UroLift: Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Without Surgery or Catheterization
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men over the age of 50. It can cause difficulty urinating and frequent nighttime urination, which may affect quality of life in the long run. Some patients may feel concerned about surgery and its possible effects on sexual function. Currently, advanced minimally invasive treatments such as UroLift can help improve urinary flow and relieve symptoms with a faster recovery and less disruption to everyday life.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, commonly known as an enlarged prostate, is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes larger and presses against the urethra. This causes narrowing of the urinary tract and affects the normal flow of urine. If left untreated or not properly evaluated, it may lead to complications affecting the urinary system.
Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Weak urine stream or difficulty starting urination
Frequent urination, especially waking up at night to urinate
Feeling unable to fully empty your bladder, even right after urinating.
Difficulty controlling urination or experiencing urine leakage
Complications of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Acute urinary retention (unable to urinate, requiring a urinary catheter)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Blood in the urine or bladder stones
Bladder dysfunction, which in severe cases may lead to kidney failure
Treatment Options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
There are several treatment options available for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, depending on the size of the prostate, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health condition. These may include:
Lifestyle Modifications: Reduce fluid intake before bedtime and avoid tea, coffee, and alcohol.
Medications: To help relax the prostate muscles or reduce the size of the prostate.
Minimally Invasive and surgical approaches include:
UroLift: A non-surgical procedure that gently lifts and holds enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra to improve urine flow.
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP): A laser procedure used to remove excess prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow.
UroLift: A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Enlarged Prostate Without Surgery
The UroLift Procedure uses a small device inserted through the urethra to gently lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urinary tract. This helps widen the urethra, allowing urine to pass more easily and improving urinary flow. The procedure does not require cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue, which may help support a quicker recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Benefits of the UroLift Procedure
Fast Recovery with Noticeable Results: Many patients experience improved urinary flow and symptom relief within a short period after treatment.
No urinary catheter required: helping reduce discomfort and lower the risk of infection.
Minimally invasive approach, no surgery needed: No prostate tissue is removed, allowing for a faster recovery.
Preserves Sexual Function: Recognized as a treatment approach that preserves sexual function, with no impact on erectile function or ejaculation.
Who is the UroLift Procedure Suitable for?
Men aged 50 years and older who experience symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, particularly those with a prostate size of approximately 30–80 grams.
Patients whose symptoms did not improve with medication, who experience medication-related side effects, or those who prefer to avoid the intake of long-term medication.
People with underlying health conditions or concerns about general anesthesia and major surgery.
Patients seek effective symptom relief while preserving sexual function.
How We Care for Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Based on the clinical experience of Urology and Men’s Health Center at Vejthani International Hospital, many patients seek medical attention only after their symptoms have begun to affect their quality of life. Early evaluation allows physicians to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for an enlarged prostate and helps reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
What are the earliest signs of an enlarged prostate (BPH)? Frequently waking up at night to urinate (more than 1–2 times) and a weaker urine stream are among the most common early signs.
What causes Benign prostatic hyperplasia? Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is commonly associated with aging and changes in male hormone balance over time.
Does Benign prostatic hyperplasia always require surgery? Not necessarily. Today, several minimally invasive treatment options are available, including the UroLift procedure, Rezum Water Vapor Therapy, and Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE). These modern treatments may provide effective symptom relief with faster recovery times. Doctors will determine the most appropriate treatment based primarily on the patient’s symptoms and prostate size.
How can I tell whether it is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or prostate cancer? The symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and prostate cancer can be very similar. A proper medical evaluation is necessary and may include a physical examination, a PSA blood test, and, in some cases, an MRI scan to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
Can Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia affect sexual function? Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia itself does not directly cause erectile dysfunction. However, both conditions are commonly found in older men and may share similar age-related and vascular risk factors.
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