BPH, or enlarged prostate, is not a life-threatening disease — but it is a life-altering condition.
Loss of sleep due to urges to use the restroom at night. Painful and embarrassing trips to the bathroom frequently during the day. The feeling that the bladder is not fully emptying.
All of these painful and annoying symptoms do not usually get better unless treated. Up until recently, surgery was considered the standard treatment for the maximum results.
The surgical option
The most common surgery for an enlarged prostate is called Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). The procedure requires a one- to two-day stay in the hospital and general anesthesia.
A small camera called a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Tissue is removed and flushed out through the bladder.
After the tissue that had been putting pressure on the urethra is removed, the body still needs to heal, and sometimes swelling causes symptoms to remain for a time. In addition, some men will experience erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and bleeding after the procedure.
Although it may take some time for symptoms to resolve afterward, surgery does have positive long-term results for many patients. However, there is a chance that dry orgasm (climax), incontinence, and erectile dysfunction may develop beyond the healing time, and some men will require additional treatment.
Let’s try something less invasive
In our previous articles we discussed drug therapy for BPH and some other minimally invasive therapies. One minimally invasive option for relief from BPH symptoms is rapidly gaining use in the United States, and may become the best option compared to invasive surgeries like TURP.
UroLift is a game-changing technology in the treatment of an enlarged prostate. Rather than an invasive surgery, with a long healing time, UroLift offers a simple solution that can be performed as an outpatient procedure.
During your appointment, your doctor inserts the UroLift device which holds back the prostate tissue that is pressing on the urethra. Only local anesthesia is required for this simple procedure. You can read more about the procedure and the implants here.
Compared with TURP, the healing time is extremely quick. Although there may be discomfort and mild side effects, most of them disappear within two weeks. The biggest advantage compared to surgery is that symptom relief is very rapid as well. In addition, long term results with UroLift are very positive with very few patients requiring additional treatments.
Most men are able to return home the day of the procedure without a catheter. And, since the procedure has been in use, there have been virtually no reports of sexual side effects. These are two of the biggest concerns many patients have in regard to surgery.
Are you ready to learn more about UroLift?
UroLift may be the right solution for your BPH symptoms. The main advantages are:
- Minimally invasive therapy
- Quick healing time
- Rapid symptom relief
- Preservation of sexual function
- Excellent long-term results
If you are considering surgery for an enlarged prostate, take the time to discuss UroLift with your doctor to see if it might be a good option for you.
Are you ready to find out more about UroLift? Make an appointment today, and we will help you understand your options. Don’t wait to get relief from BPH!
