As men age, they often gain confidence, wisdom, and freedom. However, the years can also bring unwelcome physical changes, particularly to the prostate. Frequent urination, difficulty starting and stopping, and a weak stream are all common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate enlarges but isn’t cancerous. This condition can turn a routine bodily function into a daily struggle that interferes with nearly every aspect of life.
“After the age of 30 to 40, most men experience some urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate,” says a specialist at the reputable urologist clinic of North Texas. “In some cases, the prostate grows significantly, while in others, it doesn’t expand much at all. The growth is influenced by genetics and other factors we don’t fully understand.”
The Impact of a Growing Prostate
With a healthy prostate, the urethra remains wide open, allowing urine to flow freely from the bladder. However, as the prostate enlarges, it can press on the urethra, restricting the flow of urine. This forces the bladder to exert more pressure to pass urine through the narrowed channel.
For some men, this blockage leads to interrupted sleep, difficulty enjoying activities like golf, and a constant need to stay near a bathroom. These symptoms can cause men to become isolated, depressed, and sleep-deprived, as they plan their entire day around their urinary needs.
“For much of our lives, we don’t think about urinary function,” says a urologist at the Urologist clinic of North Texas. “But when it starts to dominate a man’s day, it significantly impacts his quality of life.”
A Minimally-Invasive Solution: UroLift
Every year, millions of men seek help for their BPH symptoms. While traditional treatments like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser TURP are options, they can come with sexual and urinary side effects. Even medications have their drawbacks, often leaving symptoms unresolved and causing additional issues like dizziness and sexual dysfunction.
The UroLift procedure offers a minimally-invasive alternative that doesn’t require cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue. Instead, a small, permanent implant is placed in the prostate to lift and hold the enlarged tissue away from the urethra, restoring normal urinary function without the side effects common with other treatments.
“Because there’s no cutting or heating with UroLift, men don’t experience erectile dysfunction or changes in ejaculation,” explains a specialist from the Urologist clinic of North Texas.
What to Expect from the UroLift Procedure
The UroLift involves the placement of small, hypoallergenic implants that hold the prostate tissue away from the urethra. Typically, two sets of implants—four capsules in total—are used, though more may be required. Over time, natural tissue grows over these MRI-safe implants, making them undetectable by ultrasound and ensuring they won’t set off alarms at airport security.
The procedure is usually done in an office setting under local anesthesia. Some men may experience mild discomfort, burning during urination, or blood in the urine afterward, but these symptoms resolve quickly. “There’s always some discomfort with any procedure,” says a urologist at the Urologist clinic of North Texas. “But with UroLift, it’s minimal and shorter in duration compared to laser procedures.” Most men don’t need a catheter during recovery, and they can resume their normal activities relatively quickly.
Long-Lasting Relief
Studies show that the UroLift procedure offers long-term relief, with most men experiencing the same level of symptom improvement five to eight years after the procedure. If additional treatment is needed later, the UroLift can be repeated or followed by traditional treatments without interfering with future prostate cancer treatment.
Is UroLift Right for You?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you might be a candidate for the UroLift procedure:
- Frequent need to urinate
- Weak urinary stream
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
- Start-and-stop urination
- Frequent nighttime urination disrupting sleep
A physical exam and consultation at the Urologist clinic of North Texas are the first steps in determining if UroLift is right for you. An ultrasound and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening will help identify the best course of treatment.
“Men don’t have to suffer with BPH,” says a specialist at the Urologist clinic of North Texas. “UroLift helps a growing number of men regain control of their lives and enjoy a better quality of life.”
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