Finding the Right Treatment for My "Old Man’s Problem"
My first signs of an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were 10 years ago. Initially, it was frequent urination. Then it became painful urination. And finally, I started having urinary tract infections (UTIs). Living in Arizona, it’s important to stay hydrated. But, any extra water would make me rush to find a bathroom everywhere I went. I felt an urgency to urinate and I had to wake up every two hours at night to go to the bathroom. These issues affected both my wife and me.
I lost my father when he was in his mid-50s
Since my father died in his fifties, I have always been good about my health checks. As my BPH symptoms worsened, I visited my urologist who diagnosed my condition. For 10 years, I was on medications to treat my BPH, but they didn’t really help. I still got up many times during the night. I also experienced side effects. I enjoy playing golf with my friends, and I remember that every time I bent down to put my tee in the ground, I got a little dizzy. My doctor said that was a potential side effect of my medication. I didn’t think there were any other treatment options except for surgery. But after enduring these side effects with very little relief, I decided to look at other options.
My doctor then suggested I get a TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate), which is a surgery. The doctor inserts a scope through the tip of your penis into a tube that carries urine from your bladder (urethra). This helps the doctor see the extra tissue in the enlarged prostate and trim away sections that may be blocking urine flow.1 My doctor explained that this surgery usually needs general anesthesia and a short hospital stay.
Needless to say, I wasn’t very enthusiastic about a TURP and decided to ask my doctor for alternate BPH treatment options.
In the meanwhile, I started doing my own research on other available BPH treatments. I came across information about Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy, a treatment for enlarged prostate and an alternative to surgery. I became very encouraged about Rezūm Therapy as I learned more. I learned that Rezūm Therapy uses water vapor to shrink the prostate so urine can flow freely. And, most importantly, it can be done in the doctor’s office. It doesn’t require general anesthesia or a hospital stay.
I decided to get the procedure on the Monday after Thanksgiving in 2018. The procedure itself took only minutes, and I think I was in the exam room for around 40 minutes total. I could feel a little tinge while getting the treatment but no pain. I went home that same day. I had to have a catheter for three days post-procedure. After the catheter was removed, I started feeling much better. About 30 days after receiving the treatment, my doctor told me I would be able to start “Rezūm-ing” my lifestyle. That’s why they call it “Rezūm.” A couple months later, I was only getting up once during the night!
Overall, I’m very satisfied with Rezūm Therapy.
I no longer have that urgency to urinate all the time. And, I now sleep through the night, which means my wife doesn’t get disturbed anymore. I can finally fish and golf with no worries. And, I can actually get through a round of golf, without multiple bathroom breaks!
I encourage other men facing these symptoms and problems to be sure to keep up with their annual checkups. If BPH symptoms worsen, which they eventually will with an enlarged prostate, I’d recommend men learn more. It’s certainly worth investigating Rezūm Therapy and asking your doctor if it might be the right treatment option for you. Two years post-procedure and I am still good to go!
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Reference:
- Mayo Clinic. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/turp/about/pac-20384880.
All treatments have inherent and associated risks. The Rezūm System is intended to relieve symptoms, obstructions, and reduce prostate tissue associated with BPH. It is indicated for men ≥ 50 years of age with a prostate volume 30cm3 ≤ 80cm3. The Rezūm System is also indicated for treatment of prostate with hyperplasia of the central zone and/or a median lobe. Potential risks include but are not limited to painful urination (dysuria), blood in the urine (hematuria), blood in the semen (hematospermia), decrease in ejaculatory volume, suspected urinary tract infection (UTI), and urinary frequency, retention or urgency. You should talk with your doctor about benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment option.
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results may vary.
Individual recovery varies. Experience may not be representative of all cases.
Boston Scientific compensated the patients for their time associated with this article.
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