Most men don’t talk about it. But millions live with it every day.
The constant urge to urinate. The middle-of-the-night wake-ups. The interrupted meetings, missed opportunities, and slow-growing anxiety that something’s just… not right. For many, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate is more than a medical diagnosis. It’s a quiet thief of time, energy, and confidence.
But it doesn’t have to be.
Thanks to advances in urology, men no longer have to choose between ineffective pills and invasive surgeries. One solution is changing lives one laser pulse at a time. It’s called HOLEP, or Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate, and for thousands of men around the world, it has become the key to reclaiming control, comfort, and quality of life.
The Hidden Burden of BPH
BPH is incredibly common. By age 60, over half of all men will experience it. That figure jumps to 80% by age 80.
And while BPH isn’t cancer, its symptoms can feel just as disruptive:
- Urgent and frequent urination
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Feeling like your bladder never fully empties
- Nighttime urination (nocturia), often several times a night
It’s not just a physical inconvenience, it’s a drain on your sleep, your productivity, and your peace of mind. Many men suffer in silence for years, masking symptoms, avoiding travel, and organizing life around restroom availability.
And the longer BPH goes untreated, the worse it tends to get.
Why Traditional Treatments Fall Short
When first diagnosed with BPH, most men are offered medications like alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. While these can reduce symptoms temporarily, they often come with side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or reduced sexual function and may lose effectiveness over time.
Some men consider TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), an older surgical method that shaves down the excess tissue. But TURP has limits especially for larger prostates and can involve bleeding, catheter use, and a longer recovery.
This is where HOLEP changes everything.
What Is HOLEP?
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HOLEP) is a minimally invasive, laser-based surgical procedure that removes the excess prostate tissue causing urinary symptoms. It’s performed through the urethra with no incisions and uses a laser to precisely cut and remove the problematic portion of the prostate.
Here’s why HOLEP is different:
- It removes the entire obstructive tissue, not just part of it.
- The laser cauterizes as it cuts, minimizing bleeding.
- It’s suitable for all prostate sizes, even very large glands.
- The results are long-term, with a low risk of recurrence.
- It’s quick to recover from, with most patients home within 24 hours.
Step by Step
For those considering the procedure, here’s what the HOLEP journey typically looks like from consultation to full recovery.
1. Initial Consultation
After a diagnosis of BPH, your urologist may recommend HOLEP if:
- Medications aren’t working or are causing side effects
- You’re experiencing severe symptoms
- You want a one-time, long-lasting solution
Diagnostic tests may include prostate ultrasound, urine flow studies, and PSA testing to rule out other conditions.
2. The Procedure
HOLEP is performed in a hospital or surgical center. It typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and is done under spinal or general anesthesia.
Using a high-powered holmium laser, the surgeon removes the overgrown prostate tissue through the urethra. This tissue is then flushed into the bladder and removed.
Because the laser seals blood vessels as it works, the risk of bleeding is very low, making HOLEP especially suitable for men on blood thinners.
3. Post-Procedure and Recovery
Most patients will have a catheter for 24–48 hours to help with healing. But many are discharged the next day and experience noticeable symptom relief within a few days.
Recovery is typically smooth:
- Light activity can resume in 2–3 days
- Most men return to work within a week
- Full physical activity is allowed after 2–3 weeks
Best of all? Most patients report dramatic symptom relief and a return to restful, uninterrupted sleep, something they hadn’t experienced in years.
Life After HOLEP: The Real-World Impact
So what’s it like after HOLEP?
Here’s what many men say they notice:
- No more waking up at night to pee
- Stronger, more complete urination
- Less urgency and frequency
- Better sleep and daytime energy
- Renewed confidence in travel and social life
- Improved intimacy, comfort, and mood
Unlike medication, HOLEP doesn’t just “manage” BPH it removes it at the source. And unlike other surgeries, it offers a high rate of long-term satisfaction, with many patients going over a decade without needing further treatment.
For men who’ve quietly suffered for years, the contrast is dramatic.
Why More Men Are Choosing HOLEP
There’s a reason HOLEP is rapidly becoming the gold standard for surgical BPH treatment worldwide. It combines precision, safety, and lasting results without the drawbacks of older procedures.
Key Advantages:
- Long-lasting relief with one procedure
- Low risk of complications or reoperation
- Minimal downtime
- Low impact on sexual function
- Ideal for complex cases or large prostates
It’s especially appealing to men in their 50s and 60s who are still professionally active, physically engaged, and looking for a solution that won’t derail their lifestyle.
Trusted, Affordable, World-Class Care
Medical tourism is on the rise, and Turkey is now a leading destination for HOLEP surgery especially for patients from the U.S., U.K., and the Middle East.
At hospitals like Erdem Hospital in Istanbul, patients receive:
- Experienced urology teams with thousands of HOLEP procedures performed
- Modern laser technology and international standards
- English-speaking coordinators and personalized patient support
- All-inclusive packages, including hotel, airport transfers, and follow-up care
For men seeking fast, affordable, and high-quality care, Turkey offers the best of both worlds medical excellence and warm hospitality.
Take Back What BPH Has Taken
Living with BPH means making compromises on sleep, on spontaneity, on self-esteem. But you don’t have to keep living that way.
HOLEP offers a new chapter. One defined not by urgency and exhaustion, but by relief, freedom, and restored quality of life.
Whether you’re just beginning your BPH journey or you’ve tried every medication and option available, HOLEP may be the solution that finally brings you back to yourself.
Because one laser pulse at a time, this procedure doesn’t just improve symptoms it gives you your life back.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Erdem Hospital, our expert urologists are here to guide you through every step of the HOLEP journey. Whether you’re a local patient or flying in for care, we offer personalized, compassionate, and efficient treatment designed to get you back to living fully without interruptions.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule your consultation.
Your life, uninterrupted, starts here.