Living with an Enlarged Prostate: You Have Options

Many men accept urinary problems as just another part of getting older. They adapt their lives around frequent bathroom trips, disrupted sleep, and the constant need to know where the nearest toilet is. Long car journeys become more stressful, theatre visits require careful planning, and a good night’s sleep can become increasingly rare.

Often, it’s not until a partner points it out that men realise just how much these symptoms are affecting their daily lives.

These common symptoms are often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), better known as an enlarged prostate. BPH is one of the most common health conditions affecting older men. By the age of 60, around half of men will have an enlarged prostate, rising to as many as 80–90% of men later in life.

Whilst BPH is not cancer and is not usually life-threatening, it can have a significant impact on quality of life. As the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra, making it more difficult for urine to flow normally.

Common signs include:

• Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night
• A weak or interrupted flow
• Difficulty starting urination
• Feeling unable to fully empty the bladder
• Sudden or urgent needs to urinate
• Returning to the toilet again shortly after finishing

For many men, the biggest challenge is not the symptoms themselves but the effect they have on everyday life. Interrupted sleep can lead to tiredness, reduced concentration and lower energy levels. The need to stay close to a toilet can affect travel, social occasions, exercise and even confidence. Some men find themselves drinking less to avoid needing the toilet, whilst others quietly stop doing activities they once enjoyed.

Advancements in Treatment

Urinary symptoms should always be discussed with a healthcare professional, as they can sometimes be associated with other conditions, including prostate cancer. However, for many men, the cause is BPH, and there are now more treatment options available than ever before.

Medication can help many men manage their symptoms, but it may not provide sufficient relief for everyone, and some men prefer to explore alternatives. Fortunately, treatment options have advanced considerably in recent years.

One option is Aquablation therapy. This advanced robotic-assisted treatment for BPH combines real-time ultrasound imaging with a heat-free waterjet to remove excess prostate tissue. Designed to provide effective symptom relief, Aquablation therapy also aims to help preserve urinary continence and sexual function, outcomes that are particularly important to many men when considering treatment.

The treatment is now available at a growing number of NHS and private hospitals across the UK, including several hospitals in London and the South East.

Taking the First Step

Many men live with symptoms of an enlarged prostate for years before seeking advice. Some assume it is simply part of ageing, whilst others are unaware that treatment options have evolved significantly in recent years.

No one should feel they have to quietly tolerate symptoms that affect their sleep, wellbeing and enjoyment of life. If you recognise these symptoms in yourself – or in someone you care about – speaking to a healthcare professional is the first step towards understanding the cause and exploring the treatment options available.

To learn more about Aquablation therapy and find a specialist near you, visit aquablation.co.uk.