UroLift for Prostate Enlargement (BPH): How It Works, Recovery, and Who It Suits
This article forms part of Dr Deanne Soares’ urology education series, providing evidence-based guidance on living with urological conditions and making informed treatment decisions.
Living with urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate can be quietly exhausting. Interrupted sleep, urgency, weak flow, hesitancy, or the feeling of never quite emptying the bladder can wear people down over time — even when symptoms are not dangerous.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common as people age, particularly men and other people with a prostate (including some trans women). It is not prostate cancer, but it can significantly affect quality of life.
UroLift is one of several modern options available to treat BPH. This article explains what the UroLift procedure actually does, who it tends to suit, what recovery is really like, and when another approach may be a better match.
Patient summary
Key points to know:
UroLift is a minimally invasive treatment for prostate enlargement
It works by opening the channel, not removing tissue
Recovery is usually quick, but not symptom-free
Ejaculatory function is usually preserved
It suits selected prostate anatomies — not everyone
What UroLift actually does (in plain language)
UroLift is a transurethral procedure, meaning it is performed through the urine channel (the urethra), without cuts on the skin.
During the procedure, a small telescope is passed into the urethra. Tiny permanent implants are placed into the prostate to hold the obstructing tissue away from the urethra, creating a clearer channel for urine to flow.
Importantly:
No prostate tissue is cut, burnt, or removed
There is no thermal injury
The prostate is mechanically reshaped rather than destroyed
This difference explains both the advantages and the limitations of UroLift.
Who UroLift tends to suit best
UroLift can be a good option if you:
Have moderate to severe urinary symptoms from BPH that affect sleep, work, or daily activities
Have not had adequate relief from medications, or wish to avoid long-term medication use
Place a high priority on preserving ejaculation
Are seeking a minimally invasive option with a relatively quick recovery
Have prostate anatomy that is suitable on assessment
Suitability is not determined by symptoms alone. Prostate size, shape, presence of a median lobe, bladder function, and symptom pattern all matter.
This is why a proper assessment is essential before committing to any procedure.
When UroLift may not be the best choice
UroLift is not the right option for everyone.
I am more cautious about UroLift when:
The prostate is very large and symptoms are driven by bulk obstruction
There is a prominent median lobe that cannot be adequately treated
Symptoms appear to be driven more by bladder dysfunction than prostate blockage
A more definitive, durable reduction in prostate tissue is required
The individual is seeking the strongest possible improvement, regardless of recovery burden
In these situations, procedures such as TURP, HoLEP, or other approaches may be a better fit.
What assessment should happen before deciding
If a procedure is being offered after a brief discussion, it is reasonable to pause.
A thoughtful pre-procedure assessment commonly includes:
Symptom scoring (such as IPSS) and identification of the most bothersome symptoms
Review of current medications and side effects
Urine testing to exclude infection or clarify blood in the urine
Prostate assessment (examination and/or ultrasound volume)
Flow rate and post-void residual (how well the bladder empties)
In many cases, cystoscopy to directly assess anatomy
Good outcomes depend on matching the procedure to the person, not simply choosing the least invasive option.
What happens on the day
UroLift is usually performed as a day procedure.
The procedural component itself is relatively short. Anaesthetic approach varies depending on the setting and individual factors, and should be discussed beforehand.
A catheter is not routinely required, but may be used briefly in some cases.
Most people go home the same day once they are comfortable and able to pass urine.
Recovery: what people often underestimate
UroLift is minimally invasive, but that does not mean there is no recovery.
In the first few days, it is common to experience:
Burning or stinging with urination
Increased frequency or urgency
Mild blood in the urine
Pelvic discomfort or awareness
These symptoms usually settle over days to a couple of weeks.
Many people notice improvement in flow relatively early, but urinary symptoms can fluctuate during the initial recovery phase.
Sexual function: realistic reassurance
One of the main reasons people choose UroLift is its favourable sexual side-effect profile.
In general:
Ejaculation is preserved in most patients
Erectile function is not expected to be adversely affected
That said, no procedure is entirely without risk, and temporary changes or discomfort can occur during early recovery.
If preservation of ejaculation is a top priority for you, it should be explicitly discussed, as it meaningfully influences procedure choice.
How UroLift compares with other BPH treatments
Every BPH treatment involves trade-offs between:
Speed of symptom relief
Durability
Recovery burden
Sexual side effects
In broad terms:
Medications
Easy to trial
May cause side effects or lose effectiveness over time
Rezūm
Uses steam to shrink tissue over time
Recovery can be more prolonged
Often requires a catheter initially
TURP / HoLEP
More definitive tissue removal
Strong symptom relief
Higher likelihood of ejaculatory change
UroLift
Quick recovery for many
Preserves ejaculation in most
Not suitable for all anatomies
There is no universally “best” option — only the option that best fits your anatomy, symptoms, and priorities.
When to seek medical review after UroLift
Seek medical advice if you experience:
Fever or rigors
Inability to pass urine
Heavy bleeding or clots
Worsening pain or urinary symptoms beyond the expected timeframe
Final thoughts
UroLift is a valuable option in modern BPH management, particularly for people who want meaningful symptom improvement with minimal disruption and preservation of sexual function.
It is not a shortcut, and it is not suitable for everyone. The quality of the decision — not the novelty of the procedure — is what determines satisfaction with the outcome.
A careful assessment and an honest discussion of trade-offs remain the most important parts of treatment.
About the author
Dr Deanne Soares is a Melbourne-based urologist who assesses and manages a wide range of urological conditions, with an emphasis on thoughtful, individualised care.
