At first, it might simply mean getting up once or twice a night to use the bathroom.
For many men, an enlarged prostate develops gradually with age.
Over time, however, urinary symptoms can become more disruptive, affecting sleep, work and overall quality of life.
The good news is that treatment options have expanded significantly in recent years.
If medications aren’t providing enough relief–but you’re not ready for traditional prostate surgery–there are now several minimally invasive procedures that offer an effective middle ground.
Understanding BPH and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
As the prostate grows, it can place pressure on the urethra, making it more difficult for urine to pass.
Common lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) include:
- Frequent urination
- Waking during the night to urinate (nocturia)
- Difficulty starting urination
- A weak urine stream
- Urgency
- Feeling that the bladder hasn’t emptied completely
While these symptoms are common, they shouldn’t simply be accepted as part of ageing.
An assessment by a urologist can help determine the underlying cause and identify the most appropriate treatment.
When Medication Isn’t Enough
Many men begin treatment with medication, which can be highly effective for mild to moderate symptoms.
However, medication doesn’t work for everyone. Some men continue to experience bothersome symptoms despite treatment, while others develop side effects or simply don’t want to take medication indefinitely.
Traditionally, the next step was Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), a highly effective operation that has long been considered the gold standard for treating BPH.
Today, there are additional options available.
A Less Invasive Alternative
Minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) are designed to improve urinary symptoms while reducing the recovery time associated with more traditional surgery.
Depending on the individual patient and the size of the prostate, many of these procedures can be performed as day surgery or with only a short hospital stay.
Potential benefits may include:
- Smaller or no external incisions
- Faster recovery
- Less bleeding
- Shorter hospital stays
- Reduced downtime before returning to normal activities
Not every treatment is suitable for every patient, and the best option depends on factors such as prostate size, symptom severity, overall health and personal treatment goals.
Is a Minimally Invasive Procedure Right for You?
If urinary symptoms are affecting your quality of life despite medication, it may be time to discuss whether a minimally invasive procedure is appropriate.
A comprehensive consultation typically includes reviewing your symptoms, medical history, examination findings and any necessary investigations before recommending the most suitable treatment.
Every patient is different, and an individualised approach ensures that treatment is tailored to your needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all pathway.
Based in Sydney, Dr Arianayagam provides some of the city’s leading specialist urological care, offering comprehensive assessment and treatment for benign prostate enlargement and other urological conditions.
Dr Arianayagam is a highly experienced urologist with extensive expertise in both traditional and minimally invasive treatments for BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms.
If you have any questions about enlarged prostate treatment or would like to book an appointment, please feel free to contact us or call 1300 307 990.
Dr Arianayagam is a very experienced urologist and has extensive experience in dealing with all urological conditions.
If you have any further questions about Urologic Cancer and would like to book an appointment, please feel free to contact or call on 1300 307 990.
