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Common myths and misconceptions about enlarged prostate that you should know
According to two recent men’s health surveys, there are many myths and misconceptions associated with enlarged prostate. Both men and women are misinformed about the condition, symptoms, and treatment options.
Over 40 million men in the U.S. suffer from enlarged prostate, also referred to as BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). Many spouses are also affected by their partner’s symptoms, which include frequent urination, the inability to urinate, and the inability to empty the bladder. As men get older, the prostate continues to grow and symptoms often worsen. However, enlarged prostate is not just part of the aging process – it is a condition that can indeed be treated.
There are many treatment options to relieve the symptoms of enlarged prostate, including medications, surgery, and minimally-invasive outpatient procedures.
Survey results demonstrate that almost half of the men with BPH are currently using medication to treat their condition. Medication for enlarged prostate often comes with risks and negative side effects, which is why a majority of the men surveyed would like a solution that allows them to stop taking their BPH medication.
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Myth: Treatment options for enlarged prostate can cause impotence and/or incontinence.
Fact: There are minimally invasive options available to treat BPH that do not result in new instances of sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.
Current surgical options such as TURP, which involves cutting or removal of prostate tissue, can be very effective in relieving symptoms; they can also lead to permanent side effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
New technology offers an alternative to both medication and surgery: one, the minimally invasive UroLift System, is a clinically proven treatment option for BPH that offers rapid relief, with clinical data showing safety and long-term durability of results 2-4 – with no instances of new sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.
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The most common side effects associated with the UroLift System are mild to moderate and include pain or burning with urination, blood in the urine, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate and/or the inability to control the urge. Most symptoms resolve within two to four weeks after the procedure.
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Myth: The bigger the prostate, the worse the symptoms.
Fact: Prostate size is not directly related to the severity of symptoms associated with enlarged prostate.
However, it is true that prostate size, age, and other health factors should be considered when choosing a treatment to relieve BPH symptoms. Visit Dr Rad to understand which treatment is best for you.
Myth: BPH is linked to prostate cancer.
Fact: BPH is noncancerous and unrelated to prostate cancer, but the symptoms of BPH can greatly affect a man’s quality of life.
Many men with BPH have said their symptoms often keep them up at night or cause them to request aisle seats on planes due to their frequent need to urinate. Without treatment, the condition will often get worse over time and may lead to permanent bladder damage.
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If you are experiencing enlarged prostate symptoms, talk with your doctor. Dr. J. S. Rad is an expert in minimally invasive urological surgery and can discuss various options with you.
Call 304-599-3074 now and request an appointment with Dr. Rad. You can also contact Dr Rad directly by going to our contact page.
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As always, the information above is meant to be informative and does not replace your physician's recommendations or judgement. Each individual case has to be evaluated carefully to determine the best course of action. Call or use our contact page to request an appointment to further discuss your unique case with Dr. Shakuri-Rad.
