Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Jacksonville, FL

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland positioned beneath the bladder in men and surrounding the urethra (the structure that transports urine out of the bladder). Over the natural aging process, the prostate often grows in size. This can increase pressure on the bladder or narrow the urethra and lead to urinary incontinence, frequent urination, and urinary difficulties. Enlargement of the prostate gland is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While BPH is common among men, its symptoms can be well-managed and treated with professional care from Kasraeian Urology.

Drs. Ahmad and Ali Kasraeian are board-certified urologists in Jacksonville, FL who offer excellence in diagnosing and treating prostate health concerns, including benign prostatic hyperplasia. They have extensive training and experience in performing minimally invasive treatments for BPH, including UroLift® and AquaBeam® Aquablation procedures at their Jacksonville prostate center. For more on BPH diagnosis and care, schedule your in-office or telehealth consultation with one of our urologists today.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men where the prostate gland enlarges. Its causes are only partially understood, but they're likely multifactorial. Age and hormonal changes play key roles. As men age, hormonal shifts may lead to prostate cell proliferation. Certain genetic factors also increase susceptibility. Some studies suggest a correlation between lifestyle factors like diet, obesity, and physical activity and the risk of developing BPH. While the exact causes remain unclear, a combination of age, hormones, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors seem to contribute to the development of BPH most prominently.

It's important to understand that having an enlarged prostate is not a malignant condition and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, BPH can still affect your life in a number of ways, potentially causing general discomfort and leading to other health concerns. 

We encourage you to schedule a visit at Kasraeian Urology if you have any symptoms of BPH, such as:

• Frequent urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Urinary incontinence
• A weak urine flow
• Straining during urination
• An urgent, sudden need to urinate
• The sensation of a full bladder after urinating
• Blood in your urine

There are several methods used to diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. The first step usually involves a simple urine test to rule out other factors, such as a urinary tract infection. The second most commonly used diagnostic is a PSA test, or prostate-specific antigen test. This is a blood test that checks for elevated levels of PSA in your blood. PSA is created by the prostate and high PSA levels can indicate infection, an enlarged prostate, or prostate cancer. A digital rectal exam may also be needed, where a doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to determine if the prostate is enlarged. Other tests include a urine flow test and a postvoid residual volume test which measures how completely you can empty your bladder. More complex situations may warrant a prostate biopsy or ultrasound imaging.

When BPH cannot be managed with simple lifestyle changes professional care may be a vital step. Kasraeian Urology offers the following treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia:

UroLift: The UroLift system is a one-time, in-office solution that can provide fast, long-term relief from BPH symptoms. As an alternative to medication and traditional surgery, this procedure utilizes small, permanent implants within the urethra to hold it open, allowing urine to flow freely once again. In this way, the treatment is able to directly address the blockage rather than just the symptoms. In most cases, patients are able to return home immediately after the procedure.

Aquablation: Dr. Ali Kasraeian has advanced expertise in using the AquaBeam Robotic System from PROCEPT to provide minimally invasive aquablation therapy. To perform this BPH treatment, he uses a small camera to view the treatment area and employs innovative robotic technology combined with heat-free pulses of water to precisely remove enlarged tissue from the prostate gland.

UroLift and Aquablation are excellent, effective, and safe treatment options for BPH. However, their respective recovery processes are different for Jacksonville, FL patients.

UroLift: After the procedure is over, you will likely be asked to use the bathroom. You will probably feel a burning sensation when urinating, but this is normal, and urinating immediately following the procedure means you won’t have to go home with a catheter. This burning sensation and some blood in the urine may last a few days or longer. Some patients require as little as two or three days to recover and return to normal activities.

Aquablation: Typically, Aquablation patients have an overnight stay at a hospital or surgical facility while fitted with a catheter. Most individuals return home the next day without a catheter. A burning feeling while peeing is likely for as long as two weeks following surgery, and a full recovery is probable within 2 – 4 weeks.

What happens if you leave an enlarged prostate untreated?

Treating BPH is highly recommended, as the condition can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder infections or damage, or kidney damage if left unaddressed. BPH may also cause erectile dysfunction (ED), blood in your sperm, and bone and pelvic discomfort. We recommend coming in as soon as possible to avoid future symptoms. Our expert team of urologists in Jacksonville, FL or Jacksonville Beach, FL can identify the issue during an exam and provide a treatment plan.

What foods should you avoid if you have an enlarged prostate?

If we have diagnosed you with BPH, our team generally starts with more conservative options, including making a few lifestyle changes. Patients should do their best to avoid alcohol, caffeine, red meat, processed meat, dairy, and saturated fats. Instead, things like fish, avocado, nuts, olive oil, and seeds can lead to a healthy prostate and improved overall wellness.

Is drinking a lot of water good for your prostate?

A lot of patients think that they should reduce their water intake with an enlarged prostate. However, you should still maintain proper hydration. We do not recommend decreasing your daily water consumption so you urinate less frequently.

What causes BPH?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it's believed to be related to hormonal changes as men age. Specifically, an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone, seems to play a role in prostate growth.

What are the common symptoms of BPH?

BPH can cause a range of urinary symptoms, including frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak urine flow, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary urgency.

How is BPH diagnosed?

BPH is typically diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Your doctor might also perform tests like a digital rectal exam, urine flow test, and possibly imaging tests like ultrasound to assess the size and condition of the prostate.

If you have urinary difficulties or other symptoms of an enlarged prostate, we invite you to visit Dr. Kasraeian at our Jacksonville, FL location or contact us to set up a telemedicine consultation. Kasraeian Urology is a leading provider of BPH treatment in the Northeast Florida region. BPH treatment may be covered in part by health insurance, which can help to lower any personal costs.