Life After the Lift (UroLift) is Great! from kilogi's blog

Poets and philosophers often say that age brings confidence, wisdom, and freedom. However, it can also bring some unwelcome physical changes in men. The urgent need to urinate, frequent urination, a weak urinary stream, and difficulty starting and stopping are all symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH, also known as an enlarged prostate, refers to non-cancerous increased prostate growth. For many men, this condition can significantly disrupt daily life.

“After the age of 30 to 40, the prostate begins to grow, causing urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate in most men,” explains Geoff Nuss, M.D., a board-certified urologist with Urology clinic of North Texas. “In some men, their prostate grows significantly; in others, not much at all. Growth is influenced by genetics and other factors we don’t fully understand.”

The Impact of an Enlarged Prostate

A healthy prostate provides a wide-open channel for the urethra, allowing urine to flow easily from the bladder. When the prostate enlarges, the lobes press against the urethra, obstructing urine flow. Consequently, the bladder must generate more pressure to push urine through the narrowed urethra.

For some men, this blockage disrupts sleep and makes it difficult to engage in activities like golf, travel, or enjoying a night out. Their day and night revolve around staying close to a bathroom, leading to isolation, depression, and sleep deprivation.

“We often take urinary function for granted,” says Dr. Nuss. “When a man has to plan his entire day around it, it significantly affects his quality of life.”

Finding Solutions for BPH

Nearly 38 million men seek medical help for BPH symptoms each year. Traditional treatments like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and laser TURP offer varying results and can have sexual and urinary side effects. Popular prescription medications also have limited effectiveness and side effects like dizziness and sexual dysfunction.

The minimally invasive UroLift procedure offers an alternative without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue. It involves inserting a small, permanent implant to lift and hold enlarged tissue away from the urethra, restoring normal urinary function.

“Since UroLift doesn’t involve cutting or heating prostate tissue, men don’t experience the erectile dysfunction or changes in ejaculate common with TURP,” Dr. Nuss notes.

The UroLift device consists of small hypoallergenic capsules and permanent sutures that hold the prostate tissue away from the urethra. Most men require two sets of capsules, with additional sets used if necessary. The body’s natural tissue grows over these MRI-safe implants, making them undetectable with ultrasound. Importantly, they won’t trigger airport security alarms.

The UroLift procedure is usually performed in an office setting under local anesthesia. Post-procedure, men may experience mild discomfort, burning during urination, and blood in the urine, but these symptoms resolve quickly. “There’s always some discomfort with any procedure,” says Dr. Nuss, “but with UroLift, it’s minimal and shorter-lasting than with laser procedures.”

Recovery is quick, and most men don’t need a catheter during healing.

Life After UroLift

Studies show that the UroLift procedure provides long-lasting relief. “Most men experience the same level of relief five to eight years post-procedure as they did immediately after their UroLift,” adds Dr. Nuss.

If additional BPH treatment is needed later, the UroLift can be repeated, or a traditional laser procedure can be performed. Importantly, UroLift does not interfere with prostate cancer treatment.

Is UroLift Right for You?

If you experience any of the following BPH symptoms, you might be a candidate for UroLift:

Frequent need to urinate

Weakened urinary stream

Incomplete bladder emptying

Start and stop during urination

Spending more time at the urinal than others

Frequent nighttime urination disrupting sleep

A physical exam and discussion with your physician are the first steps to determine if UroLift is right for you. All men undergo a prostate ultrasound and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening to choose the best treatment.

“Men don’t have to struggle with BPH,” says Dr. Nuss. “UroLift is helping many men enjoy a better quality of life by eliminating the constant concern about their urinary habits.”

Ready to improve your quality of life?

Talk with one of our UroLift specialists at Urology Partners. Call 866-367-8768.