As men age, their prostate tends to increase in size. This can put pressure on the urethra and affect urine flow. This enlargement of the prostate is termed as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH occurs when noncancerous cells of the prostate divide to make more cells.

Prostate enlargement is often a natural aging process and cannot be completely prevented. However, several lifestyle changes may help reduce the severity of BPH symptoms, including regular check-ups to determine any prostate issues early, physical activity, healthy diet, reducing or avoiding alcohol and caffeine.

While BPH is not associated with the development of cancer, the two often go together. Distinguishing between them is an important part of the diagnosis process. BPH can also cause sexual issues, and medications normally prescribed to treat BPH have side effects of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction.

Choosing a treatment option can be overwhelming, as it often forces men to compromise in some way. This could mean not responding well to medication, getting limited relief, having a long recovery time, or even having issues with sexual function. Historically, patients have been lacking a reliable solution without compromising safety and efficacy. 60% of men do not tend to adhere to BPH medication in the long run*.

Ashtead Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care UK, and based near Epsom, is here to help and offers Aquablation Therapy, a new pioneering robotic prostate treatment, for men suffering from BPH.

(Image: Ashtead Hospital)

What is Aquablation therapy?

Aquablation therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for BPH that uses imaging, robotics, and a heat-free waterjet to provide long-lasting relief with low rates of complications.

What results can I expect from Aquablation therapy?

Clinical studies have shown that Aquablation therapy offers significant symptom relief and low rates of irreversible complications, across prostates of all sizes and shapes. It offers a number of benefits including improved urine flow and in comparison to other treatments, there is an increased likelihood patients will preserve sexual function and continence**.

Mr Roger Walker, Consultant Urologist at Ashtead Hospital, Surrey, said : "I've practiced at Ashtead for 20 years, and my background as a urologist is in the management of urinary tract and pelvic floor dysfunction including prostate diseases.

Movember is a crucial month for raising awareness about Men’s health, such as prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health, which often don’t receive enough attention. It’s important to use this time to encourage people to engage in open conversations even beyond Movember. Conditions like BPH are often overlooked until symptoms begin affecting daily life, but addressing them early can greatly improve comfort and quality of life."

Click here to find out more about Aquablation Therapy.

* Launer BM, McVary KT, Ricke WA, Lloyd GL. The rising worldwide impact of benign prostatic hyperplasia. BJU Int. 2021 Jun;127(6):722-728. doi: 10.1111/bju.15286. Epub 2020 Nov 21. PMID: 33124118; PMCID: PMC8170717.

**Elterman D. et al. Meta-analysis with individual data of functional outcomes following Aquablation for lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH in various prostate anatomies. BMJ Surg Interv Health Technologies. 2021 Jun.