10 Questions to Ask Your UrologistBefore Choosing a BPH Treatment

Choosing a BPH treatment is a significant decision — and the quality of that decision depends almost entirely on the conversation you have with your urologist. Here are the ten questions worth asking before you commit to any procedure.

1. What treatment options am I a candidate for?

Not every man is a candidate for every procedure. The answer should reflect your specific prostate size, anatomy, symptoms, and overall health — not a default recommendation.

2. How large is my prostate, and does that affect my options?

Prostate size matters. Some procedures (like Rezum or UroLift) are limited by size, while others (like Aquablation or simple prostatectomy) handle larger glands well.

3. What are the realistic outcomes for someone with my profile?

Ask about expected symptom improvement based on your specific situation — not generic statistics. A good urologist will frame outcomes in honest, individualized terms.

4. What are the risks to sexual function?

Different procedures carry different risks to erectile function and ejaculatory function. If preserving sexual function matters to you, make sure that priority is on the table during the conversation.

5. What's the recovery look like?

Hospital stay vs. in-office, catheter duration, return to work, return to exercise, return to sexual activity — these matter for your life.

6. How durable are the results?

Some treatments require retreatment within a few years; others have strong long-term data. Ask specifically about 5- and 10-year retreatment rates.

7. How many of these procedures have you personally performed?

Experience matters. For newer technologies like Aquablation, ask specifically how many cases your urologist has performed and whether they're a high-volume center.

8. What are the most common complications, and how often do they occur in your hands?

Every procedure has risks. A confident surgeon will discuss them openly and share their own outcomes data — not just published averages.

9. Will my insurance cover this?

Coverage varies by procedure and plan. Ask the office to verify benefits in advance and explain any out-of-pocket costs before you schedule.

10. What happens if I do nothing right now?

BPH is rarely an emergency. Understanding the trajectory of your symptoms — and the risks of waiting vs. acting — helps you make a decision on your timeline, not anyone else's.

The Bottom Line

A great urology consultation feels like a conversation, not a sales pitch. If you leave feeling informed, heard, and confident in the plan, you've found the right partner for your care.