Personal stories about using surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

John, age 56: Over the past year, I've started to feel like my life revolves around the bathroom. I have to go every 2 or 3 hours, and in my line of work, that's a real inconvenience. And then sometimes it takes me 5 or 10 minutes to finish. It's become a real annoyance to me. I tried medications to relax and shrink my prostate, but I didn't like the side effects, and I don't want to be on medication for the rest of my life. This surgery sounds like a good option for me. I think I can manage the possible side effects of the surgery a lot better than the symptoms I have now. It makes sense to me to take care of the problem and not just treat the symptoms.

Geraldo, age 67: I've adapted pretty well to the changes in my urination. Instead of standing there waiting for something to happen, I just have a seat, pick up a magazine, and let nature take its course. Some men might have a problem with that, but I'm retired and I don't find it a bother at all. I don't feel any need to have surgery because I think I'm managing just fine. Who knows whether the risks of surgery might not be worse than what I'm dealing with now?

Tom, age 70: I haven't had a good night's sleep since this whole prostate thing started. I'm up every few hours almost every night. I find that I'm tired a lot during the day because I'm really not sleeping very well. I tried medications, but they didn't seem to help me. I always had to have an aisle seat on airplanes because I was urinating so often. Every surgery I've ever had before has turned out well, so I'm not especially concerned about this one. In fact, I'm looking forward to finally getting to sleep through the night.

Dave, age 65: I just remarried after being single for about 15 years, and my new wife and I have a wonderful sex life. No way would I have surgery, no matter how many times I have to get up each night to use the bathroom! I know the risk of erection problems is very small, but it's not a risk I want to take right now.