What are the best treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 2026? And where does the innovative Optilume BPH Catheter System fit into the growing range of treatments available for men with an enlarged prostate?


In this episode of UroNurse, host Vic Senese, RN, BSN, FAUNA, is joined by BPH expert Dean Elterman, MD, for an in-depth discussion about the evolving treatment landscape for BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms.


BPH is one of the most common conditions affecting aging men and can cause urinary frequency, urgency, weak urinary stream, difficulty starting urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and nighttime urination. While medications such as alpha blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors remain important treatment options, today's patients have more choices than ever—including minimally invasive procedures and surgical therapies.


In this discussion, we'll explore Optilume for BPH, how the technology works, which patients may be candidates, and how it compares with other contemporary BPH treatment options.


We'll also discuss:


• What is BPH and why does the prostate enlarge with age?
• Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate
• When medications may be appropriate
• Alpha blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
• Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors such as tadalafil
• Minimally invasive treatments for BPH
• How the Optilume BPH procedure works
• Potential benefits and limitations of Optilume
• UroLift and other minimally invasive options
• Rezūm water vapor therapy
• Aquablation therapy
• HoLEP and other laser procedures
• TURP and traditional surgical treatment
• How prostate size and anatomy influence treatment selection
• Preserving sexual function and ejaculation when choosing a BPH procedure
• Recovery, durability, and patient expectations
• How physicians and patients can approach shared decision-making
• What men should ask their urologist before choosing a BPH treatment


OPTILUME FOR BPH


Optilume represents an important development in minimally invasive BPH treatment. The technology combines mechanical dilation with delivery of the drug paclitaxel to the prostatic urethra. We'll discuss what that means for patients and how this approach fits into the broader BPH treatment landscape.


WHICH BPH TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?


There is no single best BPH treatment for every man. The right choice can depend on prostate size, prostate anatomy, symptom severity, urinary retention, medications, bladder function, overall health, and the importance of preserving sexual and ejaculatory function.


That's why understanding the differences between Optilume, UroLift, Rezūm, Aquablation, HoLEP, TURP, medications, and other BPH treatments is so important.


Join Vic Senese, RN, BSN, FAUNA, and Dean Elterman, MD, as they examine where BPH treatment is heading and what today's patients should know before making a treatment decision.


The expert's opinions in this communication are personal and not representative of any organization. They are for informational purposes only, not official guidance. Viewers are advised to use their judgment, seek additional advice, and take responsibility for any actions based on these opinions.