Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older. BPH is a very common condition that affects over 40 million Americans and over 500 million aging men worldwide. Over 40% of men in their 50s and over 70% of men in their 60s have BPH1. While BPH is a benign condition and unrelated to prostate cancer, it can greatly affect a man’s quality of life.
As the prostate enlarges, it presses on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms such as:
If you suffer from the above symptoms, you are not alone. BPH is the leading reason men visit a urologist.2 You can measure the severity of your BPH symptoms by taking the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire.
Treatment with the UroLift® System uses a minimally invasive approach that provides rapid relief and recovery of BPH symptoms.1 It is an earlier treatment option that can get men off BPH medications and avoid major surgery. The goal of the UroLift® System treatment is to relieve symptoms so you can get back to your life and resume your daily activities. The UroLift® System treatment has demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life for patients that is greater than reported for medications.2,3 The UroLift® System is the only BPH procedure shown not to cause new and lasting erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction*, while being a safe and effective treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH.
Meet Mike (Video about BPH and Urolift): https://youtu.be/FyoAi2PVW7k
The UroLift® System uses a revolutionary approach to treating BPH that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue so it no longer blocks the urethra. It is the only available BPH treatment performed by a urologist that does not require heating, cutting, or removal of the prostate tissue. The procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia in a physician’s office or ambulatory surgery center. Patients typically return home the same day.
Video Animation of the Urolift Procedure: https://youtu.be/H0xchAo1GUQ
Who is a good candidate for the UroLift® System treatment?
You may be a good candidate if you are a male, 45 years of age or older, and have symptoms relating to BPH. Speak with your urologist to see if the UroLift® System
treatment is right for you. If you have a known allergy to nickel, titanium or stainless steel, talk to your doctor about your allergy before getting a UroLift System treatment.
What should I expect during the treatment? Is it painful? How long does it take?
If you and your doctor decide that the UroLift® System treatment is right for you, your doctor will provide you with more detailed information relating
to the treatment. In general, the UroLift System is a minimally invasive treatment that entails minimal downtime. Your doctor will use the UroLift Delivery Device to deploy permanent implants to relieve obstruction caused by the enlarged prostate
that is pressing on your urethra. The procedure, which usually takes less than half an hour, may be performed under local or general anesthesia. This typically helps minimize discomfort during the procedure, though everyone’s definition for
pain and discomfort varies greatly.
What happens post-treatment, during the recovery period? Are meds required?
After the treatment, patients typically go home the same day. There is minimal downtime post-treatment and many patients experience symptom relief in as
early as 2 weeks. Patients may experience some urinary discomfort during the recovery period. Most common side effects are mild to moderate and include pain or burning with urination, blood in the urine, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate and/or
the inability to control the urge. Most symptoms resolved within two to four weeks after the procedure.
Does the treatment affect my sexual function?
Clinical studies have shown the UroLift® System treatment does not cause new, sustained instances of erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction1. The same cannot always be said of other
BPH therapies such as TURP, laser, and even medication.
Does my insurance cover the treatment?
The UroLift® System treatment is covered by Medicare and all major private insurers. Contact your insurance provider for your specific coverage information.
BPH is a very common condition and is one of the leading reasons men visit a urologist. Whether you have just started experiencing symptoms or if you've tried various medications or even surgery, there are a range of treatment options available.
Before you visit the doctor's office, you can take this BPH Symptom Quiz, designed by the American Urological Association, to determine the severity of your symptoms. We will discuss your symptoms together to decide which treatment option is best for you.
Call us today to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your BPH symptoms.
Urology Specialists of Atlanta
404-255-3822
1. Roehrborn, J Urology 2013 LIFT Study; 2. AUA BPH Guidelines 2003, 2010, 2018; 3. Naspro, Eur Urol 20094. Montorsi, J Urol 2008