How do I Know if I Have Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Are you experiencing frequent urination or difficulty in starting or stopping urination? These could be signs of an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). At Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL, board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian, specialize in treating urological conditions, including BPH, with the most advanced and effective tools and technologies available today. Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of BPH.
What is BPH?
BPH is a common condition that affects the male prostate gland. As men age, the prostate gland often enlarges naturally. For men with BPH, however, the prostate grows excessively, causing it to squeeze or place undue pressure on the urethra, which can disrupt the normal flow of urine. This can lead to a variety of obstructive and/or irritative urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. While BPH is not cancerous or precancerous, it can certainly impact a man's quality of life. Seeking medical attention and appropriate treatment is critical for managing BPH symptoms and preventing complications associated with BPH.
What are the symptoms of BPH?
BPH symptoms can vary from patient to patient, but they commonly include:
- Frequent urination, especially during the night
- Urgency
- Weak urine flow or difficulty starting and stopping urination
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Straining while urinating
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Spraying urinary stream
- Constant feeling of needing to void
How is BPH diagnosed?
To diagnose BPH with certainty and to rule out other potential conditions, Dr. Kasraeian will perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:
- Reviewing your medical history and symptoms
- Conducting a physical examination, including a digital rectal exam (DRE)
- Ordering diagnostic tests such as a PSA blood test and urinalysis
- Performing imaging studies, like an ultrasound, if necessary
What treatment options are available for BPH?
Kasraeian Urology is committed to offering the most innovative, safest, and most effective treatment options for urologic conditions. When it comes to BPH relief, Dr. Kasraeian will carefully evaluate your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health and recommend the most appropriate BPH treatment for you, which may include:
- Medications
- Minimally invasive procedures, like UroLift®
- Aquablation
What happens if you leave BPH untreated?
Again, BPH is not a cancerous or precancerous condition, but when left untreated, BPH symptoms can become worse and lead to total urinary incontinence and other unwanted complications. To avoid worsening symptoms and achieve reliable, lasting symptom relief, it is best to have your BPH evaluated, diagnosed, and managed as early as possible.
Don’t let BPH hold you back any longer. Consider your options for BPH relief in Jacksonville, FL
If you suspect you have BPH or are experiencing symptoms related to an enlarged prostate, we can help you better understand your condition and identify treatment options that can give you the rapid and reliable BPH symptom relief you deserve. Call to to schedule a consultation with board-certified urologists Drs. Ahmad and Ali Kasraeian at Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL today, and take the first step toward regaining control of your life.