BPH…a non-cancerous enlarged prostate
The prostate is a walnut sized gland specific to men that manufactures a major portion of the ejaculate (semen). It is located just below the bladder and the urethra (water channel) goes right through it. Imagine the prostate gland being similar to a donut with the water channel analogous to the hole in the donut. The larger the donut, the smaller the hole in the donut. Similarly as the prostate enlarges (commonly known as BPH) the water channel becomes restricted slowing the flow of urine.
The bladder is basically a hollow muscle that functions to store urine, then compress and empty completely. As with other muscles, the bladder can become somewhat stronger as the prostate begins to enlarge. However as the prostate continues to grow the bladder can become irreversibly damaged without proper evaluation and treatment of the enlarging prostate.
Possible Treatment Options for BPH…a non-cancerous enlarged prostate
Flomax, Uroxatrol, Hytrin, and Cardura belong to a group of medications known as alpha blockers. These medications help relax the prostate during urination, allowing the water channel to become larger thus increasing the flow of urine. Used alone to treat BPH these medications must be taken forever; however the prostate may continue to grow making them less effective or even ineffective over time.
Avodart, Proscar, and Finastride belong to a group of medications that attempt to shrink the prostate. It may take up to six months for them to be clinically effective and they must also be taken for a lifetime.
Prostiva RF therapy is an in-office procedure performed by Dr. Young that effectively treats the restriction of the urethra by the enlarged prostate. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and requires only minor sedation (valium and a pain pill) with local anesthesia.
To learn more about Prostiva RF therapy contact the office of Urology Associates and request a nationally distributed DVD featuring Dr. Young regarding this therapy.