Chad Thompson, a 44-year-old from Liverpool, has found relief from a debilitating urinary condition after undergoing a groundbreaking procedure known as the iTind, commonly referred to as the “champagne cork” operation. For two decades, Thompson struggled with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that left him feeling unable to fully empty his bladder and forced him to wake at least eight times each night to use the bathroom.
This incessant need to urinate disrupted his sleep and affected his daily life. Despite being diagnosed with an enlarged prostate at the age of 28, Thompson’s attempts to manage the condition through various treatments had proven ineffective. He explored numerous remedies, from lifestyle changes to medication and even surgery, but none offered a lasting solution.
Desperate for Relief
Thompson’s journey began when he first noticed symptoms in his early twenties. “Every time I would go to the toilet, the flow would start, but then it would weaken, and I would feel like I hadn’t emptied my bladder,” he explained. His condition worsened over the years, and he became increasingly aware of how it impacted his professional life. “That level of exhaustion wasn’t sustainable, especially with a high-focus job,” he said.
After speaking to his family and learning about similar issues his father had faced, he sought help from his general practitioner (GP). Following a series of tests—including flow-rate assessments and ultrasounds—Thompson received his BPH diagnosis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this condition affects nearly half of men by the age of 60, with symptoms including difficulty starting urination and a weak flow.
Innovative Treatment Brings Hope
Frustrated with the limited options available, Thompson learned about the iTind procedure, a minimally invasive treatment that involves inserting a small wire cage into the prostate. This device expands to alleviate symptoms by widening the urethra and bladder neck, ultimately improving urine flow.
“Looking back, I wish iTind had been available to me when I was younger,” Thompson remarked. He underwent the procedure, which is typically completed in under five minutes and is now available through the NHS. After the device was inserted, he experienced immediate improvements in his urinary symptoms.
“I remember thinking, ‘this might be the best thing I’ve ever done’,” he said. The relief he felt was palpable as he noticed a significant change in his urine flow after the device was removed a week later. “I hadn’t experienced anything like that for years,” he added.
The iTind procedure is designed for patients who have not had success with other treatments and do not have significantly enlarged prostates. While it is increasingly recognized as a viable option, it is not yet available in all hospitals.
Thompson’s experience highlights the importance of seeking help for health issues. “If you’re a man, at any age, experiencing similar symptoms, don’t put it down to pride or assume it only happens to older people,” he advised. He encourages others to communicate openly with their healthcare providers about their symptoms and available treatments.
After years of struggling with his condition, Thompson now finds himself able to focus on his work and personal life without the anxiety that once loomed over him. “For me, it’s been a success, and I’m sharing my story in case it helps someone else decide to seek the support they need,” he concluded.
