K.J.'s Prostate Health Story

Be Proactive About Your Prostate Health

“I was fortunate to have excellent care from Dr. Roy Joseph and his team,” said K.J.

When Dr. K.J. Mathew, 88, saw large amounts of blood in his urine in January 2021, he was very concerned. He had experienced prostate problems for several years and had two previous procedures. It was a weekend and when K.J. was unable to reach his prior surgeon right away, he sought out Roy Joseph, MD, sub-section chief of urology at Holy Cross Hospital. Dr. Joseph prescribed medication to stop the bleeding, but told K.J. he needed a surgical procedure.

“One of the most common causes of blood in the urine in men over 50 is benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH — enlargement of the prostate gland,” Dr. Joseph said. “The blood vessels on the surface of benign tissue tend to bleed. When men come in to see their doctor with bleeding, they worry about having cancer. However, if they are not having any pain, it is likely BPH — a condition that is easily treated and cured.”

In fact, BPH is one of the most common diseases in men as they age and the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms. About half of all men between ages 51 and 60 have BPH, and up to 90% of men over age 80 have it, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

To treat K.J., Dr. Joseph performed a minimally invasive procedure called bipolar transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP). During the procedure, Dr. Joseph used a bipolar electrical wire loop to remove the tissue blocking the urethra and allowing urine to flow freely.

The TUVP procedure took only 30 minutes. K.J. had no pain and did not even need to take acetaminophen.

“My entire experience at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital was very pleasant,” K.J. said. “The nurses on my floor were so friendly. Everything went smoothly. I was very impressed and would recommend the hospital for any kind of procedure.”

Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, any enlargement of the gland can squeeze it and impede urination. The causes of BPH are unclear and it can’t be prevented, but there are a wide range of treatment options. They include behavior modifications such as drinking water when thirsty (but not overhydrating), medication, minimally invasive outpatient procedures performed in a urologist’s office and surgery.

“About 30% of men require another surgery five to eight years after having a prostate procedure,” Dr. Joseph said. “That’s what happened to K.J. He had a regrowth of tissue that occurs commonly in men who have BPH.”

Many men with BPH would benefit from having treatment early on, as opposed to waiting. In Dr. Joseph’s experience, they often postpone seeking help for treatment, coming in only after their partner notices they’re getting up several times during the night to urinate.

“Leaving BPH untreated for too long can lead to bladder and kidney injuries,” Dr. Joseph cautioned.

For K.J., a semi-retired cardiologist, his TUVP procedure has enabled him to resume his normal activities, including going into his practice one day a week. “Everything is working well,” he said. “It’s been nearly a year and I haven’t had any urinary problems like I used to. I was fortunate to have excellent care with Dr. Joseph and his team.”

Speak Up About Urinary Problems

Screening for BPH starts at age 50 — earlier for men at higher risk — but if you have symptoms, see your doctor and get checked. Many men ignore urinary problems, thinking they’re a normal part of aging.

Don't Accept. There are many treatments for you. Here’s what to look for:

• Frequent urination during the day
• An urgent need to urinate
• Inability to start urinating quickly
• Intermittent stops and starts during urination
• Straining to urinate (having to push)
• Nocturia, or waking at night to urinate
• Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder

Holy Cross Health is affiliated with highly skilled urologists who can review your health care concerns and provide you with a customized treatment plan. Find a urologist today.