How long one stays symptom free is dependent on how fast their prostate
is growing.  This is determined by hormonal levels, which varies in
each individual. The PVP procedure creates a channel through the
prostate.  It does nothing to change the growth and enlargement of the
prostate, which still continues after PVP. How long one stays symptom
free is a function of the time it takes for this growth process to
impinge on the urinary tract. I would recommend talking to your
urologist and ask about Proscar or Avodart.  I recently went on Avodart
18 months after PVP.  I also take saw palmetto. (Make sure the saw
palmetto is 85-95% fatty acids, as this as been shown to be effective).
This has helped curtail the growth process and enables me to have a
better stream.

How is your pissing pressure during the day? How is your flow during the
day?

At my age 23 months is not a short period! <BFG>

I sure appreciate your post. Many are singing praises of PVP, and
that's great, but maybe those results are not general. It's important
for us to know about the less successful outcomes as well.

23 months for the return of symptoms seems very fast. My uro said that
quite a bit less than half need surgery again 5 years after a TURP. I
would expect that for PVP as well.

Have you discussed this with the uro?

Ed