Questions and Answers – Radio Frequency Therapy

What is RF therapy?

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 in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

After RF therapy treatment, the treated tissue shrinks and the urethra is no longer "squeezed." This may help you to urinate more normally. The procedure takes about an hour, plus some additional preparation and recovery time.

Does RF therapy work?

Yes. RF therapy has been shown to provide effective, long-term relief of BPH symptoms for up to 5 years.^1,2

RF Therapy:

Has shown a better peak urinary flow rate (the amount of urine passed, measured in milliliters per second)
Has improved BPH symptom score (urinary symptoms were less severe)
Has enhanced quality of life score (urinary symptoms were less bothersome)

How long does RF therapy last?

In a medical study, RF therapy was shown to give good, long-term relief of BPH symptoms in most men for up to 5 years.^1,2 Only 14% of individuals treated in this study needed to have the more invasive transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgical procedure within 5 years after their treatment with RF therapy.¹

Do doctors recommend RF therapy?

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).²

Is RF therapy safe?

Yes, the procedure is safe.¹ The instruments used in RF therapy have several important safety features. For example, the instrument constantly measures temperature in the treatment area and automatically shuts off if it senses that it’s getting too hot. Treatment with Prostiva is associated with few side effects and adverse events (see Important Safety Information at left).

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 cm³.³ Your doctor can evaluate you to see if you’re a good candidate for the therapy.

Why should I choose RF therapy?

When it comes to treating your enlarged prostate, RF therapy offers a safe, convenient alternative to lifelong medication or invasive surgery:

Improves the symptoms of BPH for up to 5 years^1,2
Takes about an hour (with some additional preparation and recovery time required)⁴
Can be done in your doctor's office^1,2
Is usually done with local anesthesia only (only the affected area is numbed)⁴
Lets you get back to many of your normal activities within 2 to 3 days⁴
Is covered by Medicare in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as well as by many private insurance companies

What are the potential side effects?

Possible side effects include obstruction (blockage), urinary retention, bleeding, blood in urine, pain/discomfort, urgency to urinate, increased urinary frequency, and urinary tract infection. You may also experience a minor burning sensation when urinating for one to two weeks following the treatment.³

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 3% or less of patients experienced retrograde ejaculation.³

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.)
Prostiva RF Therapy System User Guide Clinical Data. Safety information from System User Guide.
Campo B, Bergamaschi F, Corrad P, Ordesi G. Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) of the prostate: A clinical and urodynamic evaluation. Urol 1997; 49:847-850.

Next: Getting Radio Frequency Therapy

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