HoLEP vs. Supplements vs. Rezum vs. Prostate Artery Embolization

by ronald siedler
(burkesville KY)

I had the HoLEP in 2016 and the results without a doubt represented a completely successful operation. The HoLEP in my opinion is the gold standard of BHP treatment, replacing the TURP. I am irritated that there are many companies with an agenda of profit making from supplements in the public domain that spew out scare tactic after grim scare tactic to steer patients away from an operation such as the HoLEP.

----------------

Ron here...

Every man is unique. Your positive HoLEP experience is great, but not all men are so lucky.

Here are just some of the variables affecting the outcomes:
1. size of prostate: the larger the prostate the more it can press on the prostatic urethra. This then weakens the external pelvic floor sphincter from less need to do the job of holding back the urine.

After the procedure the sphincter muscle could take many months to a year or more to strengthen enough. In the meantime urinary incontinence is a a difficult and miserable condition. It requires steady work to do specific pelvic floor and kegel exercises to rebuild the sphincter function.

2. The skill of the surgeon... A slight mistake or oversight can damage the bladder neck or lower sphincter muscle with possible long-term consequences.

3. Any surgery has risks. The longer the riskier.

4. Prior surgeries or embolization can affect blood flow to the prostate or make the laser treatment more difficult to get non-reactions.

Yes, I agree that many supplements are oversold and hyped. Some men do get get results while some don't. Surgeries like HoLEP can also be over-promoted.

My advice: try diet, lifestyle and supplement changes first. Then if that doesn't work, find the best surgeon you can,

Also research Rezum Procedure. May be less invasive. Prostate Artery Embolization can be helpful in the short term, but reduced blood flow to the prostate may lead to stagnation and future issues like prostate cancer. Not enough time has gone to fully evaluate the risks. I wish I had never done it. I will write more on this soon.