Why men should talk to their doctor about urinary symptoms, quality of life and treatment options that consider sexual health.
Waking up multiple times a night to use the bathroom? Planning road trips around restroom stops? Struggling to start urinating or feeling like your bladder is never completely empty?
Can you relate? Does this sound like a man you know?
These are common signs of an enlarged prostate, and they can dramatically impact sleep, social life and intimacy.
For many men, these experiences become so familiar that they simply accept them as part of getting older.
Approximately half of men between ages 51 and 60 have an enlarged prostate, and that number increases to as many as 90% of men over age 80.
While an enlarged prostate is common, living with symptoms isn’t something men have to simply live with, and your friends at Pullman Regional’s Urology Center are here to help.
When an Enlarged Prostate Starts Affecting Everyday Life
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that becomes increasingly common with age.
The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As the prostate enlarges, it can put pressure on the urethra and interfere with normal urination. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Sudden or urgent need to urinate
- Feeling like your bladder hasn't completely emptied
- Difficulty postponing urination
Not every man with an enlarged prostate experiences these bothersome symptoms. But for those who do, the effects can extend well beyond the bathroom.
Interrupted sleep can lead to fatigue. Urinary urgency can make travel, recreation and social activities stressful. Some men begin avoiding activities they once enjoyed or organizing their routines around access to a restroom.
As the first urologist in Washington state to provide this treatment, Dr. Carl Walker has helped hundreds of patients throughout the years find relief without sacrificing quality of life.
"Men often put up with these symptoms for years because they think it's just part of getting older," says Dr. Carl Walker, urologist at Pullman Regional’s Urology Center. "But when you're losing sleep, limiting activities or constantly worrying about your bladder, that's affecting your quality of life. We want men to know there are effective treatment options. You don’t have to sacrifice one important function over another."
Why Men May Delay Seeking Treatment
Despite how common BPH is, men may hesitate to bring up urinary concerns with their healthcare provider.
Some assume their symptoms are normal for their age. Others feel embarrassed discussing bathroom habits or don't realize treatment is available.
For men considering treatment, another concern may be just as important: Will treatment affect my sexual function? It's a reasonable question.
Some medications and surgical treatments for BPH can impact sexual function. For men who value maintaining sexual intimacy and function, these potential side effects can influence whether they seek treatment at all.
"Sexual health is an important part of a man's overall health and quality of life, regardless of age," says Dr. Walker. "When we're discussing treatment options, we want to understand what matters most to each patient."
Discussing these concerns openly with a urologist allows men to better understand the benefits and risks of different treatments and make decisions that reflect their personal priorities.
Understanding Your Treatment Options
- Not every man with an enlarged prostate needs surgery.
- Treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, prostate size, overall health, and how much the condition interferes with everyday life.
- For men with mild symptoms, lifestyle adjustments and monitoring may be appropriate.
- Medications can also help improve urine flow or reduce prostate size.
- When symptoms remain bothersome despite medication, or when complications develop, a urologist may recommend a procedure to relieve the obstruction.
One option available at Pullman Regional Hospital is Aquablation therapy, a robotically assisted surgical treatment designed to remove prostate tissue that restricts urine flow.
What Is Aquablation?
Aquablation uses real-time ultrasound imaging, robotic assistance and a heat-free waterjet to remove excess prostate tissue.
The urologist develops a treatment plan based on the patient's individual prostate anatomy. Robotic technology helps carry out that plan with precision.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia, through the urethra, without external surgical incisions.
One of the considerations in Aquablation's design is reducing the risk of certain sexual side effects.
Clinical research comparing Aquablation with traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has demonstrated a lower rate of certain ejaculatory complications with Aquablation.
This distinction matters because some prostate procedures can cause changes in ejaculation, even when erectile function is preserved.
Aquablation does not eliminate the possibility of sexual side effects, and it is not appropriate for every patient. However, it provides another option for men who need procedural treatment and want to discuss the preservation of sexual function as part of their care.
If you or a man you love isn’t living life fully, due to frequent trips to the bathroom, it’s time to call Pullman Regional’s Urology Center and learn about options.
