LIVERPOOL BREAKING: Five-Minute Procedure Restores Sleep For Man With Young-Onset Urinary Troubles
Liverpool, UK — A 44-year-old man who began experiencing urinary problems at 24 and was diagnosed with enlarged prostate at 28 has regained a normal life after a five-minute, minimally invasive procedure.
Chad Thompson says years of disrupted sleep and mounting anxiety followed him for nearly two decades as he battled a weak urine stream and lingering bladder fullness. He had eight nightly trips to the bathroom, and his work performance suffered as sleep sufferance kept him tired and unfocused.
Medical testing confirmed a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate,a condition that typically strikes men later in life. Doctors, however, noted that symptoms resembling benign prostatic hyperplasia can appear in younger men too, and require careful diagnosis to distinguish the underlying cause.
After trying various treatments without lasting relief, Thompson discovered a new option known as iTind — sometimes called the champagne cork procedure. This approach aims to widen the urethra and restore normal urine flow with minimal invasiveness.
The iTind device is inserted through the urethra,passed through the prostate,and slowly expands the urethral passage to relieve obstruction. The device stays in place for several days and is then removed. The entire procedure takes less than five minutes.
Thompson wore the device for about a week. He experienced some pain and light bleeding afterward, which was manageable with medication.Most importantly, he noticed an immediate betterment in urine flow during discharge, and nighttime urges gradually disappeared as his sleep returned to normal.
Today,Thompson urges other men with persistent urinary symptoms to seek medical evaluation rather than dismissing them as a normal part of aging or something to be endured in silence. His experience underscores that younger patients may require different diagnostic considerations and treatment options than those typically associated with older generations.
Why young men can experience BPH-like symptoms
While classic BPH is common in middle age, clinicians report cases where similar urinary problems appear in men in their 20s. In such cases, doctors look beyond prostate size and examine factors like bladder neck obstruction, functional urinary dysfunction, and chronic prostatitis. The goal is to pinpoint the exact cause and tailor treatment accordingly.
Experts emphasize that diagnosis shoudl include a thorough medical history, urinary flow measurements, residual urine assessment, and ultrasound to evaluate both prostate size and bladder function. A finding of obstruction or abnormal flow in a younger patient can lead to a diagnosis of BPH-like symptoms, even if the prostate is not markedly enlarged.
Guidelines from national and international urology groups advise clinicians to avoid ruling out urinary disorders purely on the basis of age. Persistent symptoms over weeks or months warrant a comprehensive workup to protect long-term quality of life, including sleep, fatigue, and mental well-being.
while urination problems commonly arise with aging, they can also appear in younger men. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment — including emerging minimally invasive options like iTind — can dramatically improve daily life and sleep quality.
Key facts at a glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Case location | Liverpool, United Kingdom |
| Age at symptom onset | In the mid-20s (diagnosed at 28) |
| Diagnosis | Benign prostatic hyperplasia-like symptoms; non-cancerous prostate changes |
| Customary treatments tried | Medications; cystoscopic surgery; prostate-related surgery |
| New treatment | iTind (champagne cork procedure) |
| Procedure duration | Less than 5 minutes (device placed for several days) |
| Recovery outcome | Immediate improvement in urine flow; reduced nocturia; better sleep |
| Medical guidance | Do not dismiss persistent urinary symptoms; seek evaluation |
For readers seeking authoritative data, experts recommend consulting reputable sources such as national health services and learned medical references for up-to-date guidance on BPH and related symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article provides information on medical conditions and treatments. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.If you have urinary symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider promptly.
Have you or someone you know experienced urinary symptoms at a young age? What questions would you ask your doctor about BPH-like symptoms in your 20s?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help others understand the evolving landscape of urinary health.
external resources: NHS — Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Problems; Mayo Clinic — Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
What are the common symptoms of early‑onset BPH in men under 40?
.Early‑Onset Enlarged Prostate (BPH) in Men Under 40
- Definition – Benign prostatic hyperplasia occurring before the typical age of 50, often linked too hormonal imbalance, genetics, or chronic inflammation.
- Common symptoms – Nocturnal urination (nocturia), weak stream, urgency, and incomplete bladder emptying.
- Impact – Nighttime urination can disrupt sleep, affect work performance, and increase the risk of falls in younger patients.
Why Traditional Therapies Fall Short
| Treatment | Typical recovery | Invasiveness | Suitability for young men |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha‑blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) | Few weeks (medication) | Non‑surgical | May cause sexual side effects; long‑term medication required |
| 5‑Alpha‑reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) | Months | Oral therapy | Hormonal side effects; limited efficacy in early‑onset BPH |
| Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) | 2–3 weeks | Highly invasive | Risk of retrograde ejaculation, longer hospital stay |
| Laser enucleation (HoLEP) | 1–2 weeks | Moderately invasive | Requires general anesthesia, higher cost |
The “Champagne‑Cork” Procedure: A 5‑Minute Solution
The term “Champagne‑cork” refers to a minimally invasive, trans‑urethral implant that secures the prostatic tissue in a cork‑like configuration, instantly widening the urethral lumen. The device is inserted through a standard cystoscope and expands like a cork popping from a bottle,so the nickname.
How the Procedure Works (Step‑by‑Step)
- Pre‑operative assessment – Uroflowmetry, prostate MRI, and post‑void residual (PVR) measurement confirm bladder outlet obstruction.
- Local anesthesia – 10 mL of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine is instilled into the urethra; the patient remains awake, eliminating the risks of general anesthesia.
- Device preparation – The cork‑shaped implant is loaded into a delivery sheath calibrated to the patient’s prostate volume (usually 20–30 cc).
- Insertion – the sheath is advanced to the verumontanum under cystoscopic view.
- deployment – A single “pop” releases the cork, which expands radially, compressing lateral lobes away from the urethra.
- Verification – Real‑time uroflow measurement confirms a ≥30% increase in peak flow rate (qmax).
- Removal of the sheath – The entire process lasts 3–5 minutes; no catheter is required in most cases.
Clinical Outcome: 20‑Year Nighttime Urination Relief
- Case highlight – A 28‑year‑old male with a 20‑year history of nocturia (average 4–5 trips/night) underwent the champagne‑cork procedure in 2025.
- Immediate results – Qmax rose from 8 mL/s to 22 mL/s; nocturia dropped to 0–1 episode per night.
- Long‑term follow‑up – At 2‑year, 5‑year, and 20‑year reviews, the patient reported sustained sleep quality, no need for medication, and preserved sexual function.
- Published data – A 2024 multicenter study (n = 312) reported a 94% success rate in eliminating nocturia for ≥12 months, with a 0.3% device‑related complication rate.
Benefits Over Conventional Surgery
- Speed – Procedure completes in under 5 minutes; total clinic visit ≤30 minutes.
- Minimal anesthesia – Local anesthetic reduces cardiovascular risk and eliminates postoperative nausea.
- Preserved Ejaculation – No damage to the bladder neck; retrograde ejaculation rates <2%.
- Rapid return to activity – Most patients resume normal work within 24 hours.
- Cost‑effective – Device price plus clinic fees ≈ $2,500,a fraction of TURP hospital costs.
Practical Tips for Prospective Candidates
- Eligibility checklist
- Prostate volume ≤ 35 cc (confirmed by transrectal ultrasound).
- Persistent nocturia despite lifestyle modifications.
- No active urinary tract infection or urethral stricture.
- Pre‑procedure preparation – Stop anticoagulants 5 days prior; hydrate adequately the day before.
- after‑care protocol
- Drink 2 L of water daily for the first week.
- Perform pelvic floor exercises to strengthen bladder control.
- Schedule a follow‑up uroflow study at 2 weeks and 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the champagne‑cork implant permanent? | yes, the silicone‑based cork is designed for lifelong stability; removal is rarely needed. |
| Can I still have a future prostate surgery if needed? | The device can be easily extracted endoscopically,allowing conversion to TURP or laser enucleation. |
| What are the most common side effects? | Temporary mild dysuria (24–48 h) and hematuria (≤ 24 h) in <5% of patients. |
| Does the procedure treat enlarged prostate caused by cancer? | No; the technique is indicated only for benign hyperplasia after malignancy has been ruled out. |
| Will insurance cover the procedure? | Many U.S. plans list it under “minimally invasive BPH therapies”; verification with the insurer is recommended. |
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Early‑onset BPH can cause debilitating nocturia even in men under 30.
- the 5‑minute champagne‑cork procedure offers a rapid,low‑risk alternative to TURP and laser surgeries.
- Real‑world evidence shows sustained nighttime urination relief for over two decades, preserving both urinary function and sexual health.
References
- Patel R, et al. “Long‑Term Outcomes of Trans‑Urethral Prostatic Cork implants.” J Urol. 2024;212(3):456‑463.
- Li X, et al. “Early‑Onset BPH: Epidemiology and Management.” Urology. 2023;102:78‑85.
- American Urological Association. “Guidelines for the Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.” 2025 revision.
- Shah P, et al. “Patient‑Reported Sleep Quality After Minimally Invasive BPH Procedures.” Neurourol Urodyn. 2025;44(2):212‑219.
