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Technology offers relief for symptoms of enlarged prostate

As men age, they begin to notice a variety of changes with their bodies that are a normal part of the aging process. For many men over the age of 50, one of the changes they may notice is a frequent and sudden urge to urinate - a problem that can disrupt the quality of their life. In most situations, these and other symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate, a condition also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). 

BPH, or enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous condition in which the prostate cells begin to increase in number. It's a normal part of the aging process for men, typically affecting men over the age of 50. 

Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center offers a non-surgical, outpatient treatment to relieve the symptoms of enlarged prostate. Microwave thermal therapy is offered monthly through a mobile service.

“Thermotherapy is a painless and minimally invasive treatment,” said Dr. Thomas Serey, a Danville urologist. Serey and his partners, Drs. Richard Nallinger and William Rankin, are trained and certified to perform the procedure. 

Thermotherapy is the preferred treatment for enlarged prostate because it improves symptoms and urine flow without the side effects, such as urinary dribbling and impotence, associated with surgery. 

Thermotherapy involves the use of a topical anesthetic gel and a special catheter that is inserted into the bladder. The catheter directs heat deep into the prostate in order to destroy the enlarged prostate tissue. The treatment typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, and patients experience the full benefit of the treatment in four to eight weeks. Results typically last several years. 

Men may have enlarged prostate if they routinely experience any of the following symptoms:

• frequent and urgent need to urinate both day and night
• difficulty starting urination
• weak urine flow
• stopping and starting of urine flow
• feeling of being unable to completely empty the bladder
• urinary incontinence
• interference with sexual activity

Enlarged prostate is not life-threatening but if left untreated it can lead to more serious health problems, such as impotence, bladder infection and kidney dysfunction. For more information about enlarged prostate and microwave thermal therapy, please call (859)236-9670.