SMPL
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 1:Taking a washroom break every hour? Having a slower urine flow? If these symptoms seem relatable, then don’t ignore them.
These could be early signs of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), where the prostate enlarges and begins to affect urinary flow. This condition impacts 1 in 2 men in their 50s, and even more as age increases.
As the prostate enlarges, it presses against the urethra, leading to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) such as:
– Frequent urination (especially at night)
– Weak or interrupted urine stream
– Urgency or incomplete emptying
These symptoms can significantly impact sleep, productivity, travel, and overall quality of life.
How Severe Are Your Symptoms?
Doctors assess BPH severity using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), a simple questionnaire. Men with IPSS >=13 often do not achieve long-term relief with medications alone. Moderate to severe symptoms may require treatments for relief.
Check your IPSS score here: KNOW YOU SCORE
Are Medications and Surgery the Only Options?
Dr. Ankit Sharma explains that medications are usually the first line of treatment. However, many men experience:
– Reduced effectiveness over time
– Side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction
– Concerns with long-term medication use and issues with adherence with daily pills.
Traditional surgeries, while effective, may involve:
– Longer recovery time, catheterization and hospital stay
– Risk of sexual side effects such as retrograde ejaculation
– Risks to older adults with cardiovascular morbidities.
For active men between 50-65 years, these limitations often lead to the search for better, lifestyle-friendly alternatives. And these options are minimally invasive surgical therapies (MISTs) which are trending with newly diagnosed BPH patients.
Minimally Invasive Treatment: A Modern Approach to BPH
Dr. Tarun Dilip Javali helped us with more details on the new trend of MISTs. He states that MISTs are emerging as effective alternatives to traditional BPH treatments.
One such option is the Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL), also known as the UroLift system.
Unlike traditional surgery, this procedure:
– Does not involve cutting or removing prostate tissue
– Uses small implants to hold enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra
– Improves urine flow while preserving normal anatomy
Procedure time usually takes around 20-30 minutes to place the implants and is typically done under local anaesthesia
Faster Recovery, Better Quality of Life
Dr. Sivaraj Manoharan states that one of the biggest advantages of PUL is minimal disruption to daily life.
– preserves sexual function unlike other procedures
– Symptom relief may begin within a week
– Most patients return to routine activities within 2-3 days
– Typically, short catheter duration (~1 day)
This makes it especially relevant for younger, active patients.
Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness
Clinical studies have shown faster symptom relief, improved urine flow rates and minimal long-term complications.
Side effects, if any, are usually mild and temporary and typically resolve within weeks.
Take Control of Your Urinary Health
Frequent urination, poor sleep, or weak urine flow should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and timely intervention can:
– Prevent symptom progression
– Improve quality of life
– Reduce dependence on long-term medication
If urinary symptoms are affecting you, consult a urologist to explore advanced, minimally invasive treatments like Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift). Today’s BPH treatments are designed to relieve symptoms without disrupting your daily life or personal comfort. Early evaluation can lead to better outcomes.
Check your symptoms and know more about BPH: Click to know more
Disclaimer: This initiative is undertaken in Public Interest. The Information is only suggestive for patient education and shall not be considered as substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations. the views/ suggestions/ opinions expressed in the article are the sole responsibility of the experts please consult your doctor for more information.
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