When King Charles III was treated for an enlarged prostate – also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – last year, the world took notice. While many men may choose to ignore the symptoms of BPH, getting checked out can offer options for symptom relief and rule out prostate cancer.
As the prostate grows larger, it can cause various symptoms that may include:
“Probably the most common reason men come to see me is because they’re waking up multiple times at night to urinate, which really affects their sleep and daily energy,” Dr. Tran said. “The frequency and urgency of urination can be problematic too — men dealing with this often know where every bathroom is, everywhere they go. Some also notice that it takes a long time to urinate or that they never feel like they’ve completely emptied their bladder.”
Some men may put off getting their prostate checked because they are afraid of receiving a cancer diagnosis.
“Men who have symptoms of BPH sometimes worry that it’s a sign of prostate cancer,” Dr. Tran said, “but having BPH does not predispose men to having prostate cancer.”
Some straightforward testing can be used to make sure those who have an enlarged prostate don’t have cancer.
“Early, curable prostate cancer generally doesn’t have symptoms,” he said. “Getting a PSA blood test at a regular interval can provide us with a heads up if further testing is indicated.”
Treatment options range from watchful waiting and lifestyle changes to medications and surgery.
Modifying your diet can help improve symptoms:
If lifestyle modifications don’t work, medications may help decrease the size of the prostate or relax the gland to make it easier to pass urine. If medications don’t provide relief, surgery may be warranted.
"Like many conditions, BPH exists on a spectrum. Some men have mildly enlarged prostates — about the size of a walnut — while others have prostates larger than a baseball,” Dr. Tran said. “There are a variety of surgical treatment options available, each with its own strengths depending on prostate size and anatomy. One option that has shown excellent results across the full range of prostate sizes is aquablation."
Aquablation, a new robotic-assisted surgical procedure available at L+M Hospital to treat BPH, uses a high-velocity stream of sterile water to precisely remove excess prostate tissue. One key advantage of aquablation is its ability to treat larger prostates more effectively while minimizing the risk of side effects, said Dr. Tran.
“Because it combines the precision of robotics with real-time imaging, aquablation offers a high degree of customization and control, leading to more consistent outcomes,” he said. Other advantages of aquablation include preservation of sexual function and faster recovery.
Symptoms often come on gradually and many men accept them as a normal part of aging, not realizing there are treatments for BPH. If you are having trouble urinating, discuss your symptoms with your doctor or urologist.
“Too often, men assume these symptoms are just part of getting older and something they have to live with — but they’re not. If you're noticing changes in your urination or it's starting to affect your sleep or daily routine, it's worth talking to your doctor. We have effective treatments that can provide real relief,” Dr. Tran said.
Learn more about Urology Services at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital or call 844-817-9171 to make an appointment.
Research shows that some people – especially women – avoid going to the doctor because weighing in triggers stress, anxiety and shame. This can be a significant barrier to getting the medical care you need. So, can you ever say “no” to being weighed? Our doctor weighs in on the subject.
Read more about weight checks in News & Knowledge
As kids head outside for camp or take part in summer sports, it’s a good reminder for families to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of an underlying heart condition.
“It’s quite common for people to be diagnosed with a heart rhythm condition or a cardiomyopathy later in childhood, teenage years or even adult life,” said Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital pediatric cardiologist Cheyenne Beach, MD, assistant professor of Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine. “Some of these conditions people are born with but are not discovered until the person becomes symptomatic later in life.” Learning to recognize symptoms when they appear can help kids get the treatment they need, allowing them to safely enjoy the activities they love.
Read more about pediatric heart conditions in kids in News & Knowledge
The 15th Annual Closer to Free Ride rolls off the starting line on Sept. 6. You’re invited to ride along with us! The Closer to Free Ride fuels research and care at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. Riders of all levels have the chance to experience five professionally designed and fully supported routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles long. If you’re not in the New Haven area, you can join as a Remote Rider and complete your own route wherever you may be.
Also consider sharing your energy and enthusiasm with the Closer to Free community as a volunteer at the pre-ride check-in, the start/finish line or on the ride route as a member of the Road Crew.
Register as a rider or volunteer
Can’t ride with us this year? Make a donation to a specific rider or team
Turn to Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care for everyday illness and injury treatment.
We offer treatment for common illnesses and non-life-threatening injuries to patients of all ages in Connecticut and New York. You can count on us for professional, fast, and friendly urgent care. Make an appointment at one of our many locations in Connecticut and New York.
Keep in mind that Yale Haven Health Urgent Care also offers 24/7 Virtual Care. Book your appointment to connect with one of our local practitioners using your smartphone, tablet or computer and receive expert medical evaluation and treatment right from the comfort of your home, no matter what time it is.
We also make it easy to get your child’s complete physical for school, sports, and camp. Learn more about our walk-in physicals.
Yale New Haven Health offers financial counseling to patients and families. Spanish-speaking counselors are also available. To make an appointment with a financial counselor, call 855-547-4584.
