Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options in Broward County

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, affects more than half of men over 50 and up to 90% of men over 80. If you're experiencing urinary difficulties in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Creek, or Pompano Beach, Dr. Christopher Vendryes, MD offers comprehensive BPH evaluation and the latest minimally invasive treatments.

What Is BPH?

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs naturally as men age. As the prostate grows, it can compress the urethra and obstruct urine flow, leading to a range of bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). While BPH is not prostate cancer and does not increase cancer risk, it can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Common signs of BPH include frequent urination — especially at night (nocturia), a weak or interrupted urine stream, difficulty starting urination, the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, urgency, and in some cases, urinary retention. Many men dismiss these symptoms as a normal part of aging, but effective treatments are available that can dramatically improve daily comfort.

How BPH Is Diagnosed

Dr. Vendryes uses a thorough diagnostic approach that may include a digital rectal exam (DRE), PSA blood test, urinalysis, uroflowmetry to measure urine flow rate, post-void residual measurement, and in some cases, cystoscopy or ultrasound imaging. These tests help determine the severity of obstruction and guide treatment decisions.

Medical Management

For mild to moderate BPH, medications are often the first line of treatment. Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow within days. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride can shrink the prostate over several months. Combination therapy using both drug classes may be recommended for larger prostates with significant symptoms.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Options

When medications are insufficient or cause unwanted side effects, Dr. Vendryes offers advanced minimally invasive procedures. Options include UroLift — a procedure that lifts and holds enlarged prostate tissue out of the way without cutting or removing tissue, preserving sexual function. Rezūm water vapor therapy uses steam to shrink prostate tissue and can be performed in the office. For larger prostates, procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser enucleation may be recommended.

When to See a Urologist

If urinary symptoms are disrupting your sleep, limiting your activities, or causing anxiety, it's time to see a specialist. Untreated BPH can lead to complications including urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney damage. Early evaluation allows for more treatment options and better outcomes.