BPH Treatment in Charleston, SC

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

About half of men over age 50 develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), making it one of the most common men’s health conditions in the United States. The board-certified urologists at Urology Associates specialize in diagnosing and treating BPH, helping patients manage symptoms such as urinary difficulties and improve overall quality of life.

Questions and Answers

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate, is a frequent condition that affects many men as they age.

The prostate typically experiences two periods of growth during a man’s lifetime. The first occurs during puberty, while the second begins around age 25 and continues gradually over time.

As the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra—the tube that carries urine out of the body—and cause the bladder wall to thicken. This pressure can lead to urinary symptoms, such as difficulty starting urination or trouble fully emptying the bladder.

What are the Warning Signs of BPH?

Changes in urination are often one of the first signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate may include:

Frequent urination
A sudden or urgent need to urinate
Difficulty starting urination
A weak or interrupted urine stream
Dribbling at the end of urination
Waking during the night to urinate
Urinary incontinence
Painful urination
Urine that has an unusual color or odor

Some men may also experience urinary retention, a condition in which the bladder cannot empty completely. This can be painful and, if left untreated, may lead to more serious complications. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to speak with a urologist for proper evaluation and treatment.

How is BPH Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, it’s important to schedule an appointment for evaluation. At Urology Associates, our team uses a physical exam along with a range of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend tests such as:

Urinalysis
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
Prostate exam
Ultrasound
Cystoscopy

Additional diagnostic tools may also be used to evaluate how well your bladder and urinary system are functioning. These may include post-void residual volume testing, uroflowmetry, or a urodynamic pressure test. These evaluations help your urologist develop the most effective treatment plan for your condition.

How is BPH Treated?

Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) depends on the severity of your symptoms, the size of your prostate, and your overall health. At Urology Associates, your urologist will recommend a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve symptoms and improve urinary function.

For men with mild symptoms, lifestyle changes may help manage BPH. These may include reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, limiting fluids before bedtime, and practicing bladder training techniques.

Medications are often used to relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder or to help shrink the prostate over time. These treatments can improve urine flow and reduce urinary symptoms.

If symptoms become more severe or do not respond to medication, minimally invasive procedures or surgical treatments may be recommended to remove or reduce excess prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow.

Your urologist will discuss the most appropriate treatment options based on your symptoms and health history. With the right care, most men are able to effectively manage BPH and experience significant improvement in their urinary symptoms.