change; it can compress the urethra, leading to a range of uncomfortable urinary symptoms. Without proper management, BPH can progress, potentially leading to more severe complications.

Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Help

It's easy to dismiss persistent bathroom trips or a weakening stream as "just part of getting older." But it's important to differentiate between natural age-related changes and symptoms indicative of BPH. If you're experiencing any of the following, it's time to have a conversation with your health care provider:

• Lingering in the bathroom: Feeling like you can't quite finish urinating.

• Frequent urges: Especially needing to go multiple times during the night (nocturia).

• Weak or interrupted stream: Urine flow that starts, stops, or lacks force.

• Feeling your bladder isn't completely empty: A persistent sensation even after urinating.

These aren't just minor inconveniences. Ignoring them can lead to more serious problems down the line, including urinary tract infections, bladder stones and even kidney damage. Don't hesitate to seek medical advice if you're experiencing any of these symptoms.

Navigating Treatment Options: From Lifestyle to Advanced Procedures

The good news is that BPH is a manageable condition.  At CommonSpirit - Memorial Hospital, we tailor treatment plans to individual needs and symptom severity.

For mild symptoms, lifestyle modifications may offer relief. 

• Managing fluid intake, especially before bedtime.

• Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol.

When lifestyle changes aren't enough, medication is often the next step. These medications can help relax prostate muscles or shrink the gland, improving urine flow.  However, for many men, medications offer temporary relief and symptoms may eventually return or worsen.  At this point, surgical intervention becomes a necessary and effective solution. While the idea of surgery can be daunting, delaying treatment can sometimes reduce its effectiveness and even increase the risk of complications.

Waterjet Ablation Therapy: Precision and Performance for BPH

Waterjet ablation therapy is a minimally invasive, advanced robotic procedure that can deliver significant and lasting relief for men suffering from moderate to severe symptoms of BPH. It uses a heat-free, high-velocity waterjet controlled by a robot to achieve remarkable accuracy  and remove obstructive prostate tissue.

This therapy offers several advantages when compared to traditional surgical methods.

• Precision: The robotic system maps the prostate in real-time, allowing for highly accurate tissue removal while preserving critical structures involved in sexual function and continence.

• Minimally Invasive: It is a less invasive option compared to open surgery, leading to a faster recovery time and less discomfort.

• Reduced Risk of Side Effects: Waterjet ablation therapy has a low rate of irreversible complications, which can be concerns with other BPH procedures.

This advanced technology offers men an effective and innovative solution to BPH, helping them regain control over their urinary health and dramatically improve their quality of life.

Taking the Next Step Toward Better Health

BPH doesn’t have to diminish your quality of life. Understanding the progression of BPH and recognizing the need for timely intervention is key.  Whether you're experiencing mild symptoms or more significant discomfort, a consultation with a health care provider at CommonSpirit — Memorial Hospital can help you understand your options and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Ready to discuss your symptoms and explore your options? Schedule an appointment with one of our urology specialists today.