If you’ve started noticing changes in your urination, you’re not alone. A weaker urine stream, frequent trips to the bathroom, or waking several times during the night may be signs of an enlarged prostate.
This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It becomes more common as men get older. As the prostate grows, it may press against the urethra and make it harder for urine to pass normally. Over time, this pressure can lead to frustrating urinary symptoms.
When symptoms begin to interfere with sleep or daily routines, you may start looking into treatment options for BPH.
Signs of an Enlarged Prostate
You might notice symptoms such as:
- Waking at night to urinate
- A weak urine stream
- Sudden urgency
- Feeling like your bladder doesn’t fully empty
These symptoms can range from mild to more disruptive over time. If your symptoms are mild, simple lifestyle changes may help. These might include reducing evening fluids, limiting caffeine or alcohol, and improving bladder habits.
If symptoms continue or become more severe, medication is often the first step. If that doesn’t work well enough, a procedural treatment may be recommended.
Procedures are often considered when:
- Symptoms become moderate or severe
- Medications are ineffective or cause side effects
- Urinary retention occurs
- Recurrent infections or bladder stones develop
- Bladder or kidney function becomes affected
Understanding Your Treatment Options for BPH
Several procedures are available to help relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. These include minimally invasive treatments such as UroLift and non-surgical options like prostatic artery embolization.
UroLift: A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
UroLift is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. Instead of removing tissue, the procedure uses small implants to gently lift and hold the prostate away from the urethra. This helps open the urinary channel and allows urine to flow more easily.
UroLift is typically performed in an outpatient setting. It doesn’t involve cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue.
Many men choose UroLift because it can offer:
- Rapid symptom relief
- Improved urine flow
- Minimal downtime
- No removal of prostate tissue
- Low risk of sexual side effects
Because UroLift preserves the prostate and nearby nerves, many men maintain normal sexual function. Most men are able to keep normal erections and ejaculation after the procedure.
GreenLight Laser Therapy for BPH
GreenLight laser therapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. You may also see it called laser prostate surgery or photovaporization of the prostate (PVP).
During the procedure, your urologist places a small scope through the urethra to reach the prostate. A special laser is then used to vaporize the prostate tissue that’s blocking urine flow.
GreenLight therapy is often performed as an outpatient procedure under general or spinal anesthesia. Most patients only need a catheter for a short time, often less than 24 hours.
Many men choose GreenLight laser therapy because it may offer several benefits:
- Improved urine flow
- Long-lasting relief of BPH symptoms
- Less bleeding than some traditional surgeries
- A faster return to normal activities
- The ability to stop some BPH medications
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) for Enlarged Prostate
PAE is a non-surgical option. Rather than removing tissue, it reduces blood flow to the prostate, causing the gland to shrink gradually.
An interventional radiologist performs the procedure using a tiny catheter placed in a blood vessel in the wrist or groin. The catheter is guided to the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. Small particles are then released to block those arteries.
Many men appreciate that PAE is not traditional surgery and offers several advantages:
- No surgical incision
- Usually outpatient
- Minimal anesthesia
- Faster return to normal activity
- Low risk of sexual side effects
Symptom improvement with PAE is often more gradual than with procedures that remove prostate tissue. In some cases, results may be less predictable or additional treatment may be needed. Even so, PAE may be a good option for men who prefer a non-surgical approach.
BPH Treatments and Sexual Function
Sexual health matters to many men when choosing a treatment for BPH. UroLift and PAE are designed to relieve prostate blockage while helping preserve erectile function.
Many men are also able to ejaculate normally. Some older prostate surgeries carry a higher risk of retrograde ejaculation. This occurs when semen flows into the bladder instead of leaving the body.
Finding the Right Treatment for BPH
If BPH symptoms are affecting your sleep, comfort, or daily routine, you may benefit from a medical evaluation. Several treatment options for BPH are now available that may help improve urine flow and reduce symptoms.
If you live in Lake Barrington, Elgin, Crystal Lake, or Hoffman Estates and have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a medical evaluation may help. Our team can review your symptoms, explain your treatment options, and help you decide on the next step. Schedule an appointment today.