An enlarged prostate is a common, noncancerous condition that can cause bothersome urinary symptoms as men age. At Urologic, we offer personalized treatment options to help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
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The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder. As men age, the prostate can gradually enlarge, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This enlargement can put pressure on the urethra, making it more difficult to urinate.
BPH is not prostate cancer, but its symptoms can interfere with sleep, daily activities, and quality of life. Understanding what causes these changes is the first step toward finding the right treatment.
Learn more about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and how an enlarged prostate affects urinary function. Educational video courtesy of Cleveland Clinic.
BPH symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:
At Urologic, treatment is tailored to your symptoms, prostate size, overall health, and preferences. Options may include medication or a procedure to improve urine flow.
Prescription medications may relax muscles around the prostate and bladder neck or gradually shrink prostate tissue to improve urinary symptoms.
Discuss options at your consultationA minimally invasive procedure that uses small implants to hold enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, helping improve urine flow in appropriately selected patients.
Learn MoreHolmium laser enucleation of the prostate uses laser energy to remove obstructing prostate tissue and can provide durable relief for men with BPH.
Explore HoLEPTransurethral resection of the prostate is an established surgical procedure that removes obstructing prostate tissue through the urethra to improve urine flow.
Dedicated treatment page coming soonEach option has different benefits and considerations. This overview can help you prepare for a conversation with your urologist about which treatment may be appropriate for you.
| Feature | Medications | UroLift® | HoLEP | TURP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Relaxes muscles or shrinks prostate tissue | Implants hold tissue away from the urethra | Laser removes obstructing prostate tissue | Electrosurgical instrument removes obstructing tissue |
| Anesthesia | Not applicable | Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia | General or spinal anesthesia | General or spinal anesthesia |
| Procedure time | Not applicable | Often under an hour | Varies by prostate size and complexity | Varies by prostate size and complexity |
| Hospital stay | None | Usually outpatient | Often same day or overnight | Often overnight; varies |
| Catheter | Not typically needed | May be needed briefly | Usually temporary after surgery | Usually temporary after surgery |
| Recovery | No procedure recovery; effects and side effects vary | Many resume routine activities relatively quickly | Urinary symptoms can improve over weeks; activity restrictions vary | Urinary symptoms can improve over weeks; activity restrictions vary |
| Symptom relief | Varies; ongoing treatment may be needed | Can improve flow and urinary symptoms | Often substantial and durable | Often substantial and durable |
| Patient considerations | Often considered for mild to moderate symptoms | Best suited to selected anatomy and prostate sizes | Can be considered across a broad range of prostate sizes | Common option for appropriately selected patients |
This comparison is general educational information, not an individualized treatment recommendation. Procedure details, recovery, risks, and expected outcomes vary. Your Urologic provider will review the options appropriate for you.
Don’t let urinary symptoms control your day. Schedule a consultation with the Urologic team to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
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