Understanding BPH
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) means your prostate gland has enlarged. This is not cancer—it's extremely common in older men. An enlarged prostate squeezes the urethra, making it harder to urinate. Dr. Libby offers a range of treatments from medication to advanced surgical options, depending on how much your symptoms bother you.
Common BPH Symptoms
- Weak or slow urinary stream
- Need to urinate frequently during the day
- Waking up many times at night to urinate (nocturia)
- Urgency to urinate and difficulty delaying
- Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy)
- Dribbling after you finish
- Feeling like your bladder isn't completely empty
Diagnosis
Dr. Libby starts with your symptom history and a urinalysis to rule out infection. He may perform a post-void residual test (ultrasound showing urine left in your bladder) and sometimes cystoscopy (a camera look at the urethra and bladder). This helps confirm BPH and guide treatment choice.
Treatment Options
Medications
Alpha-blockers (like tamsulosin) relax bladder neck muscles. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate over time. Often the first step and effective for mild to moderate symptoms.
Aquablation Therapy
Robot-guided waterjet precisely removes excess prostate tissue while protecting surrounding nerves. Minimally invasive with excellent symptom relief and faster recovery than traditional TURP.
UroLift
Tiny permanent implants pull prostate lobes aside to open the urethra. Office-based procedure with minimal recovery. Great for men who want to avoid major surgery.
GreenLight Laser TURP
High-power laser vaporizes prostate tissue safely and effectively. Excellent symptom relief with lower bleeding risk than traditional TURP. Quick recovery.
When Surgery Is Needed
If medications don't help enough or if you have a very large prostate, surgery offers more complete relief. Dr. Libby chooses the best procedure based on prostate size and your preferences. All these options provide significant improvement in urinary flow and symptom relief.
Life After BPH Treatment
Most men feel dramatic improvement in their urinary symptoms. You'll urinate more easily, go to the bathroom less often, and sleep better at night. Recovery depends on the procedure—some are same-day office visits, others require a brief hospitalization. Dr. Libby will explain what to expect and when you can return to normal activities.
Questions to Ask Dr. Libby
- How bad is my prostate enlargement?
- Will medication help, or do I need a procedure?
- What's the right procedure for my situation?
- What's recovery like, and when can I return to work and exercise?
- Will this affect my sexual function?