A new treatment treats benign prostatic hyperplasia by preserving sexual function and improving urination. Treatment for enlarged prostate involves a special catheter that is minimally invasive and is a safe and effective treatment option for the condition. A scientific study looking at the treatment and describing the results of its trials was published in The Journal of Urology. The main author is Dr. Steven A. Kaplan of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York. Benign hyperplasia of the prostate gland is also called prostate enlargement. Over time, the hyperplasia increases, and although it is not cancerous, the disease can have symptoms that bring discomfort – the most common symptoms are a frequent need to urinate and urinary retention. Treatments available for BPH include medication and surgery depending on the stage of the disease. But these treatments carry risks of seriously impairing male sexual function. Therefore, minimally invasive treatments are sought that can alleviate the symptoms of hyperplasia without impairing sexual function. This is how the Optilume BPH Catheter System was developed. It is a new type of minimally invasive treatment that uses a dual mechanism to treat hyperplasia. The procedure uses a balloon catheter that expands the space between the side lobes of the prostate. This allows the insertion of a second balloon coated with the drug paclitaxel. The balloon itself widens the opening, and the drug works to stop the growth of the prostate gland. Thus, problems with urination can be alleviated and the gradual enlargement of the prostate gland over the years can be prevented. Scientific research shows that those who have undergone Optilume treatment have seen dramatic improvements. Improvements in urination compared to previous minimally invasive treatments were observed, as well as preservation of sexual function. Compared to other minimally invasive treatments, Optilume has 30% better results, according to the study authors. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition that becomes more common with age. Although not immediately apparent, the condition can lead to complications such as kidney stones, inability to urinate, and urinary tract infections. References: Wolters Kluwer Health. (2023, August 10) Next-generation treatment reduces symptoms, preserves sexual function in men with enlarged prostate. Retrieved 2023, August 11 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-08-next-generation-treatment-symptoms-sexual-function.html Kaplan, A. (2023, September 1) The PINNACLE Study: A Double- blind, Randomized, Sham-controlled Study Evaluating the Optilume BPH Catheter System for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Retrieved 2023, August 11 from https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003568