man active without BPH

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.

Protect your Health

Prostate Cancer Facts & Awareness

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

Prioritize your Health
  • 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 Infection Icon
Urinary
Infections
bladder
Bladder
Stones
bph therapy
BPH
Therapy
kidney pain
Kidney
Stones
Discussing BPH with Dr Slade

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.

man active without BPH by Dr Slade

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.

Get Relief

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.

Get Relief
Urinary Infection Icon

Urinary
Infections

bladder

Burning
or Blood
in urine

bph therapy

Fever
Chills, &
Vomitting

Discussing BPH with Dr Slade

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.

Find a Solution

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.

Dr Austen Slade Urology

Why Should You See a Urologist for a Vasectomy in Boise?

Learn why seeing a urologist for a vasectomy in Boise ensures expert care with Dr. Slade Urology. Di...
Read Blog

Which Is Better: Vasectomy or Tubal Ligation?

When considering permanent birth control options, many couples debate between a vasectomy and a tuba...
Read Blog

How Long Is the Recovery Time After a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a highly effective form of permanent birth control, but one of the top concerns for m...
Read Blog

Is No-Scalpel Vasectomy the Right Option for You in Boise?

Choosing a vasectomy is a big decision for many men and couples who feel their families are complete...
Read Blog

How Does the Vasectomy Procedure Work?

Choosing to have a vasectomy is a significant decision for many men and couples who feel their famil...
Read Blog

What Are the Costs of a Vasectomy in Boise?

Choosing a vasectomy is a significant decision for many men and couples. As families consider birth ...
Read Blog

What Are The Main Causes of BPH?

Exploring the underlying causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) offers insight into a conditio...
Read Blog

What Are 3 Symptoms of BPH?

Navigating through the complexity of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can be daunting for many men...
Read Blog

What Are the 5 Warning Signs of Prostate Problems?

Prostate health is an essential aspect of men's overall well-being, especially as they age. Recogniz...
Read Blog