The Prostate Institute

The Statistics Are Startling

With age, many men will experience urological problems caused by an enlarged prostate. Though symptoms may be confused with those of prostate cancer, 75 percent of the cases are not malignant. The Prostate Institute encourages men over 40 years of age to have an annual prostate exam to monitor prostate health and detect possible problems, including a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Half of all men over the age of 50 show symptoms of BPH-- or enlarged prostate--and this number increases to nearly 90 percent for men in their 70s and early 80s, according to the American Urological Association. The incidence rate of BPH is nearly five times that of prostate cancer.

BPH Can Cramp Your Style

BPH is not life threatening but its symptoms can be lifestyle limiting. Fortunately, there are exciting new treatment options that can help you reclaim your life from the symptoms of BPH. Some symptoms associated with BPH include:

Frequent or sudden need to urinate
Weak, variable, or dribbling stream
Need to strain or push bladder to urinate
Difficulty beginning urination
Feeling that your bladder never completely empties
Pain or burning during urination

Learn About the Latest Treatment Options

Moderate to severe BPH symptoms usually interfere with sleep and daily activities and, therefore, treatment is recommended. Until recently, the only options were daily drug medication or major surgery. Both treatments can have undesirable results. In addition to taking a pill on a daily basis, drug therapy can lose its effectiveness over time and cause dizziness, nausea, and loss of libido in some men. The most common type of major surgery is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and generally has serious risks to the patients including sexual dysfunction and incontinence.

With the development of minimally invasive therapies, including radio frequency, microwave, and laser treatments, patients now have a selection of treatment choices to better meet their lifestyle and health needs.

Less Risk, More Benefits

One safe and effective minimally invasive procedure allows surgeons to use radio frequency waves to shrink excess prostate tissue. This procedure takes less than an hour and usually requires minimal anesthesia. There are few risks and complications, with virtually no sexual dysfunction being reported, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities within 24 hours. Best of all, it is now covered by Medicare in most states.

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