BPH (Enlarged Prostate)
Enlarged Prostate Treatment in Los Angeles
An enlarged prostate or BPH can lead to many uncomfortable symptoms, especially if it begins to block your urine flow. But it is important to remember that it likely isn’t caused by some serious underlying health condition. However, it is still important to receive treatment to receive relief from your symptoms.
At Comprehensive Urology in the Beverly Grove community of Los Angeles, our focus is on improve our patients’ quality of life. Kiarash Michel, MD, and his expert urology team use state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic equipment to create a complete and accurate diagnosis for every patient. Using their expertise, they deliver a range of treatment options to effectively treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). To schedule an appointment with the team, call Comprehensive Urology, or book a visit online now.
Comprehensive Urology
BPH Q & A
What is BPH?
BHP and an enlarged prostate are generally the same thing. But what is the prostate? The prostate is a gland that sits just below the bladder, right in front of the rectum. Its primary role in your reproductive system is producing fluid to make semen. Your urethra, which transports urine from the bladder through the penis, passes through the prostate gland. If you have BPH, an enlarged prostate, it can obstruct your urethra, making it difficult to pass urine. In mild cases, you might not even notice. However, in more significant cases, it can make urination difficult and even uncomfortable.
What causes BPH?
It is still unclear what causes BPH. However, it is important to note that it is generally not a sign of an underlying health disorder. Many patients have initial concerns that it might be something dangerous, like cancer. While treatment is still vital, we like to let our patients know that they can be assured it likely isn’t a life-threatening condition. Current research suggests the effects of aging, as well as your body’s natural levels of testosterone, play a role in prostate growth.
Testosterone is a male hormone that’s vital to your reproductive development. Throughout your life, you produce both testosterone and small amounts of estrogen, a female hormone. After the age of 30, men begin producing less testosterone each year. Some studies show that lower levels of testosterone and higher estrogen levels in men can contribute to prostate enlargement.
Fortunately, even though the causes remain debated, we have effective ways to treat this condition.
What are the symptoms of BPH?
Most symptoms of an enlarged prostate affect your ability to pass urine without pain or discomfort. If you have BPH, you may experience:
- Weak urine stream
- A urine stream that starts and stops
- Dribbling urine
- Urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in urine
How often you experience these symptoms depends on the severity of your condition. Many men notice significant changes in their urinary habits, even with a slightly enlarged prostate. If you have any of these symptoms, we recommend seeing a specialist. They will be able to diagnose your condition and help you start treatment.
Enlarged Prostate Treatment Options
If you suspect you have BPH, we advise coming in for an appointment. Dr. Michel and the team will perform a full physical that includes a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the size of your prostate. Along with a DRE, the team may recommend a few other exams. These commonly include:
- Urinalysis
- A PSA blood test
- A cystoscopy — a procedure that uses a scope to examine the urethra and bladder
These tests help rule out signs of infection or cancer.
Once you have a BPH diagnosis, Comprehensive Urology offers a comprehensive list of treatment options. We take into account your unique situation and build a treatment around it. In addition to medication, our treatments include both surgical and non-surgical options:
TULSA-PRO
TULSA-Pro is a groundbreaking treatment delivers optimal results without the need for surgery. Comprehensive Urology is one of the few groups where you can receive this incision-free BHP treatment.
Rezūm
Rezūm is a popular minimally-invasive treatment option. This gentle treatment uses water vapor therapy to significantly reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
UroLift
UroLift is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses small implants to open up the obstructed pathway in an enlarged prostate.
TURP
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that cuts away excess prostate tissue if it’s obstructing the flow of urine. For less severe cases, Dr. Michel and the team can perform a mini-TURP. As the name suggests, this is a minimally-invasive alternative to surgery.
Microwave Therapy
For transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), a thin antenna is inserted through the urethra in the penis. Once it reaches the obstructed part of the urethra, it emits microwave energy that heats and destroys excess prostate tissue.
Robotic Prostatectomy
A robotic prostatectomy is a laparoscopic procedure that uses robot technology to treat both an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
Your urologist will work with you to find the appropriate treatment. We take into consideration your situation and medical history to deliver a treatment plan designed for optimal results.
Schedule Your Appointment
Schedule your appointment today to take the first step to relief from an enlarged prostate. Our team of urologist is ready to both diagnose and provide comprehensive treatment according to your unique needs. We focus on providing a discrete and professional atmosphere that keeps you comfortable from start to finish. Schedule an appointment by calling our office or by booking a visit online today.
