What to expect

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

What do I need to do before the procedure?

Patient instructions differ among doctors. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions about what to do before the procedure and the day of the procedure. Please follow the instructions carefully.

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What should I do on the day of the procedure?

  • Arrange for someone to take you to and from the place where you will be treated.
  • Take a shower in the morning and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
  • You may bring a book, magazine or a music player with headphones.
  • Expect your visit to last about 60 to 90 minutes, which includes preparation time, the procedure and after-procedure care. The average actual treatment time is 15 to 20 minutes.

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What will happen when I get to my doctor's office?

Your doctor will go over the procedure with you and answer your questions. You may be given some medication to help you relax. Your doctor will talk with you about the anesthesia he or she will use to minimize discomfort. After the anesthesia has taken effect, your doctor will begin the procedure.

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What will happen during the procedure?

You will lie on your back, sedated and comfortable. You will usually be able to read or listen to music, if you bring a music player and headphones.

Your doctor will pass a tube through the urethra to the prostate. Two small probes at the end of the tube deliver RF energy to destroy the excess prostate tissue that is "squeezing" the urethra and blocking the flow of urine.

The doctor will probably treat four to eight sites within the prostate. After one site is treated, your doctor will move the probes and instrument to the next site and repeat the treatment until he or she thinks that enough sites have been treated to relieve your symptoms.

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What does it feel like? Does it hurt?

Patient experiences vary. Most men describe the procedure as causing some discomfort. While some men report experiencing some pain, others report no pain at all. Your doctor will give you anesthesia to make you as comfortable as possible. Talk with your doctor about the anesthesia he or she uses so that you'll know what to expect. If you feel pain during the procedure, don't be afraid to tell your doctor.

Men who have had RF therapy talk about the procedure Men who have had RF therapy talk about the procedure

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What will happen after the procedure?

After the procedure, you will be given fluids to drink and asked to stay in the office until you urinate. If you are not able to urinate, your doctor may insert a catheter to make sure you can empty your bladder. Most patients do not need a catheter. When needed, the catheter is usually removed within 1-3 days.7, 8

PROSTIVA RF Therapy was designed for use in an office or a hospital outpatient setting, so you will not need to spend the night in a hospital. Most men go home the same day.

There is usually some discomfort after a PROSTIVA RF Therapy treatment. Follow your doctor's directions for pain medication, if needed. You should relax and take it easy when you get home.

Men who have had RF therapy talk about their experiences after the procedure Men who have had RF therapy talk about their experiences after the procedure

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When can I return to my normal activities?

Most patients resume most activities within a day or two.11

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How long will it take to notice results?

Many patients will notice that their symptoms improve within four weeks. However, you may not experience the maximum improvement for three months.7 Results may vary depending on how severe your symptoms were, the size of your prostate and the length of time it was treated. Follow your doctor's directions about when to stop taking your BPH medication.

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What side effects can happen with PROSTIVA RF Therapy?

Possible side effects include obstruction (blockage), urinary retention, bleeding, blood in urine, pain/discomfort, urgency to urinate, increased urinary frequency and urinary tract infection. Patients may also experience a minor burning sensation when urinating for one to two weeks following the treatment.6

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What is the risk of sexual side effects?

During the original clinical studies for RF therapy, less than two percent of RF therapy patients experienced impotence, and less than one percent of patients experienced retrograde ejaculation.6

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