Enlarged Prostate Specialist

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate. It’s a normal condition of male aging, but some men develop serious urinary complications.

At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our top-rated urologists have extensive expertise in treating BPH and relieving your symptoms. Call or make an appointment online to book a consultation at one of our many locations in Georgia!

What Is BPH?

Your prostate grows throughout your adult life, eventually leading to BPH, sometimes called an enlarged prostate. Your prostate is a gland located beneath your bladder that surrounds your urethra.

As your prostate becomes larger, it can compress and block your urethra, making it difficult or even painful to urinate. BPH symptoms are uncomfortable and, when left untreated, can cause urinary tract complications.

What Are the Symptoms of BPH?

Some of the common symptoms of BPH include:

• Weak urine streams
• A constant need to urinate
• Feeling like the bladder isn’t empty after urinating
• Trouble getting started when urinating
• Trouble stopping or dribbling

You might also find blood in your urine or develop frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Occasionally, BPH can block the urine stream entirely, making it impossible to urinate. This, in turn, can lead to bladder infections, bladder stones, pain during ejaculation, and even kidney damage. 

BPH and prostate cancer cause similar symptoms, so it’s critical to talk to your urologist if you have any of these symptoms.

How Is BPH Diagnosed?

In most cases, your primary care provider identifies BPH during your annual physical exam, which includes a urine sample and a digital prostate check.

If your prostate is enlarged, your physician asks about your symptoms and may order additional testing, including:

• Prostatic biopsy
• Urodynamic test
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
• Cystoscopy: an examination of your urethra and bladder with a tiny lighted scope
• X-ray exam or CT scan performed after a dye is injected into your body

BPH and prostate cancer share similar symptoms. It’s important to rule out one or the other to avoid a misdiagnosis.

What Treatments Are Available for BPH?

If BPH is a constant source of trouble or inhibits your daily lifestyle choices, your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan that could include different types of medication.

Medication

Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are two of the most frequently prescribed BPH medications. 

Alpha-blockers relax your bladder, neck muscles, and the muscle fibers in your prostate, which can make it easier to urinate. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors affect your hormones, which leads to prostate shrinkage. 

If medication isn’t enough to relieve your symptoms, your doctor might recommend a surgical intervention such as UroLift®, TURP surgery, or TUVP.

Visit Our Specialists Today

If you have questions about BPH or a wondering what causes an enlarged prostate, please contact Urology of Greater Atlanta today. Our team of expert urologists in Georgia can help. Call us today to schedule a consultation!