15 Jan Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Symptoms, Testing, and Modern Treatments (Including UroLift)
If you are getting up at night to urinate, feeling urgency during the day, or noticing a weak stream, you are not alone. For many men over 45, these changes point to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — a common, noncancerous enlargement of the prostate.
The good news is that BPH is manageable. With the right evaluation and a personalized treatment plan, you can protect your bladder health and get back to uninterrupted days and nights.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that can narrow the urethra and restrict urine flow.
Common symptoms include:
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Frequent urination, especially at night
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Sudden urgency
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Slow, weak, or interrupted stream
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Straining to urinate
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Difficulty starting
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Feeling that the bladder does not fully empty
These symptoms are treated by a urologist, who specializes in conditions such as urinary problems, kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, urinary infections, and urologic cancers.
If urinary symptoms are affecting your sleep or quality of life, a urology evaluation is the right next step.
Does an Enlarged Prostate Increase PSA?
Yes — benign prostatic hyperplasia often increases PSA.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is produced by prostate tissue, so larger prostates typically make more PSA. Other factors can also raise PSA, including:
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Infection or inflammation
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Recent ejaculation
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Prostate procedures
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Urinary retention
An elevated PSA does not automatically mean cancer, but it does require proper evaluation by a urologist.
What Is a Normal PSA for a 60-Year-Old?
There is no single “normal” PSA number for every man.
Many clinicians use 4.0 ng/mL as a general reference for men over 60, but interpretation also depends on:
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Prostate size
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PSA trends over time
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Family history
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Exam findings
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Symptoms
Your Palmetto urologist will evaluate PSA in the full clinical context to determine whether further testing is needed.
How Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Is Diagnosed
At your first Palmetto Urology visit, your provider will review your symptoms, medications, and medical history. Testing may include:
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Digital rectal exam
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Urinalysis
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Symptom questionnaire
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Post-void residual test
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PSA blood test
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Uroflowmetry (urine flow measurement)
If needed, imaging or cystoscopy may be scheduled on a separate visit.
Treatment Options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Your treatment plan is based on your symptoms, goals, and prostate size.
Lifestyle changes
Simple steps can reduce symptoms:
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Limit evening fluids
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Reduce caffeine and alcohol
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Use timed bathroom visits
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Empty your bladder before bed
One of the most effective strategies is stopping fluids two to three hours before sleep, which often reduces nighttime trips.
Medications
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Alpha blockers improve urine flow quickly
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5-alpha-reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate over time
Side effects vary, so your urologist will help you decide what fits your goals.
Minimally invasive procedures
These relieve blockage without major surgery and include thermal therapies and prostatic urethral lift (UroLift).
Surgery
For very large prostates or severe symptoms, laser therapy or TURP may be recommended.
UroLift for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
UroLift is a minimally invasive treatment for BPH that uses tiny implants to lift prostate tissue away from the urethra — improving urine flow without cutting, heating, or removing tissue.
Who is a good candidate for UroLift?
Men with:
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Moderate to severe BPH symptoms
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Prostate anatomy suitable for implants
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A desire to avoid long-term medications
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A goal of preserving sexual function
What patients like about UroLift
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Outpatient procedure
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Usually no catheter
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Fast recovery
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Improvement often within two weeks
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Does not cause erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction
Does insurance cover UroLift?
Yes — Medicare and many private insurance plans cover UroLift when medical criteria are met. Palmetto’s team assists with prior authorization.
What to Expect at Palmetto Adult & Children’s Urology
Your visit begins with a full evaluation of your symptoms and goals. Procedures such as UroLift are scheduled for a separate date after testing is completed.
You will receive:
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Pre-procedure instructions
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Medication guidance
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Follow-up care to monitor results
Virtual visits are available for certain appointment types.
📞 Call (843) 797-6600 to schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a urologist treat?
Urinary problems, BPH, kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, infections, infertility, and urologic cancers in men, women, and children.
Will BPH increase PSA?
Yes — larger prostates often raise PSA levels.
What is a normal PSA for a 60-year-old?
Many men are under 4.0 ng/mL, but trends and prostate size matter more than a single number.
What is a simple way to reduce nighttime urination?
Stop fluids two to three hours before bed and empty your bladder right before sleeping.
Does UroLift affect sexual function?
No — it preserves erectile and ejaculatory function.
Schedule Your BPH Evaluation
If urinary symptoms are disrupting your sleep or daily life, Palmetto Adult & Children’s Urology is here to help.
📞 Call (843) 797-6600 to schedule an appointment in Summerville, North Charleston, or Nexton.
Bring:
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Photo ID
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Insurance card
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Current medication list
Summary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is common — and highly treatable. Many men improve with lifestyle changes or medications. For those who want faster, longer-lasting relief without daily pills, UroLift offers an effective, minimally invasive option that preserves sexual function.
Call (843) 797-6600 to confirm insurance coverage and schedule your visit with Palmetto Adult & Children’s Urology.