Enlarged Prostate Treatment in St. Petersburg, FL
What Is BPH?
As men age, it is very common for their prostate to continue growing larger, which will often cause issues between ages 50 and 60, and beyond.
An enlarged prostate is medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. This condition describes a prostate that has grown large enough to exceed its natural boundaries and begin to push down on the urethra.
Urologist Eric Diner, MD specializes in treating and diagnosing BPH in the St. Petersburg, FL area and is board-certified by the American Board of Urology. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, contact Dr. Diner today to schedule an appointment. Don’t wait to get a proper diagnosis and start treatment. Give our urology clinic in St. Petersburg a call at (727) 824-7146 to get started.
What Are the Symptoms of BPH?
This added pressure typically results in problems in the urinary system such as:
- A frequent and powerful urge to urinate
- Straining during urination
- Accidental release of urine (urinary incontinence)
- A weak stream of urine
- Trouble starting to urinate
- Stopping and starting the flow of urine several times when urinating
- A constant feeling of fullness in the bladder
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Recurring urinary tract infections
To contact urologist Eric Diner about your intense urinary discomfort, please call (727) 824-7146 for an appointment right away. In extreme circumstances, the urethra can become totally blocked, which will cause severe complications if not treated as soon as possible.
Why BPH Treatment Is Important
Many men will continue to muddle through their symptoms and adjust their life accordingly. This often means taking more bathroom breaks, especially all throughout the night.
Not only does this ruin your chances of getting a good night’s rest, but it can also have negative effects on your overall health since BPH can quickly lead to a bladder infection or kidney damage. BPH can also impair your overall quality of life, as you will likely miss many moments while running back and forth to the bathroom.
The best way to take full advantage of your life is to discuss your symptoms with Dr. Diner to determine which course of treatment will be best for you and your unique case of BPH.
BPH Treatment Options in St. Petersburg, FL
For many years a transurethral resection of the prostate has been the standard for treating issues of an enlarged prostate. Dr. Diner is able to perform this procedure using minimally invasive technologies such as the da Vinci Surgical System. Utilization of this system helps to ensure that the procedure is not only highly effective but that the patient will also be able to recover more quickly with less pain.
UroLift
The UroLift System is a proven minimally invasive procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. It is the only leading enlarged prostate procedure that does not require heating, cutting, or destruction of prostate tissue.
Rezum
Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses the natural energy stored in water vapor, or steam, to remove excess prostate tissue that is pressing on the urethra.
Schedule a BPH Consultation
Urologist Eric K. Diner, MD has extensive experience diagnosing and treating BPH in men. If you’re struggling with symptoms of an enlarged prostate in the St. Petersburg area, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Give our urology clinic in St. Petersburg a call at (727) 824-7146 to get started. Dr. Diner treats BPH patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding areas.
BPH FAQs
How Does Dr. Diner Diagnose BPH?
Men typically have the health of their prostate evaluated during yearly physical examinations with their physician. This simple screening is often able to detect superficial abnormalities of the prostate, such as unusually large sizing.
Patients who schedule a consultation with Dr. Diner regarding BPH will begin by thoroughly discussing their symptoms, personal medical history, and family medical history. A physical evaluation is often performed as well, and additional diagnostic tests may be ordered to analyze the functionality of the patient’s urinary system.
Do I Have to Undergo Treatment for BPH?
Not necessarily. Some patients may elect to hold off on treating their enlarged prostate and instead choose to monitor the progression of their symptoms over time. Dr. Diner will typically suggest more frequent checkups at Suncoast Urology to regularly assess the health of the prostate and determine if the patient’s BPH is worsening.
While men can choose to avoid treating their BPH, it is highly encouraged to speak with a specialist about treatment options if symptoms caused by the condition are negatively affecting daily tasks and activities.
What BPH Treatments Are Available in ST. Petersburg?
Lifestyle changes and medications are often the first options recommended for men that experience mild symptoms caused by BPH. Reducing liquid intake, avoiding stimulants, and practicing pelvic floor strengthening exercises can all help patients regain a bit more control over their urinary functions, while some forms of medications have been shown to slow or completely stop the growth of the prostate.
Through new technological advancements within the healthcare industry, there are many minimally invasive procedures available to men suffering from more considerable urinary difficulties. These include:
- Transurethral microwave therapy
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
- Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy
- The UroLift® System
In some instances, Dr. Diner may suggest surgery to offer patients with a more complex case of BPH to achieve effective relief from their symptoms. These traditional surgical procedures include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) as well as transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP). Given Dr. Diner’s unique expertise in using the da Vinci Surgical System, it is possible to avoid open surgery in favor of minimally invasive techniques.
What Can Happen If BPH Is Left Untreated?
Most patients will not experience severe complications caused by an enlarged prostate. However, it is entirely possible for BPH to lead to daily dysfunctions in a man’s life as he struggles to manage worsening symptoms, or for this condition to lead to significant damage to the kidneys, urinary tract, or bladder.
Is BPH Related to Prostate Cancer?
No. Because BPH is a benign condition, its symptoms have absolutely nothing to do with cancerous cell growth of the prostate.