BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) Treatment in New York, NY
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that affects about half of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men by their 80s. As the prostate grows, it can squeeze the urethra and make urination slow, frequent, and frustrating. At Prostate Cancer 911, Dr. David Samadi offers advanced BPH diagnosis and a full range of treatments, from medication to minimally invasive procedures and surgery, to relieve symptoms and restore your quality of life.
What Causes an Enlarged Prostate?
The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, but it is closely tied to aging and changes in male hormones. Over time, shifting levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estrogen stimulate prostate cells to multiply. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, even modest growth can narrow the passage that carries urine out of the bladder. Family history, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and inactivity may also increase the likelihood of bothersome symptoms.
BPH does not cause prostate cancer, and it does not raise your risk of developing it. However, the two conditions can exist at the same time and share some symptoms, which is why a thorough evaluation is important. Learn more about prostate cancer.
Common BPH Symptoms to Watch For
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- A sudden, urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty starting urination or a weak, interrupted stream
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Feeling that the bladder never fully empties
Left untreated, BPH can lead to urinary retention, bladder stones, infections, and kidney damage.
Expert BPH Diagnosis in Midtown Manhattan
Dr. Samadi begins with a detailed review of your symptoms, often using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Your evaluation may include:
- A digital rectal exam to assess prostate size and texture
- Urinalysis to rule out infection or blood in the urine
- A PSA blood test to help screen for prostate cancer
- Uroflowmetry to measure the strength of your urine stream
- A post-void residual ultrasound to see how much urine remains in the bladder
- Prostate ultrasound or MRI to measure gland size when planning treatment
If your PSA is elevated, additional testing may be recommended. See our elevated PSA page.
Non-Surgical BPH Treatment Options
Active Surveillance (Watchful Waiting)
Men with mild symptoms may simply monitor their condition with regular checkups. Lifestyle changes such as limiting fluids before bed, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and avoiding decongestants can make a noticeable difference.
Medication Therapy
- Alpha blockers such as tamsulosin relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck to improve flow, often within days.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride shrink the prostate over several months.
- Tadalafil can improve urinary symptoms and may also help erectile dysfunction.
- Combination therapy may be recommended for larger prostates.
Minimally Invasive and Surgical BPH Treatments
When medications are not enough or cause unwanted side effects, a procedure may provide longer-lasting relief. Dr. Samadi explains who needs BPH surgery and why in this video.
The UroLift System
The UroLift procedure uses small implants to lift and hold enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. It is performed without cutting or removing tissue, offers quick recovery, and preserves sexual function, including ejaculation.
GreenLight Laser PVP
GreenLight Laser PVP uses laser energy to vaporize excess prostate tissue and open the urinary channel, with minimal bleeding and a short recovery.
Button TURP and TURP
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) removes obstructing tissue through the urethra and remains a gold-standard treatment. Button TURP uses a bipolar vaporization electrode to remove tissue with less bleeding.
Robotic and Open Simple Prostatectomy
For very large prostates, removing the inner portion of the gland with robotic or open surgery may provide the most complete and durable relief.
Find Relief From BPH Symptoms
You do not have to live with constant bathroom trips and interrupted sleep. Explore our enlarged prostate treatment and urinary issues pages, or call Prostate Cancer 911 at (212) 365-5000 to schedule a BPH evaluation with Dr. Samadi.
Related Care and Resources at Prostate Cancer 911
BPH FAQs
Is BPH the same as prostate cancer?
No. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It does not turn into cancer or increase your risk, though both conditions can occur together.
At what age does BPH usually start?
Prostate growth begins in middle age. About half of men in their 50s have BPH, and up to 90% of men in their 80s do.
Can BPH be treated without surgery?
Yes. Lifestyle changes and medications such as alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors control symptoms for many men.
What is the UroLift procedure?
UroLift uses small implants to hold enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, improving urine flow without cutting tissue and with a quick recovery.
Will BPH treatment affect my sexual function?
Some medications and surgeries can affect ejaculation. Options like UroLift are designed to preserve sexual function. Dr. Samadi will discuss trade-offs with you.
What happens if BPH is left untreated?
Untreated BPH can lead to urinary retention, bladder stones, recurrent infections, bladder damage, and in severe cases, kidney problems.
How do I schedule a BPH evaluation?
Call (212) 365-5000 or request an appointment with Dr. Samadi in Midtown Manhattan.
Schedule Your Consultation With NYC’s Leading Urologist
Take control of your health today. Whether you are seeking a second opinion or experiencing symptoms like hematuria, Dr. David Samadi and the team at Prostate Cancer 911 are here to provide world-class care in Midtown Manhattan.
Request an AppointmentOffice Location: 485 Madison Ave, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 365-5000