I am a 68 year male living in Orange County, California. Over the past decade I've been dealing with BPH issues and have seen three different urologists. I am otherwise a very healthy and active person. Ten years ago I had a bout of severe urinary retention, which in part was due to or associated with BPH. I was prescribed alpha-blockers to manage the symptoms. The alpha blockers worked for a few years, but with decreasing effectiveness. I had two additional urinary retention events over the past 20 months or so. I was directed to Dr. Gazzaniga by a friend. Dr. G did some diagnostic work, including estimating and determining the size and geometry of my prostate. We discussed non-pharmaceutical options, including minimally invasive surgical techniques, but decided to monitor the situation. Early this year had another urinary retention event. I was tired of Foley catheters, self-cathing, etc., and decided I wanted a more permanent solution. My wife and I visited Dr. G to explore options. After some discussion, Dr. G felt that the REZUM technique was best suited for my condition and desired outcome. Dr. G had performed dozens of REZUM procedures and I felt like I was in good hands. I decided to do the procedure, which is an in-office procedure that takes less than hour including prep time and post-procedure instructions, etc. The actual procedure lasts about 5 minutes. There is plenty of information about REZUM on the internet so I will not discuss here but when they call it "minimally invasive" it truly is. I left the office with a Foley catheter (some folks may not), which I kept in place for about 5 days. I noticed a little improvement with urine flow, etc., if the following several days. After the swelling resided, which took maybe two weeks or so, the urine flow was markedly improved, urgency was gone, and I felt like it was successful. It has now been about 3 months. I stopped taking Flomax (alpha-blocker) about 2 months ago. 90% of the time I sleep through the night. I never have that feeling of having to run to the bathroom. Additionally, REZUM does not (typically) effect ejaculation or erection--two things that can happen with more invasive approaches. I told Dr. G recently that my only regret is that I did not have this procedure done sooner. Men, if you are having symptoms related to BPH you can put band aids on the condition by the use of drugs and do the "watchful waiting" approach. Or you can explore more permanent solutions by consulting with Dr. G. He has various options available to you depending on your unique situation. You will not be disappointed. read more
