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An enlarged prostate, also called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in aging men where the prostate gland becomes larger. The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.

As the prostate enlarges, it can press on the urethra and interfere with normal urination. BPH is not cancer, but it can cause bothersome urinary symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• Weak urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Urgent need to urinate
• Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
• Dribbling after urination

Symptoms usually develop gradually over time.

No. BPH is not prostate cancer.

However, both conditions can cause similar urinary symptoms. Because of this, doctors may perform tests such as a PSA blood test or prostate examination to rule out cancer.

Several medications can help relieve symptoms of BPH.

• Alpha blockers (e.g., Tamsulosin, Alfuzosin) – Relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck.
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., Finasteride, Dutasteride) – Reduce prostate size over time.

Your doctor may prescribe one or both medications depending on the condition.

Laser prostate surgery uses high-energy laser technology to remove or vaporize enlarged prostate tissue.

• HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate)
• ThuLEP (Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate)

Laser procedures often result in less bleeding, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.

HoLEP stands for Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate.

In this procedure, a laser is used to remove obstructing prostate tissue from inside the prostate capsule. The tissue is then removed from the bladder using a device called a morcellator.

HoLEP is effective for both small and very large prostates.

Prostate cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder in men and helps produce semen.

Most prostate cancers grow slowly, but some types can grow more aggressively. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve outcomes.

PSA screening is a blood test used to detect early signs of prostate cancer.

PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen, a protein produced by prostate cells. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer but can also be caused by other conditions such as prostate enlargement or infection.

PSA testing helps identify men who may need further evaluation.

Robotic prostate surgery, also called robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the prostate gland.

The surgeon controls robotic instruments from a console, allowing precise movements through small incisions.

• Less blood loss
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery