Is Radio Frequency Therapy Right for You?

Choosing the right treatment for your enlarged prostate is a personal decision. It’s important to talk openly with your doctor about your symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment concerns.

If you’re already being treated for enlarged prostate, consider whether you’re satisfied with your current treatment:

Are you worried about being on your enlarged prostate medication for the rest of your life?
Do you suffer from medication side effects such as low energy, dizziness, or loss of libido (sex drive)?
Are you concerned about prescription drug interactions?
Does your current treatment provide satisfactory or sufficient relief from your urinary symptoms?
Are you unsure whether you want invasive surgery to correct your enlarged prostate problems?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may want to ask your doctor about RF therapy.

RF therapy is used to treat urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) in men over the age of 50 with prostate sizes between 20 cm³ and 50 cm³. This single-event treatment can be performed in your doctor’s office and may reduce your urinary symptoms for up to 5 years.^1,2

Prostiva therapy is associated with few side effects and adverse events. See Important Safety Information at left.

With RF therapy, there’s no need for general anesthesia or a hospital stay. You can return to most of your normal activities within a day or two. Most importantly, RF therapy may free you from a lifetime of enlarged prostate medication.

RF therapy is not for everyone. Your doctor will help you decide the best treatment for your unique circumstances.

References

Hill B, Belville W, Bruskewitz R, Issa M, Perez-Marrero R, Roehrborn C, Terris M, Naslund M. Transurethral needle ablation versus transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: 5-year results of a prospective, randomized, multi-center clinical trial. J Urol 2004 Jun; 171; 2336-2340. (In this study of 65 patients, 13 were evaluated 5 years after RF therapy. Only 14% of 65 patients needed further treatment for BPH symptoms and went on to have surgery (TURP).)
Zlotta A, Giannapolous X, Maehlum O, Ostrem T, Schulman C. Long-term evaluation of transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of the prostate for treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: clinical outcomes up to five years from three centers. Eur Urol 2003; 44:89-93. (In this study of 188 patients, 121 were evaluated 5 years after RF therapy. More than 75% did not need additional treatment for BPH symptoms.)

Next: Your Healthcare Team

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 3 Aug 2008