BPH Specialist

The Urology Group

Urologist located in Hardeeville, SC

Nearly half of men over 50 will experience symptoms of BPH in the US each year. To improve your urinary health, Manuel Perez, MD, offers customized treatment plans that address the root cause of your prostate problems. At his offices in Hilton Head Island and Hardeeville, South Carolina, Dr. Perez provides the latest advancements in diagnostic testing and tailors treatment plans to meet your specific health needs. To learn more about your treatment options for BPH, schedule a consultation at The Urology Group today, by phone, or by using the online feature.

BPH Q & A

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a term that describes enlargement in the prostate gland. BPH is a common condition that affects men as they get older because of age-related changes in the prostate, an organ that sits below the bladder.

For many men, the prostate continues to grow throughout their lifetime. In BPH, this growth enlarges the prostate enough to cause urinary dysfunction.

Other risk factors for BPH include:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Family history of BPH

In the early stages of BPH, you may not notice any symptoms. However, if the prostate becomes enlarged enough, you can experience several warning signs.

What are the symptoms of BPH?

Changes in your urinary habits are a hallmark sign of BPH. You may notice you urinate more often or develop a sudden, urgent need to urinate. Other symptoms of BPH include:

  • Weak urine stream
  • Increased urination at night
  • Difficulties starting the flow of urine

Even after using the bathroom, you may never feel like your bladder is empty.

Because these signs can all be symptoms of other underlying health issues, such as a urinary tract infection, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at The Urology Group as soon as possible.

How is BPH diagnosed?

During your evaluation, Dr. Perez takes the time to listen to your symptoms and discuss your lifestyle. He also reviews your personal and family medical history.

Dr. Perez also offers several in-office diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of BPH, such as:

Transrectal ultrasound

A transrectal ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create visual images of the prostate and surrounding structures to identify the cause of urinary dysfunction.

UroCuff®

UroCuff is an in-office diagnostic test for men with urinary disorders. The UroCuff test uses a cuff that fits over the penis and measures important information about bladder activities, including the amount of pressure in your bladder, urine flow rate, and how much urine you eliminate.

Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that involves inserting a tube with an attached camera into the urethra. The tube moves slowly into your bladder while sending real-time images of the urethra and bladder lining to an external monitor.

How is BPH treated?

Your treatment plan for BPH depends on how enlarged the prostate is and the severity of your symptoms. Initially, Dr. Perez may take a wait-and-see approach to monitor your prostate size and symptoms or prescribe medicine to relax your bladder muscles. He also offers several in-office procedures to treat BPH.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

When symptoms are more severe, you may need TURP, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove part of the prostate that interferes with urine flow. Dr. Perez inserts a lighted scope into your urethra and removes the necessary tissue.

UroLift®

The innovative UroLift system is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure that uses implants to lift and hold enlarged prostate tissue out of the way of the urinary tract.

If you’re finding it difficult to urinate, schedule a BPH evaluation at The Urology Group by phone or by requesting an appointment online today.