The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. Located near the bladder, the prostate is the size and shape of a walnut. The urethra, which carries urine out of the body, runs through the center of the prostate.
As a man ages, his prostate grows in size. This normally happens between the ages of 40 to 50. This can lead to benign prostatic hypertrophy, better known as BPH. The enlarged prostate can slow the flow of urine from the bladder.
BPH is a common condition that affects men over age 50.
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Urinating more often at night
- A difficult time starting urination or a delay while urinating
- A urine stream that is weak or slow that stops and starts
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- A feeling that you are not fully emptying your bladder
- Age
- Family History
- Diabetes or Heart Disease (beta-blockers may increase your risk)
- Obesity
The UroLift® System is a minimally invasive treatment that relieves BPH symptoms. During the in-office procedure, small implants hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra to increase the opening and allow a better flow of urine. There is minimal downtime with this procedure.