Prostate cancer isn’t the only condition of which to be aware this Prostate Health Month, according to expert urologists from the American Urological Association. One extremely common non-cancerous condition, particularly in older men, is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In fact, BPH affects half of all men between the ages of 51 and 60, and can affect up to 90 percent of men over the age of 80.

The major symptoms of BPH, including frequent urination, urinating several times at night or difficulty urinating (weak stream, dribbling or the need to push or strain) may seem to be a normal part of aging. However, these symptoms are treatable and, if ignored, can lead to life-threatening complications. In the majority of men, BPH is a progressive disease. It can lead to bladder damage, infection, blood in the urine, and even kidney damage if left untreated. A man should see a doctor immediately if he has: blood in the urine, pain with urination, burning with urination or is unable to urinate.

Several treatment options are available for men with BPH. Patients should speak to their doctors in order to determine which treatment option is most appropriate for them. Treatments include watchful waiting, medications, the insertion of prostatic stents to open the urethra, or minimally invasive surgical therapies. Don’t suffer in silence: seek expert medical advice.

During this important month and throughout the year, the AUA can provide information, statistics and expert commentary on subjects related to prostate health. The AUA can assist in developing related story topics on prostate health, such as:

• What is BPH/enlarged prostate? How is it treated?
• What is prostatitis? How is it treated?
• Robot-assisted prostatectomy - the latest technology
• New techniques and technology to treat prostate cancer
• When should men have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer?
• What is active surveillance and when is it appropriate?
• Treatment options for prostate cancer and what patients should know about each

Please contact Lacey Holt at 410-689-4054 to schedule an interview with one of the following experts:
• Christopher Amling, MD, Professor and Director, Division of Urology, University of Alabama at Birmingham.
• J. Brantley Thrasher, MD, FACS, Professor and William L. Valk Chair, Department of Urology and the Co-Director of Operative Services at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS.

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 16,000 members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs for members and their patients, including UrologyHealth.org, an award-winning on-line patient education resource, and the American Urological Association Foundation, Inc.

Source: American Urological Association (AUA)