Most men don’t experience symptoms of an enlarged prostate until they reach middle age, but Van Mitchell, a 64-year-old from Fairbanks, Alaska began experiencing symptoms much earlier – in his late-thirties.
Van, an avid fly fisherman for more than 40 years who also enjoys biking and jogging, realized at the time that his urinary issues would soon begin impacting his quality of life and could quickly prevent him from enjoying the outdoors.
His onset of symptoms began to worsen as he aged, and it wasn’t long before Van noticed his need to rush to the bathroom developed into the inability to make it to the bathroom. Like many other men, he felt embarrassed by his symptoms and desired a proper diagnosis.
Van made an appointment with Dr. Tony Nimeh of Fairbanks Urology. Following a simple test and some discussion, Van learned that his symptoms were age-related, and that sometimes health issues require medical treatment. 
Dr. Nimeh recommended the UroLift® System as a standard-of-care treatment option for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), also known as an enlarged prostate. Dr. Nimeh provided Van with a detailed description for what he could expect from the UroLift System. He said, “The straightforward procedure is done in my office under local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. There is no heating, cutting or removal of prostate tissue – and you can typically expect to be back to normal activities in a two or three days and full recovery within two to four weeks.*”
Van was happy to hear that, unlike other treatment options, the UroLift System preserves sexual function.1 He made his decision and scheduled an appointment to undergo the UroLift System procedure.
Following the procedure, Van experienced a few days of minimal pain and the passing of some blood. After a week, he was back to normal with marked relief.* Van says, “It was as if someone had opened up the Hoover Dam.”* 
Van recommends finding a urologist that you trust to perform the procedure. “The quality of care you receive as a patient makes a huge difference,” he says.
Van no longer feels anxiety when he needs to use the bathroom, and he’s finally getting the restorative sleep he needs to enjoy the outdoors once again.
More Patient Stories:
Steve K. wanted to stop taking BPH medication
David B.'s severe BPH put his medical career at risk
Van M.'s active lifestyle was hindered by BPH symptoms
Sign up for our blog
For more helpful information about BPH and treatment options, sign up below.
