BPH

[philcheck]

Hi,

Just looking for some input from those out there that may have been or are going thru this. Im 39 and recently being having problems involving BPH The issue runs in my family and my father had his prostate removed in his mid 50's. My doc tetsted me and found my PSA was 1.3 and put me on Flomax. It worked well but after numerous problems found I was allergic to it and then was put on Uroxatral by a urologist. It works ok but not as well as the Flomax did. Before a scheduled cysto I had urinary retention which ended in an ER visit and a catheter for a few days. I had the cysto and the urologist said my bladder walls were thickened but no obvious structural issues. After the cysto the urologist instructed me on how to self cath and have had to do it numerous times since then. I then had a another test for bladder function which showed the bladder worked fine but I had a rentention issue. The urologist was concerned about a neuro problem possibly causing some of the bladder issues. He repeated the PSA which was now at 1.5. Im a little concerned with the PSA levels with my age but I know they are with the "norm" according to the doc. My urologist recommended me for a green light laser procedure but left the final decision up to me. I have decided to go ahead with the procedure when I see him next due to the ongoing problems, bladder walls thickening and dont want to be on meds long term.

I just have concerns about side effects of the procedure such as retrograde ejaculation. Does anyone out there know the chances of that side effect and if you have had the procedure what kind of results did you see? Also are these PSA levels "high" considering my age? I appreciate any comments.

Thanks

[billober33157]

Phil
Before you agree to a green light laser procedure, I suggest that you do some research. The green light laser has been replaced by the holap and holep laser procedures. I suggest that you find someone that is doing these procedures and get a second opinion. Your doctor may still be using the green light laser because he doesn't want to invest in the new equipment.
Bill

[philcheck]

Bill,

Thanks for the reply and info. I had not researched the Holap and Holep procedures until you mentioned it. I would have replied earlier to your post but I was looking them up and doing some reading on it. Correct me if Im wrong it seems that laser procedure is not as aggressive in removing the tissue as the green laser. One site stated the Holap only removes around 1.5mm at a time as oppossed to the green lasers 3mm. If that is correct in what I read that seems to be a better procedure since a doc could save more of my prostate and less risk in sexual side effects. At this point in my life I would rather keep more of the prostate and maybe just maybe risk having another procedure done years down the road again if needed.

Philcheck