Rezum Water Vapour Therapy
Should I Consider Minimally Invasive Treatments?
As men get older, the prostate gland naturally enlarges, leading to urinary symptoms and discomfort.
Traditionally, treatment options for BPH have often been limited to surgery or medication, but recent advancements in medical technology have opened the door for less invasive yet highly effective treatment options.
In this article, we will explore minimally invasive surgical therapies, more commonly known as MIST, to help you answer a very common question – should you consider getting a minimally invasive treatment to alleviate your BPH symptoms?
What is MIST?
Firstly, let’s begin by breaking down exactly what MIST is. Minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are procedures that can be done without general anesthesia or a hospital stay.
These minimally invasive procedures have minimal downtime, are outpatient procedures, and do not always require patients to wear a catheter post-procedure. Patients who undergo these treatments are able to return to their daily activities within a few days after the procedure.
They relieve patients of BPH symptoms without the use of medications or permanent implants, and allow patients to experience symptom relief within two weeks.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Therapies
So, what are the benefits to getting a minimally invasive procedure? Well, there are quite a few, including the following:
- The procedures have minimal downtime. The main difference between MIST treatments and other BPH treatments is that they are minimally invasive with minimal downtime. Patients do not have to spend time in the hospital, or take significant time off. Instead, they are able to return to their regular activities within a couple of days.
- They preserve sexual function. MIST treatments can preserve sexual function. They do not generally produce sexual side effects, nor do they interfere with patients’ ability to perform during intercourse. Patients have reported that these treatments do not cause erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction that may arise with other BPH treatments.
- They are non-invasive and drug-free. MIST treatments relieve symptoms of BPH safely and effectively, without requiring patients to take any medications or have any permanent implants. Patients generally experience symptom relief within just two weeks after the procedure.
Am I a Candidate for MIST?
After learning more about these procedures, you may be asking yourself – am I a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure?
Well, MIST therapies are typically suited for men that do not want to take any medication for their BPH symptoms on an ongoing basis, or have had a previous bad experience with medication. It is also recommended for men that do not wish to undergo the risks of a standard surgical intervention.
If satisfactory treatment results can be obtained with a MIST option, then this is usually the preferable option to avoid the risks and side effects of surgery or medication.