Prostate health may be an intimidating subject for some men, which can lead to misconceptions about conditions and treatments. Some men may even avoid visiting a doctor because of what they might learn. Breaking this stigma around prostate issues could help prevent complications from conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate.

Under a doctor’s care, BPH can be effectively treated; over 14 million men in the U.S. seek treatment every year.

To help clear up some of the confusion and fear around prostate health, here is a breakdown of five common misconceptions about BPH:

1. BPH is linked to prostate cancer.

Is it? No. While both conditions affect the prostate gland, BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) condition, and the symptoms can typically be addressed with medications and/or other treatment options.

2. Medication and major surgery are the only types of BPH treatment.

Men with BPH may have options for treatment beyond medications that may offer relief without the risk of side-effects that can come with medications, such as dizziness, headaches, sexual dysfunction, and, in some men, an increased risk of heart and eye issues.

Minimally invasive therapies are available. The UroLift System is a minimally invasive procedure that has been used by 350,000 men worldwide. This procedure lifts and holds enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, without cutting, to stop blocking the urethra. The procedure can be performed using local anesthesia in a physician’s office or ambulatory surgery center, and patients typically return home the same day without a catheter. This option may be an alternative to medications and more invasive surgeries.

The procedure is indicated for treating symptoms of an enlarged prostate up to 100cc in men 45 years of age or older. Individual results may vary. Most common side-effects are temporary and include pain or burning with urination, blood in urine, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate, or the inability to control the urge. Rare side-effects, including bleeding and infection, may lead to a serious outcome and require intervention. Speak with your doctor to determine if you may be a candidate.

3. Only seniors have symptoms of BPH.

No. Even men in their 40s may experience BPH symptoms, so don’t assume you’re too young to talk to your doctor about BPH. If you are diagnosed with BPH, your doctor can discuss treatment options that fit your needs and help you decide on the best approach.

4. BPH-related urination issues will always disrupt a man’s life and sleep.

A common symptom of BPH is frequent urination. This has the potential to disrupt a man’s day-to-day schedule and sleep cycle, but it’s not inevitable. Proper treatment can help improve quality of life and reduce the need for frequent urination, which can make it easier to sleep through the night–yet another great reason to be proactive about BPH diagnosis and treatment.

5. BPH doesn’t affect a man’s bladder health.

BPH can affect bladder health if it’s left untreated. BPH can be progressive and lead to difficulty in urinating, bladder stones, UTIs, and ongoing need for a catheter. This is another good reason to be proactive and talk to your doctor about prostate health.

Source: Family Features and Teleflex Interventional Urology, manufacturer of the UroLift System.