It started gradually. One trip to the bathroom at night turned into two. Then three. Before I knew it, I was waking up every hour to urinate, groggy and frustrated, stumbling through the dark as my partner turned in bed. I stopped sleeping through the night. I stopped waking up refreshed. I stopped feeling like myself.
Like millions of men over 50, I was dealing with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) , an enlarged prostate. And while BPH isn’t cancer, it disrupts your life in all the quiet ways you never expected. Your nights become restless, your days foggy, your confidence strained.
For years, I told myself this was just aging. That I could manage it. That it wasn’t serious.
I was wrong.
What finally changed everything? A procedure called HOLEP Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate. And it gave me something I hadn’t had in years: a full night’s sleep.
Why BPH Wrecks Your Nights
Before diving into how HOLEP changed my life, it’s important to understand how BPH disrupts sleep in the first place.
As the prostate grows, it starts pressing against the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This causes the bladder to work harder, become overactive, and eventually hold less urine. The result?
- Frequent urination (especially at night, known as nocturia)
- Urgency that sudden, can’t-wait feeling
- Weak or interrupted stream
- A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
At first, I thought I could fix it with fewer fluids before bed or some over-the-counter supplements. But no matter what I tried, the bathroom visits got more frequent. And the more I woke up, the harder it was to fall back asleep.
Over time, the impact grew beyond the bathroom. I was tired at work. I snapped at loved ones. I canceled morning gym sessions. My mood was lower, my patience thinner. All because I wasn’t sleeping and I didn’t realize how much of my energy was being drained by one tiny, walnut-sized gland.
Facing the Truth
I finally saw a urologist after a friend convinced me it was time. After some tests, a digital rectal exam, urine flow study, and ultrasound I was diagnosed with BPH. The doctor assured me it was common, especially for men over 50, and not life-threatening. But it wasn’t harmless either.
We tried medications first. They worked a little… at first. But side effects kicked in dizziness, lower libido, and eventually, a plateau in results. I was still waking up two or three times a night.
That’s when my doctor introduced me to HOLEP. I’d never heard of it. But the more I learned, the more hopeful I became.
What Is HOLEP?
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HOLEP) is a minimally invasive laser surgery that removes the enlarged portion of the prostate causing the blockage. Unlike traditional methods that trim around the edges (like TURP), HOLEP removes the problem at its core, completely clearing the obstruction.
Here’s what makes it so appealing:
- No external incisions
- Less bleeding (thanks to the cauterizing effect of the laser)
- Works for any prostate size
- Low risk of recurrence
- Quick recovery most men return home within 24 hours
The best part? It’s a one-time, long-term fix. That meant no more daily meds. No more endless symptom management. Just… relief.
My HOLEP Journey
Pre-Op:
I arrived at the hospital in the morning, had some bloodwork, and met my surgical team. They walked me through the procedure and recovery. I felt nervous, but informed and hopeful.
Surgery Day:
The procedure itself lasted under two hours. It was done under spinal anesthesia. I didn’t feel a thing. By the evening, I was in my room, alert, and surprisingly comfortable.
Recovery:
A catheter was in place for the first 24 hours, which was the most uncomfortable part. But once it was removed, I felt an immediate difference. My flow was stronger, more complete. I didn’t feel like I had to go again ten minutes later.
The First Night at Home:
Here’s the moment I’ll never forget: I slept through the entire night. For the first time in years. No alarms from my bladder. No trips to the bathroom. Just deep, uninterrupted rest.
The Long-Term Impact
Three months after my HOLEP, here’s what’s changed:
- I no longer dread bedtime. I look forward to it.
- I wake up rested every morning.
- I’ve regained focus and clarity at work.
- My relationship has improved. Less stress. More energy.
- I feel younger. Freer. More in control of my body.
And I’m not alone. Studies show that HOLEP offers over 90% symptom relief, with a very low chance of needing another procedure later in life. For men struggling with BPH, especially those who’ve hit the breaking point with medications, HOLEP is a game-changer.
Is HOLEP Right for You?
If you’re:
- Waking up multiple times a night to urinate
- Struggling with urgency or weak stream
- Tired of depending on meds with side effects
- Looking for a permanent solution to BPH
- Wanting to improve sleep, intimacy, and daily confidence
Then HOLEP could be the answer you’ve been waiting for.
It’s not just a medical procedure, it’s a decision to put yourself, your health, and your quality of life first.
HOLEP in Turkey
If you’re considering HOLEP but are concerned about cost or wait times in your home country, Turkey has become a trusted destination for advanced urological procedures like HOLEP.
At hospitals like Erdem Hospital in Istanbul, international patients receive:
- State-of-the-art laser treatment
- English-speaking urologists and staff
- Comprehensive care packages, including hotel stay, airport transfers, and postoperative support
- Affordable pricing without compromising safety or quality
Whether you’re coming from the UK, the US, or the Gulf region, medical tourism for HOLEP is growing and for good reason. You can get world-class care in a comfortable, streamlined environment.
The Power of Restored Sleep
We often underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep until we lose it. I didn’t realize how much of my identity was tied to feeling rested, alert, and capable. BPH took that away from me, slowly and silently.
But with HOLEP, I got it back. I got my energy back. My relationships are back. My freedom back.
If you’re silently struggling the way I did, I encourage you to speak to your doctor or reach out to a clinic that offers HOLEP. Don’t wait until fatigue or frustration breaks you down. There’s a solution. And it’s better than you think.
Because life is too short to spend your nights in the bathroom.