BPH Treatment: Enlarged Prostate Symptoms and Solutions

An enlarged prostate can cause a weak urinary stream, increased frequency, urgency and disturbed sleep. Although these symptoms become more common with age, men do not have to accept them as an inevitable part of getting older.

Mr Grigorios Kyriazis is a Consultant Urological Surgeon offering private assessment and treatment for enlarged prostate symptoms at Spire Leeds Hospital and Spire Methley Park Hospital.

Treatment is tailored to the severity of your symptoms, test results, prostate size, general health and personal priorities.

The prostate is a small gland situated below the bladder. As men age, the prostate commonly enlarges. This is a benign (non-cancerous) condition and does not necessarily increase the risk of prostate cancer.

However, enlargement may obstruct urine flow and lead to bothersome urinary symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• A weak urinary stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Frequent urination
• Getting up at night to pass urine (nocturia)
• Urgency
• A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Dribbling after urination
• Urinary retention (inability to pass urine)

You should consider seeing a urologist if:

• Your urinary symptoms are affecting your quality of life
• Medication is not helping
• You develop recurrent urinary tract infections
• You have blood in the urine
• You experience urinary retention
• You are concerned about prostate cancer

Assessment may include:

• Detailed medical history and examination
• Urine testing
• Blood tests including PSA testing
• Ultrasound scan
• Urine flow rate assessment
• Bladder scan
• Flexible cystoscopy where appropriate

These investigations help determine the severity of obstruction and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment is tailored to each individual patient.

Mild symptoms may improve with:

• Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
• Avoiding excessive evening fluids
• Bladder training techniques

Common medications include:

• Alpha blockers
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors

When symptoms are severe or medication is ineffective, surgery may be recommended.

The traditional "gold standard" surgical treatment for BPH.

Laser techniques may be suitable for selected patients.

Aquablation is a newer, minimally invasive treatment that uses robotic waterjet technology to remove obstructing prostate tissue while preserving important structures.

In some patients, untreated obstruction can lead to:

• Urinary retention
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Bladder stones
• Bladder damage
• Kidney problems

• Consultant Urological Surgeon with expertise in benign and complex urology
• Individualised treatment plans
• Access to modern minimally invasive treatments
• Rapid access to investigations and treatment
• Clinics available at Spire Leeds Hospital and Spire Methley Park Hospital

To arrange a consultation regarding enlarged prostate symptoms, please contact:

Email: jo.gray@jgss.co.uk

Telephone: 07951 940 194

Alternatively, appointments can be booked online via the Spire Healthcare website.

No. BPH is a benign condition. However, urinary symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish benign enlargement from other prostate or bladder conditions, so assessment may be appropriate.

Not necessarily. Treatment is usually based on symptoms, bladder emptying, complications and personal preference—not prostate size alone.

Some medications gradually reduce prostate volume, while others relax the prostate and improve urinary flow without shrinking it. The best option depends on prostate size, symptoms and potential side effects.

Most men retain erectile function following surgery for benign enlargement, although erectile difficulties can occur. Changes in ejaculation are considerably more common and should be discussed before choosing a procedure.

Surgery usually produces lasting improvement, but the prostate can continue to grow and bladder-related symptoms may persist or develop independently of obstruction.

Yes. Mr Kyriazis offers second opinions for men considering prostate medication, TURP or other procedural treatments. Previous test results and correspondence are helpful.