Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) with Water Vapor Therapy
Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Treat your benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) without surgery or medications and their side effects.
How Does Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy Work?
Rezūm therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses the natural energy stored in water vapor to remove excess prostate tissue compressing the urethra.
The therapy is typically performed at a urologist’s office or an outpatient surgical facility and completed in a single session.
During each 9-second treatment, sterile water vapor is injected into the targeted prostate tissue. As the vapor contacts the tissue, it releases all its stored energy into it. Your doctor will determine how many treatments are needed based on the size of your prostate.
Over time, your body’s natural healing response absorbs the treated tissue, causing the prostate to shrink. With the excess tissue removed, the urethra reopens, alleviating the symptoms of BPH.
When Will You Notice Improvements?
Most patients begin experiencing symptom relief within two weeks, with maximum benefits appearing within three months. Patient responses may vary.
Before Your Procedure
- Your doctor may ask you to stop taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) a few days to a week before the procedure.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Your doctor will discuss any pain relievers needed for the procedure.
Day of the Procedure
- The procedure itself takes only a few minutes, but plan to spend around two hours for the entire appointment.
- You will receive the prescribed pain relief.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home unless your doctor approves you to drive yourself.
After the Procedure
- Continue taking oral antibiotics as prescribed.
- Your doctor may recommend using a catheter for a few days to help with urination during recovery.
- Avoid activities that may irritate the prostate.
- If you experience discomfort, follow these steps:
- Use mild pain relievers as directed by your doctor.
- Take warm baths or sit in warm water.
- Temporarily eliminate caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol from your diet.
You can likely resume normal activities within a few days, with most patients experiencing noticeable symptom relief within two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BPH?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate gland that affects about 50% of men aged 60 and up to 90% of men aged 85. This condition can compress the urethra, reducing or blocking urine flow from the bladder. Symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Irregular flow
- Urgency
- Weak stream
- Straining
- Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
What is Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy?
Rezūm is a minimally invasive procedure that uses the natural energy in a few drops of water to treat the excess prostate tissue causing BPH symptoms. It allows you to return quickly to your normal routine without the need for hospital stays or ongoing medication for BPH.
Who Can Benefit from Rezūm Therapy?
Clinical studies show that many men with BPH experience symptom relief with Rezūm therapy. It is recommended for men over 50 with prostate sizes ranging from 30 cm³ to 80 cm³. It is suitable for those who have stopped or prefer not to start BPH medications and those seeking a non-surgical treatment option.
Is Rezūm Therapy Right for Me?
The best way to find out is by consulting your doctor, who will assess your symptoms and treatment goals. You can also take a BPH test and bring the results to your appointment. If you need help finding a specialist, use our doctor locator tool.
What are the Costs of Rezūm Therapy?
The cost of Rezūm therapy in Turkey ranges between $5,000 and $7,000, including pre- and post-procedure tests, imaging, and follow-up care.
Do I Need to Go to the Hospital for Rezūm Therapy?
Since Rezūm is minimally invasive, it can be performed in a doctor’s office, clinic, or outpatient facility.
Is the Procedure Painful? Will I Need Anesthesia?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Rezūm therapy can be performed under oral or local anesthesia and does not require general anesthesia. Your urologist will discuss the best option for your comfort.
When Will I Notice Improvements?
Clinical studies show that most men experience symptom relief within two weeks, with continued improvement over three months.
When Can I Resume Normal Activities?
Most men return to their usual activities within a few days. Your urologist will provide personalized recommendations based on your recovery.
How Long Do the Improvements Last?
Current clinical studies indicate sustained symptom relief for up to five years.
What Are the Risks of Rezūm Therapy?
Possible risks include painful or frequent urination, blood in urine or semen, reduced ejaculatory volume, urinary tract infections (UTIs), inability to urinate or empty the bladder, and urinary urgency. Other rare complications include epididymitis, worsening erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, urethral scarring, or bladder neck narrowing.
Can Rezūm Therapy Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
There are no reports of new erectile dysfunction resulting from Rezūm therapy. Clinical studies show that ejaculatory function is generally preserved. However, men with BPH are more likely to face other urinary or ejaculatory issues, which may surface post-treatment. Be sure to discuss your individual health status with your urologist.