Treatment For Enlarged Prostate (BPH) In Queens
Many men spend years ignoring the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), assuming they are a normal part of aging. They are not. If frequent trips to the bathroom, burning during urination, or blood in the urine are interfering with your routine, real solutions exist. With over three decades of experience evaluating and treating BPH, Dr. Shtainer serves Queens patients with a range of clinically evidence-based treatments tailored to each case.
Could I Have An Enlarged Prostate?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the prostate gland enlarges abnormally and begins to compress the urethra and bladder. It is by far the most common cause of urinary problems in men over 50. Leaving it undiagnosed and untreated is not a safe option: over time, the condition tends to progress and can lead to serious complications, including urinary retention and permanent bladder damage.
Warning Signs Of An Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Several of these symptoms can also appear in other urological conditions, making an accurate diagnosis by Dr. Shtainer the essential starting point for any treatment plan. These are the most common manifestations:
- Pain or burning when urinating. A feeling of pressure, burning, or discomfort when urinating usually indicates that the enlarged prostate is already affecting the urinary tract.
- An urgent and unexpected need to urinate. This sudden and difficult-to-control impulse can appear at any time and ends up conditioning what activities he does and where he goes.
- Presence of blood in the urine. This finding should never be ignored and warrants prompt evaluation. In men with an enlarged prostate, it is often caused by sustained pressure on the urinary tract, but only a comprehensive workup can confirm that there is no other underlying cause and guide the appropriate treatment.
- Discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen. Pain, cramps, or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen can reflect inflammation or bladder strain related to BPH. Many patients don’t associate this discomfort with the prostate, so it often goes unnoticed for months.
How We Treat Enlarged Prostate In Our Queens Practice
All treatment begins with an accurate measurement of prostate size, as this directly influences which options are viable, how urgently action is needed, and the likelihood of success for each alternative. We also order a blood test, which allows Dr. Shtainer to differentiate BPH from prostate cancer and establish a baseline value to monitor treatment response over time. Treatment options for BPH include:
- Lifestyle adjustments. In mild or moderate cases, certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the impact of symptoms, without resorting to drugs or procedures.
- Scientifically backed supplements. We only recommend products with real evidence of effectiveness in relieving mild symptoms and improving urinary flow, and we clearly explain which products on the market actually work and which are simply marketing ploys.
- Pharmacological treatment. Alpha-blockers relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, providing fast relief. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors work over a longer period, reducing prostate volume. In more advanced cases, we often combine both approaches. The choice of medication depends on your PSA level, prostate size, and the symptoms you are experiencing.
- Rezum Therapy: This steam therapy represents one of the most significant advances in the management of BPH and is now one of the least invasive alternatives available for patients in Queens.
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 in Mount Sinai and serves as an attending urologist at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center.
FAQ
Is having an enlarged prostate the same as having prostate cancer?
No. BPH is a completely benign condition: it is not cancer, it does not turn into cancer, and it does not increase the risk of developing cancer.
Is surgery mandatory as soon as I'm diagnosed with BPH?
No. Most men are able to manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes, supplements, or medication. Surgery (including the minimally invasive Rezum procedure) is reserved for when conservative treatments fail to provide the desired relief or when the prostate size warrants more direct intervention.
What does it mean to find blood in my urine if I have BPH?
In most cases, it's due to the pressure that an enlarged prostate exerts on the urinary tract. Even so, this symptom always requires immediate medical evaluation to rule out other possible causes, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or bladder problems.
How long does the PSA test and prostate measurement take?
Both tests are completed during the first visit. The PSA test only requires a blood sample, and the ultrasound to measure the prostate takes between 10 and 15 minutes. Most patients complete the entire diagnostic process in a single appointment.
Receiving Treatment For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) In Queens
If you are experiencing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and live in New York City, including Queens or Brooklyn, Dr. Shtainer can help you take the first step toward lasting relief. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shtainer today.