BPH Symptoms & BPH Treatment – Enlarged Prostate Symptoms & Treatment

Prostiva RF Therapy is an effective BPH Treatment

Available since 2006, Prostiva Radio Frequency (RF) Therapy is a non-surgical, office-based prostate therapy used to treat BPH. Prostiva RF Therapy uses low level radio frequency energy to destroy enlarged prostate tissue. This non-surgical BPH treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and requires local anesthesia and/or oral medications. You can expect your visit to last about 60-90 minutes, which includes preparation time, the procedure time and after-procedure care. Within weeks, the majority of men notice improvements in their symptoms.¹

1) Nasland, M., Transurethral Needle Ablation of the Prostate, Urology, 1997; 50(2): 167-172.

Watch a video about enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), and Prostiva RF Therapy

Find out more about Enlarged Prostate from Urologix

Enlarged prostate or BPH is not life threatening nor is it cancer; however, if left untreated it can lead to more serious health problems such as the inability to urinate, bladder stones, urinary tract infections or kidney damage.²

²Harvard Health Publications, Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) accessed March 25, 2008.

Indications: Prostiva RF Therapy is indicated for the treatment of symptoms due to urinary outflow obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men over the age of 50 with prostate sizes between 20cc and 50cc. Adverse Events: Side effects may include obstruction, bleeding, pain/discomfort, urgency, frequency and urinary tract infection. Caution: Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. For a listing of indications, contraindications, precautions and warnings, please refer to the System User Guide.

How is the Prostiva RF Therapy Performed?

What to expect before Prostiva RF Therapy:

Instructions differ among doctors. It's important to follow all instructions carefully. Be sure to tell your physician if you are taking anti-coagulants. Your urologist will provide specific pretreatment instructions such as: medication, fluid intake or modifying your diet the day of treatment
You’ll need to have a physical examination with a urologist trained in performing the non-surgical benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment. The physician will explain the non-surgical BPH treatment to you in detail and answer any questions you may have.
On the day of the treatment, arrange for someone to take you to and from your treatment. take a shower in the morning and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You may want to bring a book, magazine, or portable music player with you.

What to expect during treatment:

Prostiva RF Therapy is performed in your urologist’s office. You will be awake during the entire procedure. The non-surgical benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment itself generally last about 60 to 90 minutes, which includes preparation time, the treatment, and after-treatment care.
You will lie back, sedated and comfortable. You will usually be able to read or listen to music if you bring equipment with you.
To start the procedure, your urologist will insert an instrument through your urethra directly into the prostate. Two small antennae at the end of the tube deliver radio frequency energy to destroy the excess prostate tissue that is causing problems by "squeezing" the urethra and blocking the flow of urine.
Your doctor will likely treat 4 to 8 sites within your prostate. After one site is treated, the antennae will be moved to the next problem site, and the treatment process is repeated until your physician determines that treatment is complete.
During this prostate therapy, the office staff will do their best to make you as comfortable as possible.

What to expect after the treatment:

Arrange in advance for someone to drive you home after the treatment. You may not drive if you receive narcotics.
When the treatment is complete, you will be given fluids to drink and asked to remain in the office until you can urinate. If you are not able to urinate after the treatment, your doctor may insert a catheter to ensure your comfort. When needed, the catheter is usually removed within 1 to 3 days. 1,2
There is minimal discomfort post-RF therapy. Follow your doctor's directions for pain medication, if needed.
You should relax and take it easy when you arrive home. You can return to most of your normal activities within a day or two.

1) Bruskewitz, R., et al., A prospective, randomized 1-year clinical trial comparing transurethral needle ablation to transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol 1998; 159: 1588-1594

2) Roehrborn, C., et al., Transurethral needle ablation for benign prostatic hyperplasia: 12-month results of a prospective, multi-center U.S. study. Urology 1998; 51: 415-421.

Learn about possible side effects

How the healing process works:

You may not notice an improvement in your BPH symptoms immediately after treatment. However, your body is actively working to heal itself. Many patients will notice their symptoms improving within 2 to 8 weeks.³ Symptoms progressively improve as your body gradually reabsorbs the tissue treated with Prostiva RF Therapy. As your prostate shrinks, the pressure on your urethra decreases and your BPH symptoms will be reduced. Symptom improvement may continue for several months.

3)Nasland, M., Transurethral Needle Ablation of the Prostate, Urology, 1997; 50(2): 167-172.

4) Campo, B., et al., Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) of the Prostate: A Clinical and Urodynamic Evaluation, Urology, 1997; 48(6), 847-850.

Further questions about Prostiva RF Therapy?

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As with any medical procedure individual results will vary. Please consult your urologist for more information on this benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment option.