Common questions

Following are general answers to questions often asked by men thinking about PROSTIVA RF Therapy. Ask your doctor any questions you have about your own case.

What is PROSTIVA RF Therapy?

PROSTIVA RF Therapy is a safe, in-office procedure with few side effects. The therapy uses low-level radio frequency heat energy to destroy excess prostate tissue. As the prostate heals, the urethra is no longer "squeezed," which may help you to urinate more normally.

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Does RF therapy work?

Yes. RF therapy has been shown to provide good, long-term relief of BPH symptoms in most patients for 5 years.9, 10

When patients were evaluated in two 5-year studies,9, 10 RF therapy was shown to improve BPH symptoms as measured by:

  • Peak urinary flow rate
    The amount of urine passed, measured in milliliters per second
  • BPH symptom score
    Based on questions rating how severe your urinary symptoms are
  • Quality of life score
    Measuring how bothersome your symptoms are

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How long does RF therapy last?

In medical studies, RF therapy was shown to give good, long-term relief of BPH symptoms in most patients for 5 years.9, 10

In one study of 188 patients,10 121 were evaluated five years after RF therapy. More than 75% did not need additional treatment for BPH symptoms.

In another study of 65 patients,9 13 were evaluated five years after RF therapy. Only 14% of the 65 patients needed further treatment for BPH symptoms and went on to have the more invasive transurethral resection of the prostate surgical procedure (TURP).

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Yes. RF therapy for BPH is one of only a few in-office treatments recommended by the American Urological Association Guideline on the Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).12

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Is RF therapy safe?

Yes, the procedure is safe.9 The instruments used in PROSTIVA RF Therapy were designed with several important safety features. For example, the instrument constantly measures temperature in the treatment area and automatically shuts off if it senses that it is getting too hot.

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Who is a candidate for RF therapy?

RF therapy is for men with BPH who are over age 50 with prostate sizes between 20 cm3 and 50 cm3.6  Your doctor can evaluate you to see if you are a good candidate for the therapy.

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Does insurance cover RF therapy?

PROSTIVA RF Therapy is covered by Medicare in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as well as by many commercial payors and managed-care insurance companies.

Non-Medicare patients should always verify with their insurance company that the procedure is covered.

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Why should I choose PROSTIVA RF Therapy?

At some point, you may decide you no longer want to take daily medication, but also do not want to risk the potential side effects of invasive surgery.

PROSTIVA RF Therapy has several advantages over other treatments. This therapy:

  • Has been shown to improve the symptoms of BPH for 5 years9
  • Takes less than an hour (with some additional preparation and recovery time required)6
  • Can be done right in your doctor's office10
  • Is usually done with local anesthesia only (only the affected area is numbed)6
  • Lets you get back to many of your normal activities within a day or two11
  • Is covered by Medicare in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as well as by many private insurance companies

Most importantly, PROSTIVA RF Therapy may free you from a lifetime of daily medication.

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* In November 2005, the Food and Drug Administration granted 510(k) clearance for PROSTIVA RF Therapy, stating that it is substantially equivalent to TUNA® Therapy (the previous name of this therapy). This Web site refers to data gathered using any one of several previous models of Medtronic's RF therapy equipment.