What is BPH?
As a man ages, he may develop a common condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, in which the prostate begins to enlarge. It is so common, in fact, that it affects over 500 million men across the world and over 40 million in America alone. Fortunately, this is a benign condition and is not related to prostate cancer, but its symptoms can greatly affect quality of life. Currently, 40% of men in their fifties are affected, with the number jumping to 70% of men in their sixties.
There are several symptoms indicating the possibility of BPH, which is caused by the enlarged prostate pressing on the urethra and causing a blockage:
- Delay or difficulty in beginning to urinate
- Slow or weak urine stream
- Frequent urination at all times, day or night
- Urgent need to urinate
- Urine stream that starts and stops
- Feeling of not being able to empty your bladder
- Berry, et al., Journal of Urology 1984
- IMS Health NDTI Urology Specialty Profile Report 2013
If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gholami.
There is an online questionnaire called the International Prostate Symptom Score, or IPSS, <International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)> that can help you determine the severity of BPH.
Remember, you are not alone – the leading reason that men visit a urologist is due to symptoms of BPH. There is also a new treatment that may be able to help you – the UroLift® System.
The UroLift® System Treatment
What is the UroLift System?
The UroLift® System Treatment helps to provide rapid relief of BPH symptoms, rapid recovery time, and is a minimally invasive procedure. It is a treatment that can be done earlier in a BHP diagnosis and may help to get you off medication for the condition and even to avoid major surgery later on.
Its goal is to relieve the symptoms so you can get back to your daily life and activities. With better results than medication, it is a safe and effective treatment and the only BPH procedure that has been shown to not cause ejaculatory or erectile dysfunction.
How Does The UroLift® System Work?
With the UroLift System, a breakthrough treatment that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue so that it will no longer press on and block the urethra. Unlike other procedures, it does not involve cutting, heating, or removal of the prostate. It is typically performed with a local anesthesia on an outpatient basis in either a surgery center or doctor’s office, and the patient is usually home the same day and does not require a catheter.
Enlarged Prostate: An enlarged prostate can narrow or even block the urethra.
Step 1: The UroLift Delivery Device is placed through the obstructed urethra to access the enlarged prostate.
Step 2: Small UroLift Implants are permanently placed to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissues out of the way and increase the opening of the urethra.
Step 3: The UroLift Delivery Device s removed, leaving an open urethra designed to provide symptom relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for the UroLift® System treatment?
If you are having symptoms of BPH and are a male that is 45 years of age or older, you may be a good candidate and should ask your urologist if this treatment would be right for you. One precaution is if you have an allergy to stainless steel, titanium or nickel. If so, be sure to speak with your doctor before having this procedure.
What should I expect during the treatment? Is it painful? How long does it take?
Generally, the UroLift® System Treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that also requires minimal downtime for recovery. The surgeon will use the UroLift® Delivery Device to insert permanent implants that will relieve the obstruction in the urethra being caused by the enlarged prostate. Often, the procedure takes less than an hour and can be performed under local anesthesia. General anesthesia may also be used or you may be given medication to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Usually, there is no overnight stay or the use of a catheter required. Your doctor will provide you with more detailed information if you both decide the treatment is right for you.
What happens post-treatment, during the recovery period? Are meds required?
Typically, after the UroLift Treatment, patients are able to go home the same day and do not require a catheter. Relief from symptoms can be expected in as little as two weeks with little downtime. Patients may experience mild to moderate side effects, including urinary discomfort (pain or burning), pelvic pain, blood in urine, or urgent need to urinate. Most of these symptoms will subside within two to four weeks following the treatment.
Does the treatment affect my sexual function?
While other therapies such as laser, TURP, and even some medications can affect sexual function, studies have shown that the UroLift® Treatment does not contribute to new, sustained cases of erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.
Does my insurance cover the treatment?
Yes, the procedure is covered by Medicare as well as many private insurances. You will need to contact your insurance provider to find out details about your specific coverage.
1. Roehrborn, J Urology 2013 LIFT Study
Talking to Your Doctor About BPH
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a common condition among aging men and is responsible for the majority of urologist visits by men each year. If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms or maybe have tried other treatments or medications, the UroLift® System Treatment may be a solution to consider.
Before your next appointment with your doctor, you can take this BPH Symptom Quiz in the privacy of your home. It was created by the American Urological Association to help you get a better idea of the severity of your symptoms. You can then take these results to your doctor to discuss which treatment option would be best for you.
To schedule an appointment, CLICK HERE or
call our office at, 408-596-5200.
Reviews
He Is The Real Deal
"My favorite doctor, he is the real deal. Operated on my aunt when others said they were worried. And she is doing great now, as good Sam a great Hosiptal. I send everybody to dr g!"
- Bobby S. -
He Saved My Life
"Excellent Doctor. He saved my life."
- J.B. -
I Recommend Him Highly
"This Dr uses the Da Vinci robot to do surgery. I had prostate cancer, he removed it . He great, talented and I recommend him highly."
- M.P. -
REACH US
2460 Samaritan Drive
San Jose, CA 95124
HOURS
Mon–Fri: 8:30am–5pm
Tel: 408-596-5200
Office: 408 358 2030 ext 211
Toll Free: 888-506-1225
option 0
FAX: 408-358-2036
SEND US A MESSAGE
New patients are always welcome. Contact us if you have any questions, or to book an appointment.
Dr. Shahram - Shawn Gholami
2460 Samaritan Drive
San Jose, CA 95124
Get In Touch
REACH US
2460 Samaritan Drive
San Jose, CA 95124
HOURS
Mon–Fri: 8:30am–5pm
Tel: 408-596-5200
Office: 408 358 2030 ext 211
Toll Free: 888-506-1225
option 0
FAX: 408-358-2036
SEND US A MESSAGE
New patients are always welcome. Contact us if you have any questions, or to book an appointment.
Dr. Shahram - Shawn Gholami
2460 Samaritan Drive
San Jose, CA 95124
Our
ARTICLES
Book An
APPOINTMENT
Refer A
FRIEND
M.D. FACS Urologic Surgeons of Northern California
CONTACT
2460 Samaritan Drive
San Jose, CA 95124
Telephone: 408-596-5200
Office: 408-358-2030 option 1
Toll Free: 888-506-1225 option 0
FAX: 408-358-2036
OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5pm
