BPH

What is BPH?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate is a very common problem which effects millions of men. Symptoms of BPH generally start in your 40s-50s but then progress with age. Common symptoms include weak stream, frequent urination, and getting up at night to urinate. 

How do I know if I have BPH?

Take the symptom survey to see if you have the symptoms of BPH then schedule an appointment with me or my team. At your visit, we will take a thorough history and perform a physical exam. Testing for BPH includes urinalysis (to check for blood in your urine or infection), prostate exam (to evaluate for enlargement), and a blood testing (called PSA) which evaluates for prostate cancer. Depending on your initial findings, we may additionally recommend an ultrasound to measure your prostate size, in office cystoscopy to take a direct look at your prostate, and/or urine flow measurements to check your stream strength.

What can I do about my BPH?

There are three steps in BPH management:

• Lifestyle changes: BPH symptoms will often worsen depending on what and how much you drink. Looking closely at how your symptoms respond to caffeine or alcohol intake may help you gain better control.
• Medications: There are many medications that can help with BPH. Common medications include Flomax, Proscar, and Cialis. Which one is right for you depends on your testing and goals.
• Procedures: Many men do not respond to medication or have bothersome side effects. Procedures in the office or OR may be the best step for you.

UroLift

Many men with BPH symptoms are looking for alternatives to traditional prostate surgeries, such as TURP, due to concerns about catheterization or changes in sexual function. UroLift is an excellent and well studied procedure that can serve as an alternative to TURP or medications in many men. It can be done in the office or under sedation depending on your preference and typically does not require a catheter to be placed. Results after UroLift are quick and can be seen in as little as two weeks. See our UroLift page for more information.

Contact us to set up an appointment today at Dr. Ebel's Findlay, Ohio based practice.