Who Are Candidates for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, is a condition that affects men as they age—generally between the ages of 50 and 80+. And of the men between these ages, 50% of those over age 75 tend to have symptoms.

And while the name may sound alarming, BPH is non-cancerous, does not cause prostate cancer, is a normal part of aging, and is usually not serious. Furthermore, it doesn’t affect a man’s ability to father children. However, BPH and prostate cancer have similar expression, so it’s always best to check with a doctor to determine the cause of any symptoms, which may include:

• Weak urine stream
• Sudden or frequent need to urinate
• Dribbling (not being able to get urine stream to stop)
• Feeling like your bladder isn’t completely empty

What Are Some Treatment Options?

Fortunately, a variety of treatment options exist for BPH—most of them non-invasive. For a short list of options, see below. For more detailed treatment information, visit WebMD. 

Active Waiting

Men with more mild symptoms are perfect candidates for this option. By working closely with a doctor, it is possible to alleviate symptoms via diet, exercise, and yearly exams.

Alpha Blockers and Other Therapies

Alpha Blockers can provide immediate relief while also helping to improve urine flow, reduce the blockage, and decrease symptoms. One difficulty to be aware of with this treatment, however, is that it can make it difficult to ejaculate and can cause lightheadedness.

Outpatient Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery can also bring relief from symptoms. It should be noted that additional surgery could be required in the future. Some of the side effects include:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Urinary tract infections
• Burning sensation during urination
• Sudden urge to urinate
• Frequent urination
• Blood in urine

Surgery

Severe cases with major blockage may need a more invasive surgery such as a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)—the most common and successful type of surgery for BPH. With this procedure, a resectoscope is inserted through the tip of the penis into the urethra. Using light, valves, and a loop, the resectoscope removes inflamed tissue and flushes it out of the body. Although no cuts are actually made, a patient can expect to still spend a couple of days in the hospital. Speaking with a urologist can be the most informative way to know if this is the best option. 

BPH Clinical Study in Salt Lake City, Utah

If you live near Salt Lake City, Utah, you may be eligible for an enlarged prostate study. JBR Clinical Research urologists are currently conducting a study on an investigational treatment for BPH. We are currently seeking males 50 years and older who have BPH or an enlarged prostate.

If you qualify, you will receive:

• Study related exam
• Investigational treatment
• Compensation for time and travel related to the study

Call JBR Clinical Research at 801-261-2000 or complete the online BPH research study form to see if you qualify.