Allan's Story

Before RF Therapy

A self-proclaimed "putterer," Allan first noticed the symptoms of BPH in 1994, when he was 59. "I was outside working, painting, remodelling homes, and I started to notice that I had to go in to go to the bathroom more and more often," he says.

Allan also had to get up two or more times per night to go to the bathroom. "I really didn't get that much sleep, and that was very annoying," he recalls.

The bothersome urinary symptoms began to impact every aspect of his life. "I would have to make a point to stop and use the restroom at every store or restaurant," he says.

Allan went to a urologist in 1995, and began taking medication to treat the symptoms of BPH. "I don't like taking medications to start with, so I wasn't too crazy about that," he explains.

In 2005, Allan's urologist learned about RF therapy and thought he would be an excellent candidate. "It wasn't a very hard decision to make," Allan says. "I had all the faith in the world in my doctor."

RF Therapy Experience

"They gave me some medication – a sedative. While they did the procedure, I was propped up and reading a magazine, so you couldn't get any easier a procedure than that," Allan says.

After the procedure, his doctor inserted a urinary catheter. "The catheter was probably the worst part of the whole thing," he says. "There was no pain involved – it was just that you had something extra inserted in your body and a bag you're carrying around on your leg. But they took that out after a few days, and everything was great."

After RF Therapy

"Within a matter of 5 to 10 days, I saw a tremendous difference," Allan says. "Now, I don't have to get up at night, I can go work outside for hours on end, I can go for long walks, and I don't have to worry about using the restroom all the time."

Allan often talks with other men about his experience with RF therapy. "My doctor says that everybody I've talked to has gone through with the procedure," he says. "For me, it was a godsend." While Allan didn’t have side effects with RF therapy, the 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 1 to 2 weeks following the treatment.

RF therapy is available by prescription only. This therapy is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor to see if RF therapy is right for you.

Next: Moses's Story

This story reflects one person's experience. Not every person will receive the same results. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

Last updated: 16 Mar 2009