Answers to the questions we hear most from patients considering BPH evaluation and treatment at OC BPH Center.
About BPH
What is BPH?
BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia — a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that’s extremely common as men age. It can press on the urethra and cause symptoms like frequent urination, waking at night to urinate, a weak stream, or feeling like your bladder never fully empties.
How do I know if my symptoms are BPH?
Symptoms alone can’t confirm BPH — that requires an in-office evaluation. If you’d like a general sense of where your symptoms fall before booking, take our 2-minute I-PSS assessment.
Treatment options
What BPH treatments do you offer?
We specialize in two minimally invasive treatments: Rezūm water vapor therapy and prostatic artery embolization (PAE). Both are alternatives to traditional BPH surgery. See our side-by-side comparison for how they differ.
Who performs Rezūm and PAE?
Rezūm is performed by your urologist, Dr. Gabal or Dr. Sawkar. PAE is performed by Dr. Bryan, our dual board-certified interventional radiologist, working in coordination with your urologist.
Your appointments & care team
What does the appointment process look like?
It typically takes three visits: an initial PA evaluation (symptom review, urinalysis, uroflow), then TRUS and UroCuff testing at our Santa Ana office, and finally a cystoscopy along with your consultation, where your treatment plan is determined.
Will I see the doctor or a PA?
Your PA evaluation and cystoscopy appointments are typically seen by one of our physician assistants — Katie Boyd-Cordova, Amanda Allen, or Devin Lichtenwalter. Your consultation to determine your treatment plan is always with a physician. See our care team for more on who you might meet.
Where do my appointments take place?
We see patients at both our Tustin and Santa Ana offices. Your TRUS and UroCuff testing appointment happens specifically at Santa Ana. See our locations page for addresses and maps.
What happens during the TRUS appointment?
TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) uses a small ultrasound probe to capture detailed images of your prostate, including its size and shape. The test typically takes about 10–15 minutes, most patients feel mild pressure rather than significant pain, and no anesthesia or downtime is needed — you can resume normal activity right after. We’ll give you any specific prep instructions when we schedule your visit.
What happens during the UroCuff appointment?
UroCuff measures your urinary flow rate and pressure without an invasive catheter. You’ll urinate normally into a specialized device while wearing a small, non-invasive cuff similar to a blood pressure cuff, which automatically captures pressure-flow data. It’s quick and painless — you may be asked to arrive with a comfortably full bladder, which we’ll confirm when we schedule your visit.
Insurance & cost
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Both Rezūm and PAE are covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans — including Blue Cross, Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Prospect Health, and St. Joseph Heritage — when medically indicated. Our team handles prior authorization on your behalf. See our insurance page for the full list.
What if I don’t have insurance?
The initial workup — office visit, TRUS, cystoscopy, and UroCuff — is a fixed $2,034 for cash-pay patients. Pricing for Rezūm or PAE itself is discussed directly with you at your appointment, and financing through CareCredit is available.
Getting started
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call or text us directly at (949) 284-2792, or request an appointment online.
How soon can I be seen?
Same-week appointments are typically available for new BPH patients.
Still have questions?
Call or text us directly — we’re happy to talk through your symptoms and what to expect.
Call or text (949) 284-2792