Three main approaches are used for the treatment of BPH: prescription drugs, minimally invasive treatments and surgery.

Prescription Drugs

Patients can take several medications for prostate enlargement. Side effects such as impotence, decreased libido, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, among other effects can occur. Patients on prescription drugs, usually have to take them every day for the rest of their lives. This can be an expensive proposition. In many cases, prescription drugs lose their effectiveness after a while because the prostate continues to grow. Eventually patients will have to have some other form of treatment.

"I was paying for prescription drugs for BPH for almost two years. In the beginning, it seemed the drug therapy was working but then my symptoms came back. My Doctor and I agreed it was time to treat the problem, not just the symptoms. A short treatment in the office, followed by some time with a catheter….and I was good as new again. I have my life back! Don’t wait, ask your urologist if CoreTherm^® is right for you."

Carl Parker, Fort Myers, FL

Minimally Invasive Treatment

CoreTherm^®

CoreTherm^® significantly reduces BPH symptoms, preserves sexual function, and provides durable results. Treatment can be completed within 30 minutes, does not require general or anesthesia, and is performed in the comfort of a physician's office or an outpatient setting.

Continuous monitoring of intraprostatic temperatures, intraprostatic blood flow rate, progressive destruction of targeted tissue, and adjustable microwave power enable the physician to tailor treatment to the individual. This is essential for a predictable outcome.

The CoreTherm^® procedure offers a unique and simple solution to BPH related problems because it combines the effectiveness of surgery with the ease of a truly minimally invasive treatment.

CoreTherm^® is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Surgery

Surgery involves removing the enlarged part of the prostate that constricts the urethra. It is recommended for patients who experience serious complications, such as bleeding through the urethra as a result of BPH, damage to the kidneys caused by urine backing up, frequent urinary tract infections, inability to urinate, and stones in the bladder. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the standard to which other surgeries for BPH are compared. This procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia. The surgeon inserts an instrument called a resectoscope into the penis through the urethra that cuts away urethral and transition- zone prostatic tissue to create an opening for the urine to pass through. Laser therapy carries fewer risks than the traditional transurethral resection or open prostatectomy. However, both procedures are performed under general or regional anesthesia and may require a hospital stay. As with any invasive surgery, there is an inherent risk with anesthesia and more risks of complications such as infections and bleeding. Also, recovery time is longer with surgery than with minimally invasive treatments. 

Up to 30% of men who undergo TURP experience problems with sexual function. Complete recovery of sexual function may take up to 1 year. (from urologychannel.com)