What is UroLift?
UroLift is a minimally invasive procedure for BPE (benign prostatic enlargement)—an enlarged prostate that can slow or block urine flow. The doctor places small permanent implants through a scope to hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra (the urine channel). No prostate tissue is cut out or burned.
Who it is for (common candidates)?
Men with bothersome urinary symptoms (weak stream, urgency, frequent urination, nighttime urination) from BPE.
Often used when prostate size is under ~80 g and there is no blocking “middle/median lobe” (a specific growth pattern).
Some men with a blocking middle/median lobe may still be candidates in certain practices, based on newer studies, but this depends on your anatomy and your urologist’s experience.
What benefits to expect.
Symptom relief and quality of life Fast improvement: In a blinded randomized trial (206 men), symptom scores improved by 2 weeks and stayed improved at 12 months.
In the same trial, average symptom score (IPSS-type score) dropped from 22.1 at baseline to 11.0 at 3 months and 11.1 at 12 months.
In a follow-up “crossover” study (53 men), symptom scores were improved by 36% at 24 months, with quality-of-life improvement of 40%.
Urine flow (how strongly you urinate). In the blinded randomized trial, peak urine flow (Qmax) increased by 4.4 mL/sec at 3 months and was 4.0 mL/sec at 12 months.
Sexual function (erections and ejaculation). UroLift is well known for preserving ejaculation (no “dry orgasm” for most men) and for generally not harming erections.
In the blinded randomized trial, there was no new erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory dysfunction reported.
In a 2025 JAMA review of LUTS/BPH, minimally invasive procedures like UroLift have low rates of erectile dysfunction (0%–3%) and retrograde ejaculation (0%–3%) (ranges across studies).
In a 2026 European Urology systematic review of minimally invasive BPE treatments, anejaculation (no semen coming out) was 0% with UroLift in the included studies.
Durability (how long it lasts) and retreatment
Some men need another procedure later if symptoms come back.
In the L.I.F.T. study, 19 of 140 men needed another operation by 5 years (some had more UroLift implants; others had TURP/laser).
The EAU guideline summary reports a retreatment rate of 13.6% over 5 years.
A 2025 JAMA review reports surgical retreatment rates after minimally invasive procedures like UroLift of 3.4%–21% (range across studies) compared with about 5% after TURP.
What the procedure day is like (typical)
Usually done as an outpatient procedure (you go home the same day).
It can often be done with numbing medicine and/or light sedation; sometimes general anesthesia is used depending on your situation.
Catheter after UroLift
Some men need a temporary catheter, but many do not.
Compared with TURP, one Cochrane review found men were less likely to need an indwelling catheter after UroLift (relative risk 0.46).
Your urology team will tell you what to expect based on your urine flow, bladder strength, and whether you have retention (trouble emptying) beforehand.
Common short-term side effects (usually temporary)
Most side effects are mild and improve over days to a few weeks:
Burning with urination
Blood in the urine
Urgency/frequency (feeling you have to go often)
Pelvic discomfort
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
The EAU guideline summary lists common issues after UroLift as hematuria (blood in urine), dysuria (burning), pelvic pain, urgency, transient incontinence, and UTIs.
When to call urgently / go to A&E
- Get urgent help if you have:
- Fever or chills (possible infection)
- You cannot urinate (especially if painful or worsening)
- Catheter stops draining (if you have one)
- Heavy bleeding, large clots, or worsening blood in urine
- Severe pain that is not controlled
Recovery at home (practical tips)
Drink fluids normally unless your clinician told you to limit fluids.
It’s common for symptoms to fluctuate early on as the prostate settles.
Avoid heavy lifting/straining for the period your urologist recommends.
Take prescribed medicines as directed (pain control, antibiotics if given).
Follow-up
You will usually have follow-up to:
Check symptoms and urine flow
Make sure you are emptying your bladder well
Decide if you still need BPE medicines
This guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If symptoms worsen or you have new concerns, contact your doctor or seek emergency care.