GreenLight for BPH

As men get older, the prostate gland, which sits just below the bladder, often grows larger. This is a normal part of aging.

For some, the enlarged prostate presses against the urethra and blocks the flow of urine. The result is a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can cause a variety of difficult symptoms, including:

• An urgent need to urinate
• Urinary frequency at night (nocturia)
• Difficulty starting urination
• A weak or interrupted urine stream
• Feeling like your bladder isn’t fully empty after voiding
• Dribbling at the end of urination

While BPH isn’t cancerous or life-threatening, it can significantly affect your comfort and quality of life. It can also lead to complications such as bladder stones, infections, and even kidney problems.

One minimally invasive solution to BPH is GreenLight laser therapy.

When excess prostate tissue presses against your urethra, it causes the frustrating symptoms of BPH. GreenLight laser therapy is an advanced treatment that uses high-powered laser energy to remove it.

The laser precisely targets and vaporizes the overgrown tissue. As a result, urine flows more freely, and symptoms often improve quickly without the need for traditional surgery.

During the procedure, a small instrument called a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra to access the prostate. There are no external cuts or stitches.

A thin laser fiber is guided through the scope, delivering powerful laser energy directly to the problem areas. Most procedures take less than an hour, and patients usually go home the same day.

It’s normal to experience some mild burning during urination and see small amounts of blood in the urine for a few days after the procedure. A temporary catheter is often placed to help drain urine while the area heals. It’s typically removed within a day or two. Following the procedure, your doctor may recommend:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding heavy lifting
• Giving your body time to rest

Most men notice significant symptom improvement within a few weeks.

This treatment is popular because it offers relief without the long recovery time of traditional surgery. Some key benefits include:

• No external incisions
• Faster recovery, allowing many men to return to normal activities within a few days
• Reduced risk of complications like urinary incontinence compared to more invasive procedures
• Long-lasting symptom relief for many men

Most side effects are temporary and manageable, including:

• A burning sensation or discomfort during urination for a few days
• Blood in the urine due to mild bleeding
• Temporary difficulty urinating after the procedure
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Retrograde ejaculation

Rare risks include:

• Scar tissue formation, known as urethral stricture
• Urinary incontinence
• The need for repeat procedures if symptoms return

If BPH symptoms are starting to interfere with your daily life or sleep, and medications aren’t giving you the relief you need, GreenLight laser therapy could offer a safe, effective solution. Your urologist can provide a thorough evaluation and assessment to determine if GreenLight therapy can work for you.

1. What is the recovery timeline after GreenLight laser therapy?

Most men recover quickly, but following your doctor’s guidelines is essential to avoid complications. Light activities can usually be resumed within 1 to 2 days. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.

Most men can safely resume sexual activity after 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly they heal. Always check with your doctor before returning to normal routines.

2. How does this procedure affect sexual health?

GreenLight therapy generally does not affect erectile function. However, a possible side effect is retrograde ejaculation. This is when semen flows backward into the bladder during orgasm instead of exiting through the penis. While this isn’t harmful and doesn’t affect sexual pleasure, it can impact fertility. If preserving fertility is important to you, discuss this with your doctor before the procedure.