Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) can cause a variety of urinary symptoms because the enlarged prostate presses on the urethra and affects urine flow. Common symptoms include:

• A weak or slow urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• Dribbling at the end of urination

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)

• A sudden, urgent need to urinate

• Feeling like your bladder isn’t fully empty

These symptoms can range from mild to bothersome, and they often get worse over time. While BPH isn’t life-threatening, it's important to seek advice if symptoms affect your daily life or sleep. Effective treatments are available to help manage and relieve discomfort.

Diagnosing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) involves a medical history review, physical examination and sometimes additional tests. These may include a:

• Digital rectal exam (DRE) – to gently check the size and shape of your prostate.

• Urine test – to rule out infection or other issues.

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test – to help assess prostate health

• Urinary flow test – to measure how strong your urine stream is.

• Bladder ultrasound or post-void residual test – to check how much urine is left in the bladder after urinating.

• Urodynamic studies or cystoscopy – sometimes used if more information is needed.

These tests help guide the best treatment options based on your symptoms and prostate size.

Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they affect your daily life. Options range from simple monitoring to medications and procedures.

Watchful Waiting
For men with mild or manageable symptoms, no immediate treatment may be needed. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes can help, such as reducing intake of fluids before bed, limiting caffeine, alcohol, spicy or acidic foods, and staying physically active.

Medications
Several types of medications can help:

• Alpha-blockers relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow.

• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate over time and are often used for larger prostates.

In some cases, drugs like anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists may be used to calm an overactive bladder, especially if the bladder has become irritated from the enlarged prostate

Surgical Procedures
If symptoms are more severe or don’t improve with medication, procedures may be recommended. Options include:

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – a common surgery to remove excess prostate tissue.

• Laser enucleation of the prostate – uses laser energy to remove tissue and improve flow.

• Rezum® - uses small amounts of steam to shrink the extra tissue causing blockage.

• GreenLight™ laser therapy- removes obstructing prostate tissue using a precise, high-energy laser.

• UroLift® - a minimally invasive procedure that improves urine flow by gently pulling back the enlarged prostate tissue rather than removing it.

Dr. Matthew will guide you to the best option based on your prostate size, symptoms, and overall health.

TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)

TURP is a well-established and highly effective treatment for an enlarged prostate. It has been performed safely for many decades and is often considered the traditional “gold standard” surgical treatment. The procedure is done through a telescope passed via the natural urinary passage, with no external cuts. The obstructing prostate tissue is carefully shaved away to improve urine flow.

TURP is performed under general or spinal anaesthetic and usually involves a short hospital stay. Most men experience significant and lasting improvement in urinary symptoms. It has a strong safety record, and while temporary bleeding or irritation can occur during recovery, serious complications are uncommon in experienced hands. Retrograde ejaculation is common after the procedure, but erectile function is usually preserved.

Rezum®

Rezum® is a gentle, minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate that uses small amounts of steam to shrink the extra tissue causing blockage. It is performed through a telescope passed via the penis, with no cuts on the outside of the body. Most men have it done as a day procedure under light sedation.

Because it is targeted and controlled, Rezum has a strong safety profile and a low risk of major complications. Recovery is gradual, with improvement typically building over several weeks. One of its key advantages is that it preserves sexual function in the vast majority of men, including ejaculation.

GreenLight™ laser therapy

GreenLight™ laser therapy removes obstructing prostate tissue using a precise, high-energy laser. The laser both vaporises tissue and seals blood vessels at the same time, which makes it a very safe option with a low risk of bleeding.

It is performed through a telescope without any external incisions, usually under a short general or spinal anaesthetic. Most men experience a noticeable improvement in urinary flow soon after the procedure and are home within a day. It is particularly reassuring for men who take blood thinners, as it is designed to minimise bleeding risks.

HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate)

HoLEP is a highly effective and durable treatment for an enlarged prostate. Using a precision laser, the obstructing prostate tissue is carefully separated and removed from inside the gland. There are no external cuts, and the procedure is performed through the natural urinary passage.

HoLEP has been extensively studied and has an excellent safety record, even for very large prostates. It provides strong, long-lasting relief of urinary symptoms, with a low likelihood of needing further treatment in the future. Bleeding risk is low, and most men are discharged within 24 hours.

UroLift® (Prostatic Urethral Lift)

UroLift® is a minimally invasive procedure that improves urine flow by gently pulling back the enlarged prostate tissue rather than removing it. Small implants are placed to hold the prostate open, creating a wider channel for urine to pass.

It is typically performed as a day procedure under local anaesthetic or light sedation, with a quick recovery and minimal downtime. UroLift has an excellent safety profile and is particularly valued for preserving sexual function, including ejaculation. Many men notice symptom improvement within days.

While Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a natural part of aging and can't always be prevented, certain lifestyle habits may help reduce your risk or slow its progression:

• Stay physically active – regular exercise supports hormonal balance and bladder health.

• Maintain a healthy weight – obesity is linked to a higher risk of BPH.

• Eat a balanced diet – rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (like those from fish and nuts).

• Limit alcohol and caffeine – these can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms.

• Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid before bedtime – to reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom.

• Manage stress – anxiety can increase urinary urgency and frequency.

While you may not completely prevent BPH, these habits can improve prostate health and overall well-being. Regular check-ups can also help catch any changes early.