BPH & Prostate Health
Trouble Urinating?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition characterized by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, primarily affecting aging men. As men age, the prostate gland naturally undergoes growth, leading to BPH in a significant portion of the male population. Prevalence rates of BPH increase with age, with studies indicating that approximately 50% of men over the age of 50 and up to 90% of men over the age of 80 experience symptoms related to BPH. While the exact cause of BPH remains unclear, hormonal changes, particularly the imbalance between testosterone and estrogen levels, and the influence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are believed to play key roles in prostate enlargement.
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Treatment Options:
Oral Medications: Alpha Blockers such as tamsulosin and alfuzosin, 5 Alpha Reductase Inhibitors such as finasteride or dutasteride, and Phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as tadalafil. There is also some data to support the use of some supplements in aiding mild BPH symptoms such as Saw Palmetto.
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Minimally Invasive Therapies: Trans Urethral Needle ablasion (TUNA), Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT), Water Vapor Thermal Therapy (Rezum) and Prostatic Lift (Urolift)
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Surgical Options: Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP, also called Greenlight), Holmium Laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), Simple open prostatectomy.
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Emerging Therapies: aquablation therapy and prostate artery embolization
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We are well versed in almost all options for management of BPH. While we do not provide services outside of medication management for symptoms, we would be happy to discuss all therapies listed above and offer your our expert recommendation based on your unique presentation. We also recommend an evaluation for BPH prior to consideration of hormone therapies. These services are offered at our physical location in Hagerstown, MD as well as Telehealth to anyone in MD, VA, PA, WV, and DE.
Elevated PSA, Prostate Cancer, and Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in men worldwide, with significant variations in its prevalence based on geographic location, socioeconomic factors, and demographic characteristics. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men globally, accounting for approximately 1.4 million new cases and over 375,000 deaths annually. In the United States, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, with an estimated 248,530 new cases and 34,130 deaths in 2021 alone, as reported by the American Cancer Society.
Prevalence rates of prostate cancer vary among different socioeconomic and demographic groups. In the United States, African American men have the highest incidence rate of prostate cancer, followed by Caribbean men of African descent, while Asian American and Hispanic men have lower incidence rates. Age is a significant risk factor for prostate cancer, with the majority of cases diagnosed in men over the age of 50, and the risk increasing with age. Additionally, family history and genetic factors play a role in prostate cancer risk, with men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer being at higher risk themselves. There are also some familial and hereditary risks to consider in certain individuals.
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The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a widely used screening tool for prostate cancer, although its efficacy and controversy surround its use. The PSA test measures the levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in the blood. Elevated PSA levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, but they can also result from other non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. Consequently, the PSA test can lead to false positives, prompting unnecessary invasive procedures and anxiety for patients. Despite its limitations, the PSA test remains a valuable tool in detecting prostate cancer early, especially when used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and individualized risk assessments.
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At Virtus, we are experts at interpreting PSA values as well as providing guidance for prostate cancer. We do not perform surgical procedures at our clinic, but we would be happy to provide any second opinions and approach suggestions for patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. We can also provide long term guidance on living after prostate cancer, expectations, common issues, and what to do if your PSA elevates following a curative therapy (prostatectomy or radiation).
Making frequent trips to the bathroom?
Get in touch and let us help you out!
Address
18117 Maugans Ave Ste 201
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone
240-563-9247