BPH Specialist
Advance Southern Westchester Medical
Sherif El-Masry, MD
Urologist located in Yonkers, NY
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common ailment that affects most men eventually. You may be more familiar with the term “enlarged prostate” that your grandfather warned you about. Regardless of the term you choose for it, Sherif El-Masry, MD, at Advanced Urology in Yonkers, New York, can design a treatment plan that effectively relieves your symptoms and lessens the effect of BPH on your life. For expert urological care, schedule an appointment with Dr. El-Masry today. Call the office or book your visit online.
BPH Q & A
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
BPH is a benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate that can occur in young men but is more commonly part of the natural aging process. Approximately 50% of men will have some prostate enlargement by age 60. By age 85, 90% of men will experience symptoms of BPH.
What are the symptoms of BPH?
The prostate gland is positioned beneath the urinary bladder. Your urethra, the small tube that empties urine from the bladder, runs through the center of the prostate. It probably makes sense then that most symptoms related to BPH are caused by the enlarged gland’s effect on normal urination.
BPH symptoms can include:
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Nocturia (frequent urination at night)
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Weak urine stream or stream that stops and starts
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Inability to completely empty your bladder
Because your prostate can continue enlarging over time, your symptoms may worsen with age. It’s important to note, however, that the actual size of your prostate doesn’t necessarily indicate the severity of your symptoms. Rather, your symptoms are related to how the gland’s enlargement affects urine flow through the urethra.
Does having an enlarged prostate increase my risk of prostate cancer?
Based on the most current research, BPH does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. However, many of the symptoms noted with BPH are similar to symptoms of prostate cancer. Dr. El-Masry may recommend screening for prostate cancer if you’ve recently developed BPH symptoms or you’re due for prostate cancer screening.
What are the treatments for BPH?
Along with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history, Dr. El-Masry performs an exam that typically includes a diagnostic ultrasound to help identify the characteristics and extent of your BPH.
Your treatment may include:
- Careful monitoring or your symptoms, if you’re not experiencing significant difficulty
- Medication to decrease production of the hormone responsible for prostate growth
- Medicine such as Flomax® to relax the prostate muscles and reduce tension on the urethra
For severe symptoms that aren’t responsive to conservative treatment, several surgical options exist that can effectively reduce BPH’s impact on your overall urological health and well-being.
For more information about BPH and the treatments available, schedule a visit with Dr. El-Masry today. Call the office for an appointment or book your visit online.