Question
My father has BPH and has been on medication for a while, but his symptoms haven't improved. Could surgery be a solution? I'm also worried about how well he would cope with surgery given his age.
Answer
It's important to know that while surgery can greatly reduce the symptoms of BPH, it does not guarantee a permanent cure. If the prostate isn't completely removed, it may continue to grow. This happens because of natural hormonal changes, especially a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Think of it like a callus on your foot - if it's not completely removed, it can come back.
Can Surgery Completely Cure BPH for Older Men?
There are bph surgery options for older men beyond traditional surgery. There are minimally invasive options, such as laser surgery (HoLEP), prostatic urethral lift (UroLift), water vapor (Rezum) or water jet (Aquablation) therapies.
These procedures usually have less risk of bleeding and shorter recovery times, making them good options for patients with heart or lung problems or those who can't stop taking blood thinners.
Why does the prostate keep growing?
The prostate grows as men age due to hormonal changes. DHT, a form of testosterone, causes prostate cells to grow. Although total testosterone decreases with age, DHT levels in the prostate remain high.
Estrogen also increases as men age, contributing to this growth. This is why BPH is so common - it affects about half of men over 50 and three-quarters of men over 70.
When is surgery the right option?
Standard BPH surgery involves removing some of the enlarged prostate tissue through the urethra, which helps relieve urinary symptoms.
Surgery may be recommended if,
You can't empty your bladder completely (acute urinary retention)
Bladder stones have formed from urine buildup
Blood appears in your urine due to prostate growth
You have recurrent infections or symptoms that interfere with your quality of life
You don't want to rely on long-term medication
If your father has these problems and is concerned about surgery, I suggest he talk to a urologist. They can talk to him about the safest and most effective options designed for older patients.
I wish your father and your family good health!
Are you a male over the age of 50?
Notice any of these signs?
✔️ A weak or interrupted urine flow
✔️ Frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom
✔️ Difficulty fully emptying your bladder
If any of these apply to you, you may have benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
Simply install the app, use it while urinating, and get results in seconds.
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Home urine flow test app
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*Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide any medical advice. This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.