Enlarged Prostate Treatment
UroLift
For men who want relief from an enlarged prostate without daily medication and without the recovery that prostate surgery once required, the UroLift System offers a third option. It is performed in our office, involves no cutting or removal of prostate tissue, and is designed to preserve sexual function — which for many men is the deciding factor. Texas Regional Urology offers UroLift at our offices in The Woodlands, Tomball, and Kingwood.
How UroLift Works
What Is the UroLift System?
An enlarged prostate causes urinary symptoms because the growing gland presses inward on the urethra, narrowing the channel urine passes through. Most treatments address this by shrinking the prostate with medication or removing the obstructing tissue surgically.
UroLift takes a different approach: it holds the tissue out of the way. Small permanent implants are placed to lift and retract the enlarged lobes of the prostate, opening the urethra directly. Nothing is cut, heated, or removed.
Because the procedure doesn't destroy tissue, there is no healing period during which swelling makes symptoms temporarily worse — men typically notice improvement within days rather than weeks. And because it avoids the areas responsible for ejaculation, it has not been shown to cause the ejaculatory changes that commonly follow medication or TURP.
UroLift takes a different approach: it holds the tissue out of the way. Small permanent implants are placed to lift and retract the enlarged lobes of the prostate, opening the urethra directly. Nothing is cut, heated, or removed.
Because the procedure doesn't destroy tissue, there is no healing period during which swelling makes symptoms temporarily worse — men typically notice improvement within days rather than weeks. And because it avoids the areas responsible for ejaculation, it has not been shown to cause the ejaculatory changes that commonly follow medication or TURP.
Why Men Choose It
Benefits of UroLift
Performed in the Office
UroLift is done in our office under local anesthesia, often with light oral sedation. There is no hospital stay and no general anesthesia.
Rapid Symptom Relief
Most men notice improvement in flow and urgency within two weeks, and often sooner. There is no extended period of waiting for tissue to heal.
Preserves Sexual Function
UroLift was specifically designed to avoid the ejaculatory dysfunction associated with other BPH treatments. For men who are bothered by that side effect, this is frequently the reason they choose it.
No Daily Medication
Men who are tired of the cost, the routine, or the side effects of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors often pursue UroLift specifically to come off them.
Who Qualifies
Am I A Candidate?
UroLift is generally appropriate for men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate whose anatomy suits the implants — specifically, men whose prostate lobes press inward from the sides rather than upward from a large median lobe. Your urologist will assess this during evaluation, typically with cystoscopy, which is why the anatomic assessment matters more than prostate size alone.
It is a strong option for men who want to stop taking medication, men who are concerned about sexual side effects, and men who want to avoid general anesthesia. It may not be the right choice for very large prostates, for men with a prominent median lobe, or for men in urinary retention, where a more definitive procedure like TURP may deliver better results. Your consultation is about matching the treatment to your anatomy and your priorities, not fitting you to a procedure.
It is a strong option for men who want to stop taking medication, men who are concerned about sexual side effects, and men who want to avoid general anesthesia. It may not be the right choice for very large prostates, for men with a prominent median lobe, or for men in urinary retention, where a more definitive procedure like TURP may deliver better results. Your consultation is about matching the treatment to your anatomy and your priorities, not fitting you to a procedure.
Recovery Time
What to Expect
Before the Procedure
You'll have an evaluation including symptom scoring, a urine test, and usually cystoscopy to confirm your anatomy is suitable. You may be asked to stop blood thinners in advance, and you'll take an antibiotic before the procedure.
The Day of the Procedure
The procedure takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes in our office. Local anesthetic is placed, a small scope is passed through the urethra, and the implants are positioned. You'll feel pressure rather than sharp pain.
The First Few Days
Mild burning with urination, some urgency, and a small amount of blood in the urine are common and expected for several days. Most men do not need a catheter, though one is occasionally placed briefly. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous activity.
The First Few Weeks
Symptoms typically improve steadily over the first two weeks. Irritative symptoms settle as the area heals, and most men are back to full normal activity well before that.
Follow-up
We'll see you to confirm your symptoms have improved and that you're emptying your bladder well. The implants are permanent and require no maintenance.
Risks & Side Effects
Side Effects
Temporary Urinary Irritation
Burning, urgency, frequency, and pelvic discomfort are common in the first days to weeks and resolve on their own.
Blood in the Urine
Light bleeding is normal for several days after the procedure and is not cause for concern unless it is heavy or accompanied by clots and difficulty urinating.
Need for Additional Treatment
UroLift provides durable relief for most men, but symptoms can return over time or the response may be incomplete, and some men eventually pursue another procedure. Your urologist will discuss the realistic likelihood in your case.
Other Risks
As with any procedure involving the urinary tract, there is a small risk of urinary tract infection, temporary difficulty urinating, or implant-related discomfort. Your urologist will review these fully.
Answers to your UroLift Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
It's designed specifically not to.
UroLift avoids the structures involved in ejaculation and has not been shown to cause the ejaculatory dysfunction common with BPH medications and TURP. This is the most common reason men select it over other options.
They're permanent and need no maintenance.
The implants stay in place indefinitely and require no upkeep or replacement. They also do not prevent future treatment if it becomes necessary later.
Usually not.
Most men leave the office without one, unlike some other BPH procedures where a temporary catheter is routine. Occasionally one is placed briefly if there is swelling.
Often within two weeks.
Because no tissue is destroyed, there is no extended healing period before symptoms improve. Many men notice better flow within days.
Usually yes, after your urologist confirms.
Most men who have UroLift are able to discontinue alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Do not stop any medication before discussing it with your urologist.
Typically yes, including Medicare.
UroLift is widely covered when medical criteria are met, though plans differ. Our staff can verify your specific benefits before you schedule.
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