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An enlarged prostate, also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a fairly common occurrence men over 45 and can be treated in a number of ways.

Symptoms can include:

  • Increased frequency in urination.
  • Slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream or inability to urinate.
  • Dribbling at the end of urinating.
  • Incomplete emptying of your bladder.
  • Pain with urination or bloody urine (these may indicate infection).

Left untreated, BPH may lead to urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones or incontinence. Our urologists are experts at treating enlarged prostates and will design a treatment plan just for you. To make an appointment, call 410-820-0560.

Diagnosing an Enlarged Prostate

If it is suspected that you have an enlarged prostate, we'll help make sure that is the proper diagnosis. Your doctor will evaluate your condition by asking you questions about the severity and type of symptoms you have and how much of an impact they have on your daily routine.

Other tests such as a PSA blood test, urine flow study, ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for BPH may depend on the severity of the symptoms and range from no treatment to medication or surgery. 

Depending on your case, we may suggest different treatment options, including:

Medication

Certain medications can ease the symptoms of BPH by calming the muscles in the bladder and prostate.

Others stop prostate growth and shrink the size of the prostate.

Medicine is most effective for men with mild to moderate BPH.

Surgery

Surgery is generally recommended to treat moderate to severe BPH symptoms.

Types of Surgery

Many kinds of surgery are available and will be considered by your doctor:

  • Water vapor therapy (Non-Invasive): A device is inserted into the urethra and a small needle delivers water vapor or steam to treat the excess prostate tissue.
  • Greenlight PVP Laser Ablation of the Prostate: Laser energy is used to kill off prostate tissue and shrink the gland. (This may not be as effective on larger prostates.)
  • TURP (Trans-urethral resection of the prostate): Your doctor removes portions of the prostate that are affecting your urine flow.
  • Open Simple Prostatectomy: This procedure is often performed when the prostate is greatly enlarged, when there are complications, or when the bladder has been damaged and needs repair. In open surgery, the surgeon makes a cut and takes out the enlarged tissue from the prostate.
  • Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Simple Prostatectomy: Laparoscopic or robotic surgery differs from traditional open surgery by making several small incisions as opposed to one large one to perform surgery to remove the enlarged tissue of the prostate.

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment with one of our urologists, call 410-820-0560. We see patients at five locations:

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University Of Maryland Shore Medical Group