Advanced Treatment Options for Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE)
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Innovative Surgical Procedures for BPE
Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE), also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can significantly affect a man’s urinary health and quality of life. While traditional treatments like TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) remain widely used, new, less invasive techniques are emerging—designed to minimize side effects and enhance recovery.
These innovative options are continuously being studied and refined. Some are still under clinical evaluation and may not be available in all healthcare centers. According to the European Association of Urology (EAU), many of these procedures are promising but considered under assessment.
- Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift®)
- How it works: Small permanent implants are inserted to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra.
- Advantages: No cutting or tissue removal. Preserves sexual function.
- Anesthesia: Local or light sedation.
- Best for: Men with mild to moderate symptoms and smaller prostate volumes.
- Aquablation Therapy
- How it works: A robotic-controlled water jet is used to precisely remove prostate tissue using a transurethral approach.
- Advantages: No thermal damage, which may reduce risk of sexual side effects.
- Anesthesia: General or spinal.
- Best for: Men with medium to large prostates.
- Prostatic Artery Embolisation (PAE)
- How it works: A catheter is inserted via the groin and used to deliver tiny particles that block blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink.
- Advantages: Outpatient procedure, minimal risk of sexual dysfunction.
- Anesthesia: Local.
- Best for: Men who are poor candidates for traditional surgery or wish to avoid general anesthesia.
- Convective Water Vapor Energy (Rezum™ System)
- How it works: Delivers short bursts of steam into prostate tissue, causing cells to die and be absorbed naturally over time.
- Advantages: Tissue-sparing, fast procedure, preserves sexual function.
- Anesthesia: Light sedation or local anesthesia.
- Best for: Men with moderate symptoms and prostates up to 80ml.
- Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device (iTind)
- How it works: A small, removable implant reshapes the prostatic urethra to improve urinary flow over 5–7 days.
- Advantages: Non-permanent, low risk of side effects.
- Anesthesia: Local.
- Best for: Men seeking a minimally invasive, temporary solution.
Possible Side Effects of BPE Treatments
Medications
Most men tolerate BPE medications well, but side effects can occur depending on the drug type.
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness or low blood pressure
- Fatigue or headache
- Dry mouth or constipation
- Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
- Ejaculatory changes (e.g., retrograde ejaculation)
The benefit of medication is flexibility—if one causes discomfort, alternatives may be tried or combined for better results.
Surgical Treatments for Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE)
For men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms, or those who do not respond well to medications, surgical treatment may provide faster, more effective, and longer-lasting relief. Advances in urological surgery—including laser techniques and minimally invasive procedures—have significantly improved outcomes and reduced recovery times.
However, like any medical intervention, surgery can involve certain short-term side effects and a few potential long-term considerations. Understanding these effects can help patients make informed decisions and prepare for recovery with confidence.
Common Short-Term Post-Surgical Effects
Most side effects are temporary and resolve within a few days to weeks as the body heals. These may include:
- Mild bleeding in the urine (hematuria), which is common and usually clears up within a few days
- Burning or stinging during urination, especially in the first 48–72 hours after catheter removal
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to the presence of a catheter or surgical manipulation of the urinary tract
- Increased urinary urgency or frequency, which often improves as inflammation subsides
- Temporary incontinence or leakage of urine, particularly after catheter removal, which typically improves with pelvic floor exercises
- Urethral stricture, a narrowing of the urinary passage that may occur weeks or months after surgery in rare cases
Your urologist will provide guidance on post-operative care, hydration, medications, and physical activity to support recovery and minimize discomfort.
Retrograde Ejaculation: A Common Long-Term Effect
One of the most notable long-term effects after prostate surgery is retrograde ejaculation. This occurs when semen, instead of exiting through the penis during orgasm, flows backward into the bladder. It is a harmless and painless condition and does not affect sexual pleasure or orgasm.
However, it may have implications for fertility. Men who wish to preserve their ability to father children in the future should discuss fertility preservation options, such as sperm banking, before undergoing surgery.
Why Surgical Options May Be the Right Choice
Despite these side effects, surgical treatment is often the most effective way to relieve urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate. Many patients experience significant improvement in urinary flow, reduced urgency, and better quality of life within weeks of their procedure.
At MedicalPoint, we offer a full range of advanced surgical techniques tailored to your prostate size, symptom severity, and overall health—including TURP, HoLEP, Thulium laser (ThuLEP), UroLift®, and more.
Talk to our urology team today to learn which option is right for you.
Living with BPE
Impact on Daily Life and Social Activities
Men with untreated BPE may face:
- Frequent restroom visits, disrupting meetings, events, or travel
- Anxiety or embarrassment about leakage or accidents
- Sleep disturbances due to nocturia (nighttime urination)
- Hesitancy to participate in social outings
Seeking treatment early can restore confidence, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being.
Personal Relationships and Sexual Health
BPE can subtly influence a man’s self-esteem and intimacy. Symptoms like leakage, urgency, or changes in sexual function may cause stress or avoidance in relationships. Open discussion with your partner and physician is vital.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Addressing both leads to better outcomes.
When to Seek Help
Many men delay seeking care due to stigma, denial, or fear of invasive procedures. However, BPE is common and highly manageable, especially when diagnosed early.
You should see a urologist if you experience:
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Weak stream or straining
- Blood in urine
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Recurrent urinary tract infections or bladder stones
At MedicalPoint, our team offers comprehensive evaluations and a full range of modern treatment options tailored to your needs.
Will BPE Come Back?
BPE is not curable, but it is highly treatable. While symptoms may return over time, modern treatments provide long-lasting relief, often for years. Your treatment plan will be adjusted as needed to match the progression of your condition and evolving medical advancements.
Regular follow-up helps monitor progress and make timely decisions to prevent complications.
Your Comfort, Health, and Confidence Matter
At MedicalPoint Hospital, we are committed to providing cutting-edge care for men with BPE. From first consultation to long-term management, we offer:
- Personalized treatment planning
- Access to the latest technologies (HoLEP, UroLift, Aquablation, etc.)
- Expert urologists trained in minimally invasive surgery
- Supportive care to address both physical and emotional concerns
Schedule your appointment today and take the next step toward regaining comfort and control.
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