Wellness Blog

Urolift vs TURP

Got BPH? Here’s how it happened. The prostate surrounds the urethra. When the prostate becomes enlarged, which is typical as we age, it puts pressure on the urethra disrupting the urine flow and causing all the other symptoms related to BPH (you know the ones: frequent trips to the bathroom and nothing coming out, urgent need to pee, dribbling, infections, and so on).

Both Urolift and TURP are surgical procedures used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. There are some key differences between these two and we hope this comparison will help you decide which one is the right choice for you based on your lifestyle and priorities.

TURP Key Differences and Procedure

  • An older, invasive technology
  • Requires a general or spinal anesthetic
  • 2 in 3 patients will develop sexual dysfunction as a result, including erectile issues OR retrograde ejaculation (“dry orgasm”) *
  • Requires an overnight stay at the hospital
  • Longer bleeding time and clots more likely
  • More side-effects if you’re older
  • Treatment is free in Ontario for OHIP-eligible patients

During a TURP, the enlarged portion of the prostate is removed. A combined visual and surgical instrument (resectoscope) is inserted through the tip of your penis and into the urethra. This instrument is used to cut out the enlarged portion of your prostate.

Urolift Key Differences and Procedure

  • A minimally-invasive procedure
  • A recent innovation, thoroughly tested over the last 5 years
  • Preserves erectile and ejaculatory function
  • Is performed under light sedation or local anesthetic
  • An outpatient procedure with no downtime
  • Faster recovery with less bleeding and discomfort post-procedure
  • Treatment is fee-based; the costs may be covered by some private insurance plans and/or written off at tax time (consult your insurance provider and accountant for more info)

The Urolift approach is to open and contain the enlarged prostate, even if it continues to grow. Relief is achieved by placing tiny implants (like stitches) that hold the prostate in place and keep the urethra open. These implants are permanent. [Read more about Urolift]

Results

The results for TURP and Urolift are comparable, with 80 to 90% of men reporting an improvement in their BPH symptoms. The decision comes down to a few factors:

  • Whether you’re eligible for Urolift based on your condition, general health and age
  • Whether the preservation of erectile and ejaculatory function is a concern
  • Affordability
     
    * World J Urol. 2004 Dec;22(6):457-60. Epub 2004 Oct 16.
    * Asian J Androl. 2006 Jan;8(1):69-74.

Low Testosterone Symptoms and Treatment Options

Dr. Elterman’s interview on CBC radio about the symptoms of “manopause” and what can be done about this condition.

Depression, brain fog and lethargy. They’re symptoms of a condition that is similar to menopause in women, but in men, it’s called andropause, or testosterone deficiency syndrome.

For women, there is often a sudden drop in certain hormone levels in middle age. For men, however, the change happens gradually over years, says Dr. Dean Elterman, assistant professor in the University of Toronto’s division of urology.

By the time men who are affected do notice a change — in mood or sex drive — the symptoms can be “really quite significant,” affecting men in the prime of their life, Elterman says.

Listen to the interview at http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/testosterone-deficiency-syndrome-1.3495817

4 Vaginal Rejuvenation Myths Debunked

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Vaginal-rejuvenation procedures are improving the lives of many women.

By Angela Serednicki

1) Myth: It’s All For Her Partner’s Pleasure

Truth: “It’s about the patient’s own sexual pleasure,” says Dr. Elterman.

Typically, patients ages 50 and up use a laser-therapy vaginal rejuvenation procedure called Intimalase as a way to fix the pain, dryness and elasticity issues that are associated with menopause and are a part of a woman’s natural aging process. The procedure enhances a woman’s vaginal muscle tone and increase sensitivity and sexual satisfaction.

Sexual satisfaction isn’t the only reason why women opt for vaginal rejuvenation procedures. Another laser therapy based procedure called Incontilase is designed for women with incontinence issues. In this procedure, the vaginal canal is tightened and shrunk in order to provide greater support to the bladder.

“Some women come in with a primary complaint (like bladder leakage) and find that the procedure treats another issue they were experiencing, such as laxity,” Elterman says.

Both Incontilase and Intimalase have more than a 90 percent satisfaction rate.

2) Myth: It’s Going to Hurt. A lot.

Truth: It’s pain-free.

Thanks to the use of laser therapy, a vaginal rejuvenation procedure is virtually pain-free. “No numbing or anesthetic is required,” says Dr. Elterman.

Vaginal rejuvenation procedures are done in a medical building with the presence of a doctor and two nurses. A very tiny speculum is then inserted into the vagina, which is followed by the light of the laser. Women may feel some heat when the laser is close to the opening of the vagina, but patients say that the discomfort is manageable.

3) Myth: Recovery Is Going to Be Killer.

Truth: The recovery is almost as simple as the procedure.

In order for the tissue to heal, women must abstain from intercourse for two weeks and shouldn’t wear tampons or avoid any heavy lifting for a month. Doctors sometimes prescribe a topical estrogen cream to help stimulate the body’s natural collagen to grow.

Since vaginal rejuvenation procedures are finished in less than half an hour, many women can even get the vaginal rejuvenation procedure done during their lunch break, says Dr. Elterman. “Within the hour, you’re back at your desk. There is virtually no recovery process,” he says.

4) Myth: It’s Not Necessary

Truth: While vaginal rejuvenation isn’t a life-saving procedure, it can greatly improve quality of life.

Jones has been experiencing severe bladder leaks ever since she had an extremely difficult forceps delivery and episiotomy with her firstborn.

When she was still in the hospital after giving birth, Jones says that she had no sensation in her bladder. “I would stand up and my bladder would completely let go,” she recalls. “I had no idea my bladder was even full.”

Two weeks later, she was referred to a physiotherapist for her bladder leaks. With the help of physiotherapy, Jones said her stress incontinence issues improved. “I couldn’t run, jump or sneeze, but it became manageable,” Jones said.

After five years of physiotherapy and a second pregnancy, her doctors said that she wouldn’t see any more improvement. At this point, Jones was still experiencing severe incontinence. Simple tasks like picking up her kids or crouching down in her classroom would result in leakage. Not wanting to wait 15 years before she was eligible for a bladder mesh sling operation, Jones decided to undergo an Incontilase laser therapy procedure, which shrinks and tightens vaginal tissue so that it can better support the bladder.

The procedure itself was really easy, says Jones. “I felt some heat during the procedure, but it was very manageable.” After undergoing two of the laser therapy sessions, Jones considers the procedure a success. “Now I can run, sneeze and have a full bladder without worrying about an accident.”