Frequently Asked Questions

BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects many men as they age. Common signs include a weak or slow urinary stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urges to urinate (especially at night), and feeling like your bladder hasn't fully emptied. A consultation with Dr. Slade and a simple UroCuff assessment can confirm a diagnosis.

Dr. Slade offers several minimally invasive and surgical options tailored to your prostate size and symptoms, including ReZūm Water Vapor Therapy, HoLEP, MiLEP laser surgery, Optilume BPH, Aquablation Therapy, iTind, and TURP. During your consultation, Dr. Slade will recommend the best fit for you.

ReZūm uses convective water vapor energy to deliver targeted thermal energy directly to the prostate tissue causing urinary obstruction. It's a short, in-office procedure with no general anesthesia required. Most patients see significant symptom improvement within a few weeks and can return to normal activity quickly.

Aquablation is a robotic-assisted, minimally invasive procedure that uses a heat-free waterjet guided by real-time ultrasound to remove excess prostate tissue. Because it avoids heat-based energy, it carries a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to traditional surgeries like TURP. It's a strong option for men with larger prostates or those who haven't found relief with medication. Yes, Dr. Slade offers Aquablation right here in Boise.

BPH itself is not cancerous and does not cause prostate cancer. However, some symptoms can overlap with those of prostate cancer. If you have an elevated PSA or other concerning findings, Dr. Slade will evaluate you thoroughly and discuss next steps.

A vasectomy is a minor outpatient procedure that provides permanent contraception by cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm. It typically takes 15–30 minutes under local anesthesia, and most patients return to light activity within 2–3 days.

Vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of contraception available, with a success rate greater than 99.9%. A follow-up semen analysis is performed after the procedure to confirm there are no sperm present before relying on it for contraception.

Dr. Slade's Vacation Vasectomy program is designed for out-of-town patients who want to combine their procedure with a trip to Boise. You'll have a pre-procedure consultation, the vasectomy itself, and time to recover while enjoying the area. Contact the office to learn more about coordinating your visit.

Most men experience mild soreness for 2–3 days and can return to desk work within a day or two. We recommend avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for about a week. Supportive underwear and ice during the first 24 hours help with comfort.

HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) is a minimally invasive laser surgery for BPH. A high-powered laser removes the obstructing prostate tissue through the urethra — no incisions required. Dr. Slade is nationally recognized for his expertise in HoLEP.

HoLEP is effective for men of all prostate sizes, including very large prostates that may not be well suited for other procedures. It offers a durable, long-term solution with low retreatment rates. Dr. Slade will evaluate your anatomy and symptoms to confirm candidacy.

Both are laser enucleation procedures that remove obstructive prostate tissue. MiLEP refers to the use of smaller instruments in cases where the urethra is found to be narrowed, or the patient prefers this approach. Dr. Slade will discuss which is the better fit for your case.

Yes. Dr. Slade's Vacation HoLEP program welcomes patients from outside the Boise area. The team helps coordinate your consultation, surgical scheduling, and follow-up to make your visit as smooth as possible.

Common symptoms include severe pain in the back or side below the ribs, pain radiating to the lower abdomen, painful urination, blood in the urine, nausea, and vomiting. Small stones may pass on their own, but larger stones often require treatment. Contact our office promptly if you're experiencing these symptoms.

Treatment depends on the stone's size and location. Options range from watchful waiting for small stones to minimally invasive procedures such as ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy or shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for small to medium stones, and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for larger stones. Mini-PCNL is also available for small stones or cases where patients prefer to avoid stents or instrumentation to the ureter. Dr. Slade will recommend the right approach after imaging and evaluation.

Yes, additionally he is one of few urologists able to access the kidney at the time of surgery instead of requiring a separate procedure with interventional radiology. This combined approach allows for better clearance of stone, less risk of bleeding, requires less time and is less expensive. Dr. Slade is the only urologist in Idaho offering mini-PCNL, which allows for less invasive treatment and the potential to treat kidney stones without placing a stent.

Yes, recurrence is common. Dr. Slade can help identify contributing factors like diet, hydration, and genetics, and develop a prevention plan that may include dietary changes, increased fluid intake, and medication.

Dr. Slade specializes in male urological conditions, including BPH, kidney stones, vasectomy, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, nocturia (frequent nighttime urination), elevated PSA, blood in the urine (hematuria), urinary tract infections, urethral strictures, and difficulty urinating.

The UroCuff is a non-invasive bladder health assessment that measures urinary flow and bladder pressure — without catheterization. It helps Dr. Slade accurately diagnose the cause of your urinary symptoms and guide treatment decisions. The test is quick, comfortable, and done in the office.

You can request a consultation online or call the office directly at (208) 321-4790. The office is located at 8854 W Emerald St, Suite 140, Boise, ID 83704.

Absolutely. Dr. Slade welcomes patients from across Idaho and beyond, and offers dedicated Vacation Vasectomy and Vacation HoLEP programs for patients who travel to Boise for their procedure.