Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

We offer a comprehensive range of BPH (enlarged prostate) treatment options and guidance to help you choose what is best for you.

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Our urologists use the latest technologies and devices to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate.

What Is BPH?

BPH is the non-cancerous growth of prostate tissue that leads to prostate enlargement. It’s a common condition that increases with age.

Although BPH doesn’t increase your risk of prostate cancer, it can affect your quality of life. The prostate surrounds the tube (urethra) that drains the bladder. When it becomes enlarged, it squeezes the urethra, restricting urine flow.

Many people with BPH will develop lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which include:

Frequent urination
Incomplete bladder emptying
Painful urination
Straining during urination
Sudden, urgent need to urinate
Weak urine stream

It’s also common for people with BPH to have erectile dysfunction. At Memorial Healthcare System, our urologists are here to help you function better.

To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment

Call Us: 305-682-2580

Diagnosing BPH

BPH doesn’t always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may mimic other conditions and urinary disorders. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will:

Ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life
Review your medical history and current medications
Examine your abdomen and genital area
Conduct a digital rectal exam to determine prostate size, shape, and texture
Order urine and blood tests to rule out other conditions

Diagnosis may also include in-office tests, such as:

Cystoscopy: This test involves inserting a thin tube with a camera at the end into your urethra to look for constricted areas.
Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS): This test produces ultrasound images of your prostate using a small ultrasound probe inserted into your rectum.
Urodynamic testing: This series of tests uses special equipment to measure urine storage and flow.

BPH Treatments

Depending on your condition and personal preferences, you may have several treatments to choose from. A key part of BPH care is ensuring you understand your choices and helping you make an informed decision. You can expect your urologist to thoroughly explain each option, including the risks and benefits.

BPH treatments include:

Watchful Waiting

If you have mild symptoms, you may not need treatment right away. Your doctor will monitor your condition. They may also recommend lifestyle changes to improve your symptoms, such as:

Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Don’t hold your urine in or strain during urination
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Manage stress
Reduce evening intake of fluids
Try pelvic floor physical therapy

Medications

Medications are typically the first step in treating BPH when symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your life. They work by:

Relaxing muscles in the prostate and lower bladder that constrict the urethra
Shrinking the prostate

We also prescribe medications to treat erectile dysfunction associated with BPH.

Surgical Treatments

If medications aren’t effective, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure. These procedures aim to open the narrowed urethra, allowing urine to flow more freely. Most are minimally invasive, which reduces pain and helps you heal faster.

Other factors to consider when choosing a surgical treatment include:

Prostate size
Effectiveness and risk of recurrence
Possible side effects, including urinary and sexual dysfunction
Type of anesthesia

Our urologists offer a wide range of procedures, including:

Aquablation® (water ablation therapy)

Aquablation is a robotic-assisted procedure that uses high-velocity water jets to remove prostate tissue. Because it is heat-free and ultra-precise, it’s highly effective and has a relatively low risk of complications. Aquablation is a potential treatment for prostates of all sizes.

iTind® (temporarily implanted nitinol device)

This in-office treatment involves inserting a temporary implant through your urethra to reshape your prostate. Over the next week, the device slowly expands, creating channels for urine to flow. The surgeon then removes the device.

Laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP)

Laser PVP is a transurethral procedure that uses a GreenLight™ laser to destroy prostate tissue.

Optilume® (drug-coated prostatic balloon dilation)

The surgeon inserts a deflated, drug-coated balloon into your urethra. When they reach the narrowed section, they expand the balloon to open the urethra, and medication (paclitaxel) is delivered to the area to help keep the urethra open.

Prostate artery embolization (PAE)

An interventional radiologist performs this minimally invasive procedure using an X-ray to decrease the blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink and the urethra to open up, allowing urine to flow more freely.

A small catheter (thin hollow tube) is inserted into the artery in your wrist or groin, and microscopic particles are injected into the artery to reduce blood flow, which helps shrink the prostate and relieve symptoms.

Robotic simple prostatectomy

The surgeon removes part or all of the prostate robotically through tiny incisions. The robotic approach is less invasive but has a longer recovery time than TURP and other transurethral procedures.

Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP)

Like TURP, ThuLEP is a transurethral procedure to hollow out the prostate. Instead of an electric current, the surgeon uses a thulium laser.

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)

TUIP is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts an endoscope into the urethra to make one or two incisions in the prostate to ease pressure on the urethra.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

TURP is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts a resectoscope through the urethra to remove parts of the enlarged prostate blocking the urethra.

Urolift® (prostatic urethral lift)

The surgeon inserts a permanent implant into the urethra that lifts and holds it so it no longer blocks the enlarged prostate (like tiebacks on a window curtain).

BPH: Why Choose Memorial Healthcare System?

As a leading urology program in Miami and South Florida, we provide:

Top specialists

Our urologists are skilled in the many types of BPH treatment, including the latest medications and surgical procedures.
Minimally invasive treatments

We offer minimally invasive options that help you recover faster and preserve sexual and reproductive function.
Tailored approach

We spend time explaining all your choices and helping you decide the right treatment for you.
Support at every step

Our team is by your side throughout your care to ensure all your needs are met.