Prostate Enlargement (BPH)
Benign prostate enlargement (BPH) causes bothersome urinary symptoms in men over 50. Our urologists offer advanced treatments — from medication to laser surgery — to restore comfortable urination.
Overview
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that surrounds the urethra. It tends to enlarge with age — a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). As the gland grows, it squeezes the urethra, restricting urine flow and causing a range of urinary symptoms. BPH is not cancer, but symptoms can severely affect quality of life.
Treatment starts with lifestyle modifications and medication (alpha-blockers, 5-ARIs). If these fail, minimally invasive procedures like TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) or HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation) remove the excess prostate tissue through the natural urinary passage — no external incisions.
Causes
- Ageing — BPH affects 50% of men by age 60 and 90% by age 85
- Hormonal changes — altered testosterone-to-oestrogen ratio with age
- Family history
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Diabetes and heart disease
Symptoms
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Urgency — sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Weak urine stream or difficulty starting urination
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Urinary retention — inability to pass urine (emergency)
Diagnosis
- Digital rectal examination (DRE) — palpates the prostate for size and nodules
- PSA blood test — rules out prostate cancer
- Uroflowmetry — measures urine flow rate
- Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) — measures prostate volume
- Post-void residual volume — checks if the bladder empties completely
Treatment Options
HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation)
Laser removes the entire obstructing prostate tissue. Suitable for any prostate size. Minimal bleeding.
TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)
The gold standard — removes excess tissue through the urethra using an electrical loop.
Medical management
Alpha-blockers relax the prostate and bladder neck. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate over months.
UroLift
Tiny implants lift and hold the enlarged prostate away from the urethra. Minimally invasive, preserves sexual function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an enlarged prostate mean cancer?
No. BPH is benign (non-cancerous). However, the symptoms can overlap, so proper evaluation including PSA testing is important.
Will prostate treatment affect my sexual function?
Medications and procedures like UroLift preserve sexual function. TURP and HoLEP carry a small risk of retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm), though sensation is unaffected.
Ready to Discuss Your Treatment?
Our prostate enlargement (bph) specialists in Kondapur are here to help. Most consultations available within 24 hours.