Prostate Health | BPH Treatment Boise

Understanding Prostate Health

The prostate, a gland in male anatomy, plays a crucial role in reproductive functions, by producing enzymes, zinc, and citric acid, components of semen. Its size tends to increase with age, which can lead to health issues like BPH or prostate cancer. Understanding the prostate's function and monitoring its health are important aspects of male healthcare. Regular check-ups and being aware of any changes are key factors in the early detection of potential problems.

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Prostate Cancer Facts & Awareness

Prostate cancer is a major health concern and the most common cancer in men.

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about 52,000 men are diagnosed every year
Prostate cancer takes the lives of about 12,000 men each year
risk of prostate cancer increases with age
prostate cancer is most prevalent in men of african american descent

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, commonly known as BPH, is a condition more than 50% of men experience in their 50s, and it only gets more common as they continue to age. It refers to the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, a natural occurrence in men over 50. However, its impact varies significantly, with factors like family history, lifestyle, and overall health playing crucial roles. Factors such as family history, obesity, low activity levels, and erectile dysfunction increase the risk. BPH affects daily life significantly, causing the need for frequent bathroom visits and potentially leading to sleep disruption and serious health risks if untreated.

When a man has BPH, their daily routine can be changed significantly, primarily through its most common symptoms:

Incomplete Urination
Constant Feeling of Full Bladder
Increased Frequency of Urination
Weak Urine Stream
Increased Visit to the Bathroom
Urination Intermittency
Urgent Need to Urinate
Difficulty in Starting Urination

Left unaddressed BPH can escalate to
more severe issues, including:

Urinary
Infections

Bladder
Stones

BPH
Therapy

Kidney
Stones

How to Diagnose BPH

Diagnosing BPH involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests, essential for determining the best course of treatment. A urologist, like Dr. Austen Slade in Boise, plays an important role in this process. Initial assessments often include:

Urine Pressure Flow Study

Obtains a baseline gauge of the bladder health and degree of prostate obstruction

Cystoscopy

Obtains a baseline gauge of the bladder health and degree of prostate obstruction

Prostate Ultrasound

Obtains a baseline gauge of the bladder health and degree of prostate obstruction

Prostate-Specific Antigen Blood Test

Obtains a baseline gauge of the bladder health and degree of prostate obstruction

These comprehensive diagnostic tools confirm the presence of BPH, evaluate its severity and guide treatment decisions.

Best Treatment Options for BPH in Boise

Tamsulosin
Finasteride
Oxybutynin

For men seeking a more lasting solution, minimally invasive procedures offer an alternative, like:

HoLEP ReZūm Water Vapor Therapy Optilume BPH MiLEP Laser Surgery

Minimally Invasive Procedures in Boise

Minimally invasive procedures offer a transformative approach to treating BPH, combining effectiveness with reduced recovery time. Leading techniques like HoLEP and with the Moses Laser and MiLEP (a minimally invasive form of HoLEP that uses the smallest tools available) allow for quicker recovery times, minimize the need for a catheter, and allow minimal to no bleeding. Most men will never need medications or another procedure, as only 2% of recipients might need another minimally invasive procedure in 20 years.

ReZūm Water Vapor Therapy, iTind, and Optilume BPH represent further advancements in this field, ensuring quicker recovery and less invasiveness. Dr. Austen Slade, equipped with the most advanced tools in Idaho, specializes in these state-of-the-art treatments, ensuring patients receive the best possible care with lifelong results.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, a common and often painful urological issue, occur when certain substances in urine crystallize and form stones. Anyone can develop kidney stones, but certain factors like genetic predisposition, dehydration, diets high in protein, salt, or sugar, obesity, and various digestive diseases and surgeries, such as gastric bypass or chronic diarrhea, increase the risk.

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Symptoms of Kidney Stones

If left untreated, kidney stones may lead to serious complications, including urinary tract blockages, kidney infections, and long-term kidney damage, underscoring the importance of prompt medical attention.

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Urinary
Infections

Burning
or Blood
in urine

Fever
Chills, &
Vomitting

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

Effective diagnosis of kidney stones involves several methods, including:

CT Scans

Obtains a baseline gauge of the bladder health and degree of prostate obstruction

Urine Tests

Obtains a baseline gauge of the bladder health and degree of prostate obstruction

Abdominal X-rays

Obtains a baseline gauge of the bladder health and degree of prostate obstruction

Kidney Ultrasounds

Obtains a baseline gauge of the bladder health and degree of prostate obstruction

These diagnostic techniques are essential in determining the size, type, and location of the stones, which are key factors in deciding the most effective treatment plan. Early and precise diagnosis can help avoid more severe complications and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

Kidney Stone Treatment in Boise

The treatment for kidney stones varies, largely depending on the stone's size and the severity of symptoms.

Conservation Management

Medical Interventions

Obtains a baseline gauge of the bladder health and degree of prostate obstruction

Surgical Procedures

Obtains a baseline gauge of the bladder health and degree of prostate obstruction

Vasectomy Procedures in Boise

A vasectomy, a simple procedure for male sterilization. It is a reliable method of contraception that allows men to manage their reproductive health without impacting their urological well-being. Dr. Slade is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive care and information on how a vasectomy fits into your overall health plan.

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Contact Boise Urologist, Dr. Slade

Austen Slade, MD, MBA, is a trailblazing urologist in the state of Idaho, distinguished as the only fellowship-trained specialist in the state with a dedicated focus on bladder health preservation and the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and kidney stones. His specific fellowship training has allowed him to offer patients precisely tailored solutions to meet their unique needs while providing access to the latest technological advances.

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