What are common treatment options for BPH?

Treatment options for BPH may include medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical therapies.

What is the UroLift System procedure?

The UroLift System procedure uses small implants to lift and hold enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra.

Does the UroLift System remove prostate tissue?

The UroLift System procedure is designed to relieve obstruction without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue.

BPH Treatment Options | UroLift and More

BPH Treatment Options

Treatment Goal	Medications^1–5	UroLift^® System Procedure^6–11	Water Vapor Therapy^12–15	Laser/TURP^1,16–18
Minimally invasive treatment that addresses prostate blockage	N/A	Reduces blockage. Can be performed in a doctor's office with local anesthesia	Reduces blockage. Can be performed in a doctor's office with local anesthesia	Reduces blockage. Typically done in a hospital or surgery center with increased anesthesia
Quick recovery^a	N/A	88–100% reported little or no interference at ~1 month	50–60% reported little or no interference at ~1 month	DATA NOT AVAILABLE
Minimal catheter use after procedure^b	N/A	10–32% catheter rate^c	75–100% catheter rate	~100% catheter rate
Low risk of serious complications	Floppy iris syndrome Depression & self-harm	3–7% urinary infection <1% urethral scarring 0–2% bleeding^d <1% bladder stones^e	7–17% urinary infection 0–4% urethral scarring 0–1% bleeding^d	10–20% urinary infection 3–7% urethral scarring 2–6% bleeding^d 0–2% urine leakage^f 0–1% TUR syndrome
Sexual preservation	3–5% erectile dysfunction, 1–10% ejaculatory dysfunction	0% erectile dysfunction, 0% ejaculatory dysfunction^g	0% erectile dysfunction, 3–20% ejaculatory dysfunction	7–10% erectile dysfunction, 40–60% ejaculatory dysfunction
One-time treatment without ongoing side effects	Daily requirement to take medications with associated side effects such as headaches, dizziness, lack of energy, insomnia and nasal congestion while on treatment	Typically, a one-time procedure with associated side effects such as temporary blood in urine and pain	Typically, a one-time procedure with associated side effects such as temporary blood in urine and pain	Typically, a one-time procedure with associated side effects such as temporary blood in urine and pain
Significant symptom relief	4–7pt IPSS at 12 mo	10–11pt IPSS at 12 mo	10–11pt IPSS at 12 mo	~15pt IPSS at 12 mo
Long-lasting relief	Daily pill needed	2–3% per year retreatment	1–2% per year retreatment	1–2% per year retreatment

Minimally invasive treatment that addresses prostate blockage

Medications^1–5

N/A

UroLift^® System^6–11

Reduces blockage. Can be performed in a doctor's office with local anesthesia

Water Vapor Therapy^12–15

Reduces blockage. Can be performed in a doctor's office with local anesthesia

Laser/TURP^1,16–18

Reduces blockage. Typically done in a hospital or surgery center with increased anesthesia

Quick recovery^a

Medications^1–5

N/A

UroLift^® System^6–11

88–100% reported little or no interference at ~1 month

Water Vapor Therapy^12–15

50–60% reported little or no interference at ~1 month

Laser/TURP^1,16–18

DATA NOT
AVAILABLE

Minimal catheter use after procedure^b

Medications^1–5

N/A

UroLift^® System^6–11

10–32% catheter rate^c

Water Vapor Therapy^12–15

75–100% catheter rate

Laser/TURP^1,16–18

~100% catheter rate

Low risk of serious complications

Medications^1–5

Floppy iris syndrome
Depression & self-harm

UroLift^® System^6–11

3–7% urinary infection <1% urethral scarring, 0–2% bleeding^d, <1% bladder stones^e

Water Vapor Therapy^12–15

7–17% urinary infection, 0–4% urethral scarring, 0–1% bleeding^d

Laser/TURP^1,16–18

10–20% urinary infection, 3–7% urethral scarring, 2–6% bleeding^d, 0–2% urine leakage^f, 0–1% TUR syndrome

Sexual preservation^g

Medications^1–5

3–5% erectile dysfunction, 1–10% ejaculatory dysfunction

UroLift^® System^6–11

0% erectile dysfunction, 0% ejaculatory dysfunction^g

Water Vapor Therapy^12–15

0% erectile dysfunction, 3–20% ejaculatory dysfunction

Laser/TURP^1,16–18

7–10% erectile dysfunction, 40–60% ejaculatory dysfunction

One-time treatment without ongoing side effects

Medications^1–5

Daily requirement to take medications with associated side effects such as headaches, dizziness, lack of energy, insomnia and nasal congestion while on treatment

UroLift^® System^6–11

Typically, a one-time procedure with associated side effects such as temporary blood in urine and pain

Water Vapor Therapy^12–15

Typically, a one-time procedure with associated side effects such as temporary blood in urine and pain

Laser/TURP^1,16–18

Typically, a one-time procedure with associated side effects such as temporary blood in urine and pain

Significant symptom relief

Medications^1–5

4–7pt IPSS at 12 mo

UroLift^® System^6–11

10–11pt IPSS at 12 mo

Water Vapor Therapy^12–15

10–11pt IPSS at 12 mo

Laser/TURP^1,16–18

~15pt IPSS at 12 mo

Long-lasting relief

Medications^1–5

Daily pill needed

UroLift^™ System (PUL)^6–11

2–3% per year retreatment

Water Vapor Therapy (Rezūm)^12–15

1–2% per year retreatment

Laser/TURP^1,16–18

1–2% per year retreatment

Note: Data in the above table come from head-to-head studies between individual therapies as well as meta-analysis across multiple studies. Some studies were sponsored by Teleflex Incorporated, manufacturer of the UroLift^™ System. A comprehensive head-to-head study comparing all of the above therapies has not been conducted at this time.

Medications

These include alpha blockers, which relax bladder neck muscles, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors which act to shrink the prostate.

UroLift™ System

Small implants are placed to lift or hold excess tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra – with no heating, cutting, or removal, of prostate tissue.^3,4

Thermotherapies

Heat, such as steam or hot water, is applied directly to the prostate to destroy excess tissue.

Laser

Concentrated light is used to generate precise, intense heat to destroy excess prostate tissue.

Waterjet Ablation

A high-velocity waterjet is used to destroy excess prostate tissue, using an image-guided robotic arm.

Transurethral Resection (TURP)

An electric wire loop or laser fiber is used to remove or vaporize excess prostate tissue.

Least Invasive Most Invasive

Treating your BPH with medication. If you are diagnosed with BPH, your doctor may prescribe medication. BPH medication typically falls into two categories, alpha blockers and five alpha reductase inhibitors. You may start with one type within a category. If your symptoms do not improve or if bothersome side effects occur, you may be changed to the other category of drug or given a combination of both types of medication. We will discuss these two most common types of medications. However, there are others that your doctor may prescribe to treat your BPH. What's the difference between the two medications? Alpha blockers attempt to relax the smooth muscle in the bladder and prostate, thus increasing urinary flow. Five alpha reductase inhibitors, also known as five ARIs, can reduce prostate volume. For some men, BPH medications are effective, well tolerated, and may adequately address the symptoms of your BPH. Some common downsides of BPH medications include side effects, lack of symptom improvement, ongoing cost, and inconvenience. Long known potential side effects of these BPH medications may include dizziness, headaches, fatigue, sexual side effects, including a decreased sex drive, and enlargement or swelling of breast tissue. Some new research has shown other potential side effects from BPH medications may include an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and depression. Further research is needed. It is important to understand BPH medication does not fix the blockage caused by your enlarged prostate. It only addresses the symptoms. Patients on long term medical therapy often do not adhere to treatment. And if BPH is left untreated, this can lead to poor bladder health. Even if you are taking BPH medication, you may want to speak with your doctor about other treatment options to address your BPH and potentially reduce your reliance on medication.

The system treatment was a BPH solution for Mike. This BPH treatment does not cut or burn away prostate tissue. Instead, it holds the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way to open the obstructed channel, unblocking the urine flow. It can provide faster recovery and rapid symptom relief with fewer risks than those often associated with traditional surgery. In clinical studies, the UroLift system was shown to preserve sexual function. It can get men off BPH medications and avoid the risk of bothersome side effects. It offered Mike the BPH relief he's been looking for. If you are like Mike and are interested in treating your BPH with the UroLift System, here's what you can expect. Your urologist will examine you to help determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. Your urologist may perform a cystoscopy, which uses a small flexible camera to view your prostate. If the UroLift System is right for you, please ask your urologist how to prepare for the procedure, which may include temporarily discontinuing certain medications. Often, the UroLift System treatment is performed right in your doctor's office or in an outpatient surgical center under local anesthesia. The procedure can also be done in a hospital setting. Your urologist will help you determine the best facility for your treatment and recommend the appropriate post procedure care for you. With the UroLift System, patients typically experience rapid relief from their BPH symptoms with recovery in days, not months, and quickly get back to the things they love. Most common side effects are temporary and can include discomfort when urinating, urgency, inability to control the urge, pelvic pain, and some blood in the urine. Rare side effects, including bleeding and infection, may lead to a serious outcome and may require intervention.

Don't Hesitate to Ask Your Doctor

Many people aren’t comfortable talking about sensitive health topics, even with their doctor, and may downplay or avoid discussing their worsening urinary issues. Health care professionals, especially urologists, often talk with people about urinary problems, and the good news is, BPH symptoms are generally treatable. Discussing your health concerns is the first step towards finding solutions.

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor about minimally invasive procedures like the UroLift™ System.

You May Need to Ask

Let your doctor know if BPH medications aren't helping enough or if you have concerns about potential side effects. Ask about minimally invasive treatment options that align with your treatment goals.

75%

Surveyed said they weren't informed about minimally invasive procedures as an alternative to BPH medications*

Take Care of #1

Part of the standard of care,⁶ the UroLift™ System can be used to treat a broad spectrum of anatomies, including lateral and obstructive median lobe and prostates up to 100cc.^4,5

#1

The UroLift™ System is the #1 chosen minimally invasive BPH procedure in the U.S.**

Don't Let BPH Hurt Your Sex Life

Patients treated with the UroLift™ System achieved better reported outcomes in sexual function^§ and satisfaction than men who received BPH medication.³

57%

Of men surveyed believe that BPH affects their relationships and 61% say it impacts sex*

For procedures

How fast will I experience BPH symptom relief?

What level of symptom relief can I expect?

What are the common side effects?

What are the anesthesia options; is a hospital stay required?

Would I go home with a catheter?

When can I return to normal activity?

For medications

What level of symptom relief can I expect?

What side effects are typical and are any serious?

Will I always need to be on BPH medications and are they known to be effective over time?

Will delaying having a procedure increase my risk of bladder or kidney disease?

If medications aren't helping enough, what are my options?

My name is Corey James Blessingain. I had BPH for about ten years before I did anything. I started having those symptoms in my early 40s, late 30s, where I noticed that I would have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. I want to say ten years. I kind of lived that life of getting up, going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, not being able to travel far because I needed to be around the bathroom, being careful of how much liquids I drank. So that's kind of my early stages of BPH. I was living in my hometown or where I grew up at, New York City, and they didn't have anything that was beneficial or that I thought I would want to do. I didn't like the invasive procedures that they were talking about. I then moved to Pennsylvania and got a new urologist. Speaking with this urologist, within a year, he introduced me to this new procedure called the UroLift. And I stepped out on what we call FAITH, and I did it. Within a week, I drove to New York, and I did not have to stop. I was able to travel and not have to pull over and I've been leakage free for a while. I became a UroLift System Ambassador because it gave me my life back and I felt that everyone should have their life and live it to the fullest. The advice I would give to men who are experiencing BPH is not to sit around and think it's going to go away. It doesn't go away on its own. Go check. Go get yourself checked out.

References

1. Roehrborn, J Urology 2013
2. AUA Guidelines 2003, 2020
3. Roehrborn, Eur Urol Focus 2021
4. Rukstalis, Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2018
4. UroLift System Instructions for Use
5. AUA BPH Guidelines, 2021
† As with any medical procedure, individual results may vary. See patient safety for more information.
*Survey of US men aged 40+ who have been diagnosed with BPH (enlarged prostate) and are/have been treated with BPH medications, conducted by Teleflex in 2020. Data on file, n=96.
**U.S. 2022 estimates based on US Market Model 2022-24 (5-17-22 FINAL), which is in part based on Symphony Health PatientSource® 2018-21, as is and with no representations / warranties, including accuracy or completeness.
§ Based on an indirect comparison of erectile and ejaculatory function and sexual satisfaction in men who received PUL in controlled studies or in men who received medical therapy in the MTOPS study.

MAC11000-02 Rev A

Enlarged Prostate Treatment Options

How BPH Treatment Options Stack Up

References

What are my options?

Medications

UroLift™ System

Thermotherapies

Laser

Waterjet Ablation

Transurethral Resection (TURP)

Don't Hesitate to Ask Your Doctor

75%

#1

57%

Questions to Ask

For procedures

For medications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Long Do UroLift Implants Usually Last?

Is the UroLift procedure permanent, and can the implants be removed if needed?

How does the UroLift System treatment compare to other treatment options?

References