As the prostate enlarges, it can place pressure on the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine from the bladder.
Many men experience symptoms such as a weak urinary stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination, urgency, incomplete bladder emptying and waking multiple times overnight to pass urine. While medications can often provide relief, some men continue to experience bothersome symptoms despite treatment or develop complications that require procedural intervention.
Modern BPH treatments range from minimally invasive procedures that preserve sexual function through to advanced surgical techniques designed to treat larger prostates and more severe obstruction.
Dr Paul Manohar provides comprehensive assessment and treatment of BPH, helping patients choose the most appropriate option based on their symptoms, prostate size, lifestyle and treatment goals.
There are several effective treatment options available for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. Dr Paul Manohar offers a range of modern minimally invasive and surgical treatments tailored to each patient’s symptoms, prostate size and treatment goals. Explore the options below to learn more about the available procedures and their potential benefits.
UroLift is a minimally invasive treatment designed to improve urinary symptoms caused by prostate enlargement without removing prostate tissue.
During the procedure, small implants are placed within the prostate to lift and hold the enlarged tissue away from the urethra. This creates a wider channel for urine to pass through and reduces obstruction.
One of the major advantages of UroLift is that it can often be performed as a day procedure with a relatively quick recovery. The procedure does not involve cutting, heating or removing prostate tissue and generally has a low risk of sexual side effects.
Benefits of UroLift may include:
UroLift is generally best suited to men with mild to moderate prostate enlargement and may not be appropriate for all prostate anatomies. A thorough assessment is required to determine suitability.
Rezūm is a minimally invasive treatment that uses targeted water vapour therapy to reduce excess prostate tissue.
The procedure delivers controlled doses of steam directly into the enlarged prostate. As the treated tissue is gradually absorbed by the body over time, pressure on the urethra decreases and urinary symptoms improve.
Rezūm offers an alternative to traditional surgery for appropriately selected patients and is often performed as a day procedure.
Potential benefits of Rezūm include:
While symptom improvement may take several weeks to become noticeable, many men experience meaningful long-term relief without requiring more invasive surgery.
Rezūm may be particularly attractive to men seeking a less invasive treatment option while maintaining sexual function.
TURP is one of the most established and widely performed surgical treatments for benign prostate enlargement.
During the procedure, excess prostate tissue is removed through the urethra using specialised instruments. No external incisions are required.
For many years, TURP has been considered the benchmark surgical treatment for BPH and continues to provide excellent outcomes for appropriately selected patients.
Benefits of TURP may include:
Following surgery, most patients notice a substantial improvement in urinary symptoms and quality of life.
As with any surgical procedure, TURP carries potential risks and side effects. These may include bleeding, infection, retrograde ejaculation and, less commonly, urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Dr Manohar discusses these considerations in detail when assessing treatment options.
HoLEP is an advanced laser procedure used to treat enlarged prostates, particularly in men with larger glands or more significant urinary obstruction.
During HoLEP, a specialised laser is used to separate and remove the obstructing portion of the prostate from within its capsule. The tissue is then removed from the bladder and sent for pathological analysis if required.
HoLEP has become increasingly recognised as one of the most effective surgical treatments for BPH and offers several advantages over traditional approaches.
Potential benefits of HoLEP include:
Because the procedure removes a substantial amount of obstructing tissue, symptom improvement is often dramatic and long-lasting.
HoLEP is a highly specialised procedure requiring advanced surgical training and experience. Not all centres offer HoLEP, making specialist assessment important when considering treatment options for larger prostates.
There is no single treatment that is right for every man with BPH. The most appropriate option depends on several factors, including:
Some men may benefit from minimally invasive treatments such as UroLift or Rezūm, while others may achieve better long-term outcomes with TURP or HoLEP.
Dr Paul Manohar provides personalised assessment and evidence-based recommendations to help patients understand the advantages and limitations of each treatment option. Together, you can determine the approach that best aligns with your symptoms, treatment goals and long-term expectations.
If urinary symptoms are affecting your quality of life, early assessment can help identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment options.
Dr Paul Manohar provides comprehensive care for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), from initial assessment through to advanced minimally invasive and surgical treatments. He welcomes both public and private patients and consults across Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern suburbs.
Contact the practice today to arrange an appointment and discuss your treatment options.
Whether you are experiencing concerning symptoms, have a recent diagnosis, or are seeking a second opinion, Dr Paul Manohar provides experienced, personalised urological care across South-Eastern Melbourne and Gippsland.
Consulting locations include:
