Does it become difficult to urinate as you get older? Let's learn about the latest treatment for the prostate (Prostatic Urethral Lift)

Are you also finding it a little difficult to urinate as you get older? Do you need to urinate several times a day? Do you have to get up at night and go to the toilet two or three times? Do you feel like your urine has slowed down and you feel like you haven't completely emptied your bladder? These are common problems that many men face as they age. The main reason for this is an enlarged prostate gland. But don't worry, there are now very effective and simple treatments for this. Today, we will talk about one of the newest, minimally invasive treatments.

First, let's see, what is this prostate gland?

The prostate gland is a small walnut-sized gland found only in men. It is located below your urinary bladder, around the urethra. Your urine and semen leave the body through this tube. The prostate gland's main function is to add fluid to semen.

As men age, usually after the age of 50, the prostate gland in most men starts to enlarge. This is not cancer. In medical terms, we call this condition Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) . The problem is that when this gland around the urethra gets bigger, it squeezes the urethra. It's like someone squeezing a water pipe. That's when it becomes difficult to urinate.

So what is this treatment called Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL)?

Simply put, Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) is a minimally invasive , modern treatment for BPH, or urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland. You may have heard it called UroLift® .

Usually, your doctor will first prescribe you medications. However, if those medications do not help, or if the side effects of the medications are too severe, you may consider PUL treatment as the next step. This involves removing the enlarged prostate gland, which is pressing on the urethra, by inserting small devices (implants) into the urethra, like holding a windowpane. The urethra then opens again and urine can flow more easily.

What tests are done before this treatment?

Your doctor (usually a urologist) will perform several tests before deciding if this treatment is right for you. This will help determine the size of your prostate and the severity of your BPH condition.

How does the treatment work?

This is something that usually takes less than an hour and can be done in a clinic or ambulatory surgery center, rather than in a large operating room.

1. Preparation: You will be made to lie down on a special table, with your legs raised and supported on special supports. This will make it easier for the doctor to perform the treatment.

2. Numbness: The urethra and surrounding area are numbed so you don't feel any pain (local anesthesia). You may also be put into a light sleep.

3. Treatment:

• First, a thin instrument with a camera (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra and into the prostate gland.
• Then, using a special device called the UroLift, several small stainless steel implants (usually 2-6) are inserted on either side of the prostate gland to remove and hold the tissue that is squeezing the urethra.
• These implants open up the urethra that was blocked. That's it!

Then all the equipment is removed. You are observed for a while, checked to see if you can urinate, and then you are usually allowed to go home the same day.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

There are several specific reasons why this treatment method is popular among many people.

What should I pay attention to after treatment?

Recovery time can vary from person to person. Most people feel relief within a week, but it can take up to four weeks to fully recover.

• Pain: In the early days, you may feel a little burning or pain when urinating. You can take painkillers (such as NSAIDs) prescribed by your doctor for this.
• Water: Drink plenty of water. This will help flush out any blood in your urine, keep your urinary tract clean, and prevent infections.
• Food: It is best to avoid spicy foods, coffee, tea, citrus drinks, and alcohol for a few days, as they can irritate the bladder.
• Sexual activity: Ask your doctor about this. It is usually advised to avoid sex and masturbation for about a week.

What time do you need to see a doctor urgently?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, inform your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

• If you can't urinate at all.
• If there is heavy bleeding in the urine.
• If the bleeding in the urine does not stop after two weeks of treatment.
• If you have signs of infection, such as fever, chills, and swollen testicles.

Prostate, BPH, Prostatic Urethral Lift, UroLift, Urinary Tract Disorders, Men's Health, Prostate Enlargement