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Movember and Men’s Health: Why BPH Screening Matters

Each year in November, men around the world- including in Canada – grow mustaches in the name of Movember, a movement dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental well-being. However, there is another condition that deserves a spot in the conversation: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement.

A large percentage of Canadian men 50 years of age or older experience symptoms commonly associated with BPH, yet it is often dismissed as a normal part of aging. The truth is, early screening and modern treatments can make a life-changing difference. This Movember, let’s shine a light on BPH and determine why screening matters, and how new, minimally invasive treatments are helping men take control of their health and quality of life.

Why Should I Get Screened for BPH?

With men’s health, prevention and early detection can make all the difference. This is especially true for BPH, which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that affects how men urinate. While BPH isn’t life-threatening, it can have a major impact on comfort, sleep, and confidence if left untreated.

Many men brush off urinary symptoms as “just part of aging”, but regular screening can make a big difference. Here is why it matters:

  • Early Detection Means Better Outcomes: Catching BPH early means that symptoms can be managed before they become disruptive. Mild cases often respond well to simple lifestyle changes or medications. Furthermore, delaying care can lead to worsening symptoms, bladder damage, or even kidney problems.
  • Helps Rule Out More Serious Conditions: BPH and prostate cancer can sometimes share similar urinary symptoms. Screening, which may include a physical exam and a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, helps doctors distinguish between the two. Early testing provides clarity and peace of mind, reducing unnecessary anxiety.
  • Opens the Door to Personalized Care: Every man’s situation is different. Screening allows your doctor to tailor a plan that fits your needs, whether that is lifestyle adjustments or minimally invasive procedures that restore normal urinary function.
  • Improved Quality of Life: BPH symptoms can affect sleep, confidence, and daily routines. Taking action early helps men stay active, independent, and comfortable, without constant bathroom interruptions.

Breaking the Stigma: Encouraging Men to Talk About Prostate Health

Despite how common prostate issues are, many men still hesitate to talk about them. Topics like urinary changes, frequent bathroom trips, or sexual side effects can feel uncomfortable to discuss, even with a doctor. Unfortunately, silence can delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to unnecessary stress and worsening symptoms.

So, why do men avoid the conversation? There are several reasons:

  • Embarrassment or Discomfort: Many men feel awkward discussing private symptoms.
  • Cultural Expectations: Society often equates masculinity and toughness and “toughing it out”.
  • Fear of Diagnosis: Some avoid screenings out of worry about what they might find.
  • Lack of Awareness: Men may not realize how common prostate issues, like BPH, actually are.


This Movember, it is time to challenge that stigma and make men’s health conversations open and judgment-free. Here are some ways we can change the conversation surrounding men’s health:

  • Remind men that prostate health issues are normal and treatable. They are a part of aging, not a weakness.
  • Normalize checkups the same way we talk about heart health or fitness.
  • Encourage peer support. Movember is all about men supporting men through honest conversations.
  • Share positive stories of men who got screened early and improved their quality of life.


Talking about prostate health should not be taboo, but rather a sign of strength, awareness, and self-care.

Treatment Options for BPH at Steinberg Urology

The good news for men with BPH is that treatment has come a long way. Gone are the days when surgery was the only solution. Today, there are minimally invasive options designed to relieve symptoms effectively, often with little downtime and no need for permanent implants.

Here are 3 innovative and patient-friendly treatments available today:

  • iTind: This is a small, temporary device that is inserted into the prostate through the urethra. It gently reshapes the prostate tissue over a few days to improve urine flow. The device stays in place for about 5 to 7 days, then is removed in a quick follow-up visit.
  • Optilume: This treatment combines a balloon dilation system with a special drug coating. The balloon is gently inflated inside the urethra to widen it, and the drug helps prevent tissue growth. The procedure typically takes less than an hour and is done under light sedation.
  • Rezum Water Vapour Therapy: Rezum uses steam to precisely target and shrink excess prostate tissue causing blockage. The steam’s heat energy kills the extra cells, and the body naturally absorbs them over time. This treatment is typically completed in under 10 minutes in a clinic or outpatient setting.


Modern treatments like iTind, Optilume, and Rezum are changing the game for men with BPH. They offer effective relief, faster recovery, and better protection of sexual health, all without the invasiveness of traditional surgery.

Movember, men’s health and BPH, early detection and proactive prostate health

This Movember, Take Charge of Your Prostate Health at Steinberg Urology

Movember is so much more than just mustaches – it is about starting conversations that save lives. Talking openly about prostate health, getting screened early, and exploring new treatment options for BPH are all powerful ways men can take ownership of their well-being.

BPH might be common, but it does not have to be a silent struggle. This Movember, take the first step: schedule a prostate screening with Steinberg Urology and talk to our doctor, and encourage the men in your life to do the same.

Book a consultation with us today.
438-228-8546