About BPH
A Common Condition with Real Solutions
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate, a condition that affects over 50% of men over 50 and becomes even more common with age.
Symptoms of BPH
While BPH is not cancerous and does not increase prostate cancer risk, it can lead to persistent and disruptive urinary symptoms that impact the quality of life.
An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra, causing a range of urinary issues, including:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy)
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
- Sudden urges to urinate (urgency)
- Dribbling after urination
These symptoms can interfere with sleep, work, travel, and the overall quality of life.
Is BPH Prostate Cancer?
Having BPH does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It doesn’t increase your risk of developing prostate cancer, and it doesn’t turn into cancer over time.
However, BPH and prostate cancer can have overlapping symptoms, which is why proper evaluation is important. If you’re experiencing ongoing urinary issues or if you have a family history of prostate cancer, consult with a urologist to rule out more serious conditions and explore your treatment options.
How is BPH Treated?
Traditional treatment options include:
Medications (Alpha-blockers, 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors)
These help relax/open the prostate or shrink its size to improve urinary symptoms. However, they often come with side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and erectile and/or ejaculatory dysfunction.
Traditional Surgical Procedures (TURP, HoLEP, GreenLight Laser, Simple Retropubic Prostatectomy)
These remove or vaporize prostate tissue but require a hospital stay, general anaesthesia, longer recovery, and carry a higher risk of side effects like incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
Many men seek alternatives that provide lasting relief without the downsides of medication or invasive surgery.
Minimally Invasive BPH Treatments at UIC in Toronto
At Urology Innovations Canada, we specialize in the state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments that provide long-lasting relief with minimal downtime and minimal risk of side effects.
Our BPH Treatment Options
Rezum Water Vapor Therapy – Uses steam energy to shrink prostate tissue in a quick, in-office procedure.
iTind Therapy – A temporary implantable device that reshapes the prostate over 5-7 days and is then removed.
Optilume BPH – A drug-coated balloon that expands the urethra and prevents future obstruction.
No hospital stay, no prolonged recovery, and no major lifestyle disruption.
Not sure where to start? Compare your options in our BPH treatment chart.