Mayo Clinic home page [logo]

Search

  • Print
  • Adjust type size:
  • Font size down
  • Font size up

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Overview

Each year, urologists at Mayo Clinic diagnose and treat more than 6,000 patients who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Minimally invasive techniques are among the specialty services offered at Mayo. These procedures typically result in shorter hospital stays, less discomfort and bleeding and a shorter recovery period.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., was ranked among the top centers for urology in 2007 by U.S. News and World Report.

Diagnosis

Urologists at Mayo Clinic use the latest tests and procedures to diagnose BPH. In some cases more complex evaluations are used to measure urine flow or to visually inspect the prostate. Test results generally are available to the urologist within 24 hours in Mayo's state-of-the-art electronic medical record. Read more about benign prostatic byperplasia (bph) diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment at Mayo Clinic is tailored to each patient's needs. Experts may recommend behavior changes and medications to help some men with mild symptoms avoid surgery. For moderate cases of BPH, microwave thermal therapy, laser therapies, transurethral needle ablation and other minimally invasive therapies can be used to destroy overgrown tissue. Mayo physicians are also investigating experimental therapies, such as injection of enzymes and other substances to shrink the prostate. The pros and cons of each option are discussed in detail during treatment planning. Read more about benign prostatic byperplasia (bph) treatment options.

About Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Illustration of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Illustration of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Enlarge

Enlargement of the prostate gland (known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) is very common in older men. BPH affects 40 percent of men in their 50s and 90 percent of men in their 80s. If the enlarged gland begins to press upon the urethra and to interfere with urination, then treatment may be needed.

New, less-invasive procedures developed over the last decade offer expanded options for men suffering from BPH.

See the Health Decision Guide for enlarged prostate at
www.MayoClinic.com
A service of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Photo of Jack Ferris

Patient Stories

Jack Ferris

Jack Ferris says that receiving laser treatment for his enlarged prostate seemed easier than getting a tooth filled.

Read Jack's story.

Read all patient stories.

Request Appointment

Request an Appointment

  • Arizona
  • Florida
  • Minnesota
Terms of Use and Information Applicable to this Site
Copyright ©2001-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved.

.