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Frequently Asked Questions

What is BPH?
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is commonly known as enlarged prostate. BPH is a non-cancerous condition in which prostate cells grow, enlarging the gland and causing it to squeeze the urethra. A variety of symptoms may result, including difficult, frequent or urgent urination.

When Should I Seek BPH Treatment?
If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH that are affecting your quality of life, such as losing sleep because you need to wake during the night to urinate, you are unable to urinate, you are unable to delay urination, have hesitancy, or a weak urine stream, check with your urologist to discuss if it is time to seek treatment.

BPH is not cancerous and is not life threatening, but it does create bothersome symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.

What Are the Long Term Risks of BPH?
If left untreated, BPH can progress and cause subsequent medical issues. When the bladder does not empty completely, you become at risk for developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Other serious problems can also develop over time, including bladder stones, blood in the urine (Hematuria), incontinence, or urinary retention. In rare cases, bladder and/or kidney damage can develop from BPH.

What are the Treatment Options?
Based on the AUA Guidelines for the treatment of BPH, there are four recommended treatment options: Watchful Waiting, Medications, In-Office Therapy, and Surgery. Selection of the right BPH treatment option for you will depend on your individual health conditions and preferences.

Are In-Office Therapies Safe?
Yes, these treatments are safe. Both Cooled ThermoTherapy™ and Prostiva® RF Therapy are cleared by the FDA to treat BPH, and are recommended in the guidelines issued by the American Urological Association. In-Office BPH Treatments are associated with few side effects and adverse events.1

Are In-Office Therapies Effective?
Based on clinical studies, In-Office Therapy is proven to be a safe, effective and durable option for BPH with very few side effects. 1,2

Are In-Office Therapies Covered By Insurance?
Medicare and many commercial insurance plans provide coverage. Ask your doctor’s office to assist you by providing the information your insurance plan may require.

Do In-Office Therapies Hurt?
Patient experiences vary. Some men describe treatment as causing some discomfort, while other men report no discomfort at all. The medical staff will make sure you are as comfortable as possible during the treatment.

Will I need a catheter after the treatment?
Many patients should expect to get a catheter to aid in urination and keep the urethra open during the initial healing process for a few days following these treatments.

Can I go home right after the procedure?
Yes. You should arrange for someone to drive you home because you may have been given some medication to help you relax during the procedure. Your urologist will give you post-treatment instructions and explain the recovery period to you.

1 Mynderse LA, Roehrborn CG, et al. Results of a 5-Year Multicenter Trial of a New Generation Cooled High Energy Transurethral Microwave Thermal Therapy Catheter for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Journal of Urology. Vol. 185, 1804-1811, May 2011

2 Hill, B., et al Transurethreal Needle Ablation vs TURP for the Treatment of Symptomatic BPH: 5 Year Results of a Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Clinical Trial, Journal of Urology Vol 171, 2336-2340, June 2004