Coping with Anxiety Before Prostate Treatment

Introduction: Why Fear Is Normal

Hearing that you may need treatment for an enlarged prostate (BPH) can bring more than just medical concerns. Many men — and their families — feel a wave of anxiety:

💭 “Will it hurt?”
💭 “Will I lose my sexual function?”
💭 “How much will it cost?”
💭 “Is it cancer?”

These worries are completely normal. Anxiety before prostate treatment is common but manageable — and with the right support, you can move from fear to confidence.

Common Fears Men Have Before Prostate Treatment

Fear 1 – “Will I Lose My Manhood?”

• Many men fear erectile dysfunction after TURP.
• Reality: TURP has ~5% ED risk, 65–70% retrograde ejaculation risk.
• PAE has almost zero risk of ED or incontinence.

Fear 2 – “Will the Procedure Be Painful?”

• TURP involves anesthesia, catheter, hospital stay → moderate discomfort.
• PAE: Day-care, local anesthesia, minimal pain, walk home same day.

Fear 3 – “What If It’s Too Expensive?”

• TURP: ₹1.5–1.8 lakh in top hospitals.
• PAE: ₹2.7–3 lakh, but insurance-covered at Docsy centres.
• Docsy team helps with approvals & financial counselling.

Fear 4 – “What If It’s Cancer?”

• Most urinary symptoms = BPH, not cancer.
• PSA + ultrasound can quickly clarify.
• Only suspicious cases need biopsy.

Emotional Impact of Prostate Symptoms

• Constant bathroom trips disturb sleep → fatigue, irritability.
• Loss of control (catheterisation fear) → shame, reduced confidence.
• Family stress: children worried, spouse frustrated with night interruptions.

📌 Recognizing the emotional side of BPH is the first step to managing it.

Coping Strategies to Reduce Anxiety

1. Get the Right Information

• Misinformation online fuels fear.
• Reliable guidance = reduced anxiety.
• At Docsy, doctors explain options in simple language.

2. Talk Openly with Family

• Sharing fears reduces burden.
• Family can help with decisions, logistics, and emotional support.

3. Practice Relaxation Techniques

• Deep breathing, meditation, yoga reduce stress.
• Even 10 minutes daily lowers anxiety.

4. Connect with Other Patients

• Hearing real stories builds confidence.
• Docsy connects you with men who underwent PAE.

Role of Care Navigators – Your Partner Through the Journey

At Docsy, every patient gets a Care Navigator — a doctor dedicated to:

• Answering questions 24×7
• Coordinating tests, appointments, insurance
• Providing unbiased guidance: lifestyle, medicines, or PAE

📌 This personal support drastically reduces patient anxiety.

Patient Stories – From Fear to Confidence

• Mr. Jadhav, 66 (Pune): “I delayed treatment for 2 years fearing surgery. After talking to Docsy, I realised PAE had none of the risks I feared. I regret waiting.”
• Mr. Shah, 61 (Chembur): “Anxiety was worse than the symptoms. Once I understood the procedure clearly, the fear vanished. I was home same day after PAE.”
• Mr. Fernandes, 70 (Andheri): “I thought I couldn’t afford it. Insurance covered it fully. My family now sleeps peacefully.”

FAQs – Anxiety & Prostate Treatment

Q1. Is prostate treatment painful?
No. With PAE, pain is minimal, and recovery is quick.

Q2. Will treatment affect my sexual life?
Not with PAE. TURP has risks; PAE almost none.

Q3. Can stress worsen urinary symptoms?
Yes — anxiety increases urgency and frequency.

Q4. How can I manage anxiety before surgery?
Clear information, family support, relaxation, and Care Navigator guidance.

Conclusion: Replace Fear with Clarity

Anxiety before prostate treatment is natural. But with the right information, emotional support, and modern treatment options, you don’t need to let fear control your health decisions.

At Docsy, we combine:

• Free Care Navigator guidance (24×7 support)
• Free OPD + ultrasound in Mumbai
• Access to safe, minimally invasive treatments like PAE
• Full insurance and family counselling support