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The Disadvantages of Having a TURP

A transurethral resection of the prostate is known as a TURP. In this surgery, a urologist cuts away sections of an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a gland that is important in the production of semen. The procedure involves going in through the urethra, the canal in the penis through which urine comes out. Men undergo this procedure for diseases such as prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate). However, there are some disadvantages to this surgery that should be considered.

  1. Retrograde Ejaculation

    • "Retrograde ejaculation" is a very common disadvantage of the TURP procedure. A man who experiences this will feel a climax when he orgasms, but he will not produce semen out of his penis. Instead, the semen will flow into the bladder. This is because of nerve damage to the muscles that assist in ejaculation. According to the NHS Choices website, this complication occurs in 70 percent of all TURP procedures.

    Urinary Incontinence

    • Urinary incontinence occurs in 3 percent of cases, according to NHS Choices. Incontinence can come in three different types. Urge incontinence is an urgent need to urinate that cannot be controlled if a bathroom cannot be found quickly. If urine leaks out during activities such as lifting heavy objects, coughing or sneezing, that is stress incontinence. Total incontinence is the complete inability to control urine. An artificial sphincter can be placed in the bladder to help with incontinence.

    Urethra Strictures

    • About 4 percent of men develop urethra strictures following a TURP, according to NHS Choices. In this condition, the urethra narrows and restricts the flow of urine coming out. This can cause a man to strain to pass urine, a "split" stream of urine, and dribbling after urinating has been completed. There is also pain on urination. Strictures can be widened, and sometimes further surgery is needed to complete this.

    Impotence

    • NHS Choice states that one in every five men will experience impotence after a TURP. This is the inability to get or maintain an erection. Studies conflict as to whether a TURP causes impotence or makes it better. Some studies seem to indicate that the impotence is short-lived and the procedure makes impotence better. Other studies disagree. Because there are other causes of impotence, such as normal aging, it can be difficult to say how much a role TURP plays.

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