Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment in Brooklyn
Every night is the same story. The clock marks 2 am and you need to go to the bathroom (again). “It’s just the age,” you might say, or maybe, “I’m drinking too much coffee”. It doesn’t hurt, so is not a serious problem, right? If that sounds familiar, you could be dealing with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, also known as BPH.
Dr. Alfred Shtainer and his team serve residents of numerous boroughs in New York, including Queens and Brooklyn. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of BPH and other problems related to the male reproductive system. If you wish to schedule an appointment, click below.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, better known as BPH or an enlarged prostate, is one of the most common conditions affecting men as they age. By the time a man reaches his sixties, there’s a greater than 50% chance he has some degree of prostate enlargement. By his eighties, that number climbs above 90%.
Yet despite how common it is, many men suffer in silence for years before seeking help. They assume slow urinary flow or frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom are simply part of getting older. They are not. BPH is a treatable medical condition, and ignoring it can lead to serious complications including urinary tract infections, bladder damage, and in severe cases, kidney problems.
Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
These symptoms can overlap with other urological conditions. That’s the main reason why an accurate diagnosis from Dr. Shtainer is necessary to craft the foundation of an effective treatment. Most patients will show these signals when they develop an enlarged prostate:
- Discomfort When Urinating: Pain, burning, or a persistent sensation of pressure during urination are signs that the enlarged prostate is impacting the urinary tract.
- Urinary Urgency: A sudden, overwhelming need to urinate that is difficult to control. Urgency can strike at work, during sleep, or in social situations, limiting where you go and what you do.Ā
- Blood in Urine: Finding blood in your urine is always a reason to seek prompt evaluation. In enlarged prostate patients, hematuria can result from pressure and stress on the urinary tract. While it is not always serious, it requires a thorough diagnostic workup to rule out other conditions and determine the appropriate course of action.
- Lower Abdomen Pain: Persistent aching, pressure, or cramping in the lower abdomen can indicate BPH-related bladder stress or inflammation. This discomfort often goes unaddressed because men assume it is unrelated to their prostate.
Treatment Options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in BrooklynĀ
Before any treatment begins, we measure the prostate precisely. Prostate size determines which treatments are appropriate, how urgently action is needed, and how likely each option is to succeed. After a blood test, Dr. Shtainer will distinguish BPH from prostate cancer and will establish a baseline for monitoring treatment progress over time. Thanks to proper assessment, we can decide what options to put on the table:Ā
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- Behavioral Modifications: For mild to moderate symptoms, targeted lifestyle changes can significantly reduce BPH’s impact without medication or surgery.Ā
- Herbal Supplements: We use evidence-supported supplements that have shown benefit in managing mild BPH symptoms and improving urinary flow for some patients. We guide patients through which options have genuine clinical backing and which do not.
- Medication: Alpha-blockers relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, providing rapid symptom relief. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors work over time to actually shrink the prostate. Combination therapy is often used for more advanced cases. We prescribe based on your PSA results, prostate size, and symptom profile.
- The Rezum Treatment: Rezum Water Vapor Therapy is a breakthrough in BPH treatment and one of the most patient-friendly options available in New York.
- Surgery.
If you’re experiencing BPH symptoms and are located in New York Cityāincluding Brooklyn or QueensāDr. Shtainer can help you to take the first step toward lasting relief. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shtainer today.
About Dr. Alfred Shtainer
With a professional career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Alfred Shtainer is one of the most prominent urology specialists in New York. Board-certified urologist and a member of the American College of Surgeons, he holds a teaching position as a Clinical Instructor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He serves as an attending urologist at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center.
FAQ
Is BPH the same as prostate cancer?
No. BPH is a non-cancerous prostate enlargement, while prostate cancer involves malignant cell growth. Dr. Shtainer runs blood tests to confirm which one you're dealing with, since having BPH doesn't raise your cancer risk.
At what age should men start worrying about BPH?
Symptoms can start as early as your forties and become more common by your fifties and sixties. Watch for changes in urinary habits rather than focusing on age alone.
Can BPH go away on its own?
Usually not. The prostate tends to keep growing over time, so early treatment helps prevent complications like bladder or kidney issues.
What is Rezum, and how is it different from surgery?
Rezum uses steam vapor to shrink prostate tissue with minimal downtime, unlike traditional surgery's longer recovery. Dr. Shtainer will confirm if you're a candidate based on prostate size and symptoms.
Will insurance cover BPH treatment in Brooklyn?
We accept most major providers and HMOs, including Aetna, Cigna, Medicare, United Health Care, WellCare, Fidelis Care, and many more, plus cash and credit card payments. If your plan isn't listed, contact us to verify coverage.
How soon can I expect symptom relief after starting treatment?
Alpha-blockers can bring relief within days, while other medications or Rezum take weeks to months for full effect.