TURP remains a widely used and proven technique.
Persistent urinary symptoms may not just be part of ageing — they could signal an enlarged prostate that needs treatment
Getting up multiple times during the night to urinate
Slowing urine stream
Feeling like your bladder doesn’t fully empty
Urgency to urinate – sometimes not making it to the toilet in time
If any of this sounds familiar — either for you or someone you know — it might be due to an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
In many cases, your urologist may recommend a TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) or TUIP (Transurethral Incision of the Prostate) as an effective treatment option.
What Is a TURP?
TURP is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. At The Prostate Clinic, we increasingly offer GreenLight Laser Therapy, but TURP remains a widely used and proven technique.
The surgery involves:
A camera inserted through the urethra to visualise the prostate
Removing part of the inner prostate tissue (like clearing the hole in a donut)
No external cuts or removal of the whole prostate
A catheter is placed temporarily post-procedure to aid bladder drainage
Who Might Benefit from TURP?
You may be a candidate for TURP if:
Medications no longer relieve your symptoms
You experience acute urinary retention (inability to urinate at all)
You have recurrent urinary tract infections
You’ve developed bladder stones due to retained urine
There’s evidence of kidney damage caused by chronic obstruction
You experience frequent bleeding from the prostate
What’s the Recovery Like?
Recovery Milestone | What to Expect |
|---|---|
Hospital Stay | Usually 1–2 nights |
Catheter Removal | Typically removed 1–2 days post-op |
Return to Light Activities | Within 1 week |
Avoid Straining & Vigorous Exercise | For 4–6 weeks (no heavy lifting, golf, cycling, running, or climbing ladders) |
Improvement in Obstructive Symptoms | Often immediate or within the first few weeks (e.g. stronger stream, easier urination) |
Improvement in Irritative Symptoms | May take 2–4 months depending on age, bladder health, and how long obstruction has been present |
Risk if You Overdo It Early | Bleeding is the main risk if returning to activity too soon |
Common Side Effects
Short-term effects:
Blood in urine
Stinging or burning while urinating
Ongoing frequency or urgency (usually temporary)
Longer-term risks:
Retrograde ejaculation (semen goes into the bladder — orgasms still occur but no fluid comes out)
Urge incontinence (urgency that occasionally leads to leakage — usually temporary)
Stress incontinence: (dribbling with coughing/lifting — may need pelvic floor rehab)
Erectile changes: A 10–20% chance of reduced erection quality, especially if nerves are affected during surgery
TURP is a proven and commonly performed procedure for men experiencing troublesome symptoms or complications from an enlarged prostate. It’s important to have an open discussion with your urologist to determine whether this treatment is the best option for your prostate health
If you have any concerns about your urinary symptoms or prostate health, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor or a specialist. Staying informed is the first step toward taking control of your health.
Until next time — look after your prostate.