How you prepare

Several days before surgery, your doctor might recommend that you stop taking medications that increase your risk of bleeding, including:

• Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Nonprescription pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others)

Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent urinary tract infection.

Arrange transportation because you won't be able to drive yourself home after the procedure that day or generally if you have a catheter in your bladder.

You might not be able to work or do strenuous activity for up to six weeks after surgery. Ask your doctor how much recovery time you might need.