BPH Specialist

Golden Gate Urology Berkeley Our Services BPH
Golden Gate Urology Berkeley - - Urologist

Golden Gate Urology Berkeley

Urologists & Pediatric Urologists located in Berkeley, CA

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a very common condition that affects up to 60% of men over the age of 40. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, urologists Joel A. Piser, MD, Chi K. Lee, MD, Andrew J. Pienkny, MD, Daniel Oberlin, MD, and Greg A. Barmé, MD, at Golden Gate Urology Berkeley in Berkeley, California, provide a number of cutting-edge in-office diagnostics and treatments to relieve your symptoms and restore your urinary health. To speak with a urologist about your prostate health, book an appointment by phone or online today.

BPH Q&A

What are the symptoms of BPH?

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:


  • Frequent urination (including nighttime urination)
  • A weak stream of urine
  • Difficulty emptying your bladder
  • Trouble starting urination
  • A urine stream that stops and starts


In most cases, BPH happens slowly over time, so the condition frequently goes unnoticed for some time. The size of your prostate doesn’t always determine the severity of your symptoms. If you notice changes to your urinary health, the urology experts at Golden Gate Urology Berkeley can help you determine the cause of your condition and the best treatment for effective relief. 


What causes BPH?

For most men, the prostate gland keeps growing throughout their lifetime. While this gradual enlargement doesn’t always cause issues, changes to the size of the prostate can eventually block the flow of urine and impair your urinary functions. 

The exact cause of BPH isn’t fully understood, but experts believe factors like hormonal changes and other age-related changes play the most significant role. BPH is common in men over 40 and affects about one-third of men by the age of 60. 


Is BPH related to prostate cancer?

Benign prostate hyperplasia refers to noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. BPH primarily affects your urinary functions and does not increase your risk of prostate cancer. Because the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer can be similar, it’s important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis. 


How is BPH diagnosed?

To diagnose your condition, your doctor begins with a physical exam and a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may perform a number of additional tests like a urine test or blood test to check for issues like infections, kidney problems, and prostate cancer. 

Golden Gate Urology Berkeley also offers UroCuff™, a noninvasive test that allows your doctor to evaluate your bladder function without catheterization. 


What treatments are available?

The team works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan designed to eliminate your symptoms and restore your urinary function. Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, the size of your prostate, and the status of your overall health. 

If your condition is mild, your doctor may recommend medication or choose to simply monitor your condition over time. In many cases, BPH stabilizes and symptoms ease without treatment. If your condition is more severe or doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, Golden Gate Urology Berkeley specializes in a number of minimally invasive in-office procedures including:


  • UroLift®
  • Rezum™
  • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
  • Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP)


To speak with an expert urologist about your symptoms, call Golden Gate Urology Berkeley or book an appointment online today. 

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