iTind for Enlarged Prostate (BPH): What to Expect, Who It Suits, and How It Compares
This article is part of Dr Deanne Soares’ Living with Urological Conditions series — practical, evidence-informed guides to common urological symptoms and the treatment options available in Australia.
If you’ve been told you have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) and you’re dealing with frustrating urinary symptoms — slow stream, straining, getting up at night, urgency — it’s normal to want an option that improves flow without a big operation.
iTind is a minimally invasive procedure that may suit selected men and people with prostates. It’s a temporary device that sits in the prostate for 5–7 days, then is removed. The aim is to remodel the channel you pass urine through so it stays more open, improving urinary flow and symptoms.
This article explains what iTind is, who it may suit, what recovery looks like, and how it compares to other BPH options.
What is iTind?
iTind is a temporary nitinol device (a flexible alloy) that is placed into the prostate and left in position for 5–7 days. During that time, it applies gentle pressure at specific points to reshape the prostatic urethra and the bladder outlet (the “bottleneck” area in BPH). After 5–7 days, it is completely removed.
Key point: iTind is not a permanent implant and it does not cut, burn, or remove prostate tissue.
Who might be a good candidate for iTind?
iTind is usually considered for people who have bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms from BPH and are looking for a minimally invasive option — particularly if:
you’d prefer to avoid long-term daily medication, or
medications haven’t helped enough, or side effects have been a problem, or
you want a procedure that doesn’t leave a permanent implant, and
preserving sexual and ejaculatory function is a key priority.
Suitability depends heavily on prostate anatomy. In consultation, we look at:
your symptoms (often using the IPSS questionnaire),
urinary flow and bladder emptying,
prostate size and configuration (often on ultrasound and/or cystoscopy),
your goals (speed of recovery, durability, avoiding catheters, sexual function priorities),
and any co-existing issues (e.g., overactive bladder, recurrent infections, retention).
iTind is not the right fit for everyone — and that’s a good thing. The best BPH procedure is the one matched to your anatomy and priorities.
What happens on the day of iTind placement?
iTind placement is usually done in theatre under short-acting sedation or local anaesthetic (your anaesthetist and I will recommend what’s safest for you).
In general:
The device is inserted into the prostate via a telescope passed through the urethra.
Most people go home the same day, once they’ve passed urine satisfactorily.
Many patients go home without a catheter. If you can’t pass urine immediately afterwards, a catheter may be used temporarily.
You’ll also have a small retrieval suture (string) taped externally. This is used for removal — don’t cut or damage it.
The 5–7 days while iTind is in place: what you might feel
While the device is in place, it’s common to have some temporary urinary symptoms. Most settle after the device is removed.
Common temporary symptoms include:
burning or stinging when you pass urine,
a more frequent urge to urinate,
urgency (needing to find a toilet quickly),
a small amount of blood in the urine (sometimes with small clots),
a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the perineum (more noticeable when sitting).
Activity restrictions during the 5–7 days
While iTind is in place, it’s sensible to avoid:
sex,
heavy lifting and strenuous exercise,
cycling/running,
vibrating equipment or prolonged saddle pressure.
This reduces discomfort and lowers the risk of irritation.
Removal after 5–7 days
The device is removed after 5–7 days, often using a flexible catheter (your plan may involve sedation or local anaesthetic depending on circumstances and preference).
After removal:
many people notice improvement in urinary flow fairly quickly,
mild blood in the urine can occur for a few days up to about a week,
most people are back to usual activities within 1–2 days.
It’s also normal for urinary symptoms to keep improving over the following 6–12 weeks as the bladder outlet settles and the urinary tract adapts.
Benefits and limitations of iTind
Potential benefits
iTind may appeal because it is:
minimally invasive,
temporary (no permanent implant),
typically associated with a rapid return to daily activities,
designed to preserve sexual and ejaculatory function,
often catheter-free.
Limitations (important to understand)
It’s not suitable for every prostate anatomy.
As with all BPH procedures, results vary, and some people may need other treatment in the future.
You may have a week of “annoying” urinary symptoms while it’s in place (this is expected and temporary).
How does iTind compare with other BPH options?
There isn’t one “best” procedure for BPH — there are different tools for different problems. Here’s how iTind generally fits into the landscape.
iTind vs medication
Medication (alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors) can work well, but some people prefer to avoid long-term tablets or don’t tolerate side effects.
iTind can be a reasonable next step for selected patients who want a minimally invasive procedure rather than escalating medication.
iTind vs Rezūm
Rezūm uses steam to treat prostate tissue. It can be effective, but it involves tissue reaction and healing over time. Some men and people with prostates need a catheter after Rezūm, and symptom improvement can take weeks to months.
iTind is different — it remodels the channel without tissue ablation and is designed for a quick return to usual life, but suitability is anatomy-dependent.
iTind vs UroLift
UroLift uses implants to hold prostate tissue open. It can be a good option for some anatomies and may preserve ejaculation, but it leaves a permanent implant.
iTind is temporary and removed after 5–7 days, which some patients strongly prefer.
iTind vs TURP / HoLEP
TURP and HoLEP remove prostate tissue and tend to offer strong symptom relief, especially for more severe obstruction or larger prostates. They are more invasive than iTind and typically come with a greater trade-off profile (including higher likelihood of ejaculatory changes).
For some patients, a more definitive tissue-removing procedure is the right choice — especially when obstruction is significant, bladder emptying is poor, or anatomy doesn’t suit minimally invasive options.
Risks and side effects
All procedures carry risk. With iTind, the more common issues are typically temporary and irritative while the device is in place, such as burning, frequency/urgency, discomfort, and light bleeding.
Less common risks can include:
urinary retention (needing a catheter temporarily),
urinary tract infection,
persistent symptoms or insufficient improvement,
need for retreatment or a different BPH procedure later.
Your own risk profile depends on your medical history, prostate anatomy, and baseline bladder function. I’ll talk you through the risks that are most relevant to you.
Frequently asked questions
Will iTind affect erections or ejaculation?
iTind is designed to preserve sexual and ejaculatory function, and it is generally chosen by people for whom this is a priority. No procedure is “zero risk”, but iTind is specifically positioned as a function-preserving option for selected patients.
When will I notice improvement?
Many people notice improvement after removal, with symptoms continuing to improve over the next 6–12 weeks.
How long do results last?
Studies have shown durability out to three years in many patients. iTind does not prevent other BPH treatments later if needed.
Will I need time off work?
Many people can work during the 5–7 days the device is in place (depending on discomfort and job demands), and most return to normal activities 1–2 days after removal. If your job involves heavy physical work, you may need longer.
The bottom line
iTind can be an excellent option for selected men and people with prostates who want a minimally invasive way to improve BPH symptoms without leaving a permanent implant and with a quick return to normal life. The key is patient selection — matching the right anatomy and goals to the right procedure.
If you’d like to explore whether iTind is suitable for you, a consultation allows us to assess your symptoms, prostate anatomy, bladder emptying and priorities, and compare iTind with the alternatives.
This information is general in nature and doesn’t replace personalised medical advice.
About the author
Dr Deanne Soares is a Melbourne-based consultant urologist. She sees men and people with prostates with urinary symptoms and benign prostate enlargement (BPH), and offers both medical and procedural options where appropriate. Dr Deanne is committed to clear communication, shared decision-making, and helping patients choose a treatment pathway that fits their goals, anatomy and lifestyle.
last reviewed 10/2/2026
