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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, affecting more than 50 percent of men over the age of 60. As the prostate grows, it presses against and narrows the urethra, causing a urinary obstruction that makes it difficult to urinate.
BPH is thought to be a natural part of aging. It is related to the presence of circulating male hormones. Risk factors for BPH include increasing age and a family history of the condition. BPH does not lead to prostate cancer, although a patient may have both conditions.
Prostate surgery has helped many men with BPH, but it can also have unwanted side effects such as erectile dysfunction. Today there also are safe and effective non-surgical options to help relieve BPH symptoms and restore men’s quality of life.
One such solution is called TherMatrx®. TherMatrx is a safe, effective, non-surgical approach that can help relieve enlarged prostate symptoms and restore a man’s quality of life. A single treatment administered right in the physician's office can provide long-lasting symptom relief.
According to its developer, American Medical Systems of Minnetonka, Minnesota, TherMatrx is the most widely used BPH thermotherapy treatment in the United States because of its proven safety, significant symptom relief, long-lasting results a simple, comfortable in-office therapy and minimal post-treatment side effects.
Unlike surgical solutions for BPH, TherMatrx does not require cutting, heavy sedation or hospitalization. TherMatrx is a safe, effective, non-surgical approach that can help relieve enlarged prostate symptoms.
TherMatrx works by applying gentle heat to the prostate tissue responsible for the urinary symptoms of BPH. The heat causes changes in the prostate tissue and results in improvement of symptoms.
TherMatrx can help many men, but it is not right for every BPH patient. A urologist will perform tests to determine the best course of treatment. In general, TherMatrx may be a good choice for men who are not satisfied with the results or side effects of their current treatment choice; interested in a one-time, non-surgical treatment; and concerned about sexual side effects.
Sean Manion, M.D., is a board certified urologist at Longmont Clinic. He can be reached at 720-494-3137.
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