Rezūm for Enlarged Prostate: Procedure, Benefits, Risks & Recovery

An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can gradually narrow the urethra and make urination difficult. Men may develop a weak urine stream, frequent urination, urgency, difficulty starting urination, or the need to wake several times at night.

When lifestyle changes and medicines do not provide enough relief, our doctors recommend a procedure to reduce the obstruction. Rezūm water vapor therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses controlled steam to destroy targeted prostate tissue. The body gradually removes the treated tissue, which can reduce prostate obstruction and improve urine flow.

Rezūm can be particularly relevant for men who want symptom relief while placing a high priority on preserving sexual function. However, it does not suit every prostate or every patient. Our urologist assess prostate size, anatomy, symptoms, urinary flow, residual urine and other factors before recommending the procedure.

At Jyoti Hospital, Gurugram, our urology team can evaluate men with BPH and discuss whether medicines, Rezūm, TURP, HoLEP, UroLift or another treatment best fits their condition.

What Is Rezūm for an Enlarged Prostate?

Rezūm is a water vapor thermal therapy used to treat urinary symptoms caused by benign prostate enlargement.

During the procedure, our urologist passes a specialised device through the urethra and delivers small amounts of sterile water vapor into selected areas of the prostate.

The steam releases thermal energy inside the targeted tissue. The treated prostate cells subsequently die, and the body’s natural healing process gradually removes the damaged tissue.

As the treated tissue shrinks, the prostate creates more space around the urethra. This can improve urinary flow and reduce BPH-related symptoms.

Unlike TURP or HoLEP, Rezūm does not remove the obstructing prostate tissue immediately. The improvement develops progressively as the prostate heals and shrinks.

How Does an Enlarged Prostate Cause Urinary Problems?

The prostate sits below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra.

As BPH develops, prostate tissue can enlarge and compress the urethra. The bladder then has to work harder to push urine through the narrowed passage.

This can cause:

• Weak urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Straining to urinate
• Interrupted urine flow
• Frequent urination
• Urinary urgency
• Frequent urination at night
• Feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely
• Urinary retention in more advanced cases

Rezūm aims to reduce the prostate tissue contributing to this obstruction.

Who May Benefit From Rezūm?

Rezūm may be considered for men with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH who have not achieved adequate relief from medicines or who prefer a minimally invasive treatment.

The decision depends on several factors, including:

• Severity of urinary symptoms
• IPSS score
• Prostate size
• Prostate anatomy
• Presence and configuration of a median lobe
• Urinary flow rate
• Post-void residual urine
• Previous urinary problems or procedures
• Overall health
• Medication use
• Personal priorities regarding sexual function and recovery

Earlier clinical trials primarily studied men with prostate volumes around 30–80 cc, although more recent evidence has evaluated larger prostates as well. The 2026 EAU guideline describes water-vapor therapy as an emerging/alternative ablative technique and notes that evidence remains more limited than for established procedures such as TURP and enucleation.

Therefore, prostate size alone should not determine whether Rezūm is appropriate.

Does Every Man With an Enlarged Prostate Need Rezūm?

No. An enlarged prostate does not automatically require a procedure.

Our doctors usually consider treatment according to:

• How much the symptoms affect daily life
• Whether medicines control the symptoms
• Whether the bladder is emptying properly
• Whether complications have developed
• Prostate size and anatomy
• Patient preferences
• Expected benefits and risks of each treatment

Men with mild symptoms may only need monitoring and lifestyle measures. Others may benefit from medicines such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

Our doctors consider a procedure when symptoms remain troublesome despite appropriate medical treatment or when BPH causes complications.

What Tests Are Done Before Rezūm?

Our urologist should confirm that BPH is responsible for the urinary symptoms before selecting a procedure.

1. Medical History: Our doctor will ask about:
   • Urinary symptoms
   • Duration of symptoms
   • Previous urinary retention
   • Urinary infections
   • Previous prostate procedures
   • Current medicines
   • Other medical conditions
   • Sexual function
2. IPSS Score: The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) helps quantify the severity of urinary symptoms. A score from 0 to 35 helps the doctor understand how significantly symptoms affect the patient. However, the IPSS score alone does not determine whether Rezūm is appropriate.
3. Urine Testing: A urine test can help identify infection or other causes of urinary symptoms.
4. PSA Testing: Doctors recommend PSA testing as part of prostate evaluation, depending on age, symptoms, prostate findings and the patient’s risk profile. PSA can increase with BPH as well as other prostate conditions, so doctors interpret the result in context.
5. Prostate Assessment: Ultrasound or another imaging method can estimate prostate volume and evaluate prostate anatomy.
6. Uroflowmetry: This test measures how quickly urine flows during urination.
7. Post-Void Residual: A bladder scan can determine how much urine remains after urination.

These tests help our urologist determine whether prostate obstruction contributes significantly to the patient’s symptoms.

How Is the Rezūm Procedure Performed?

Rezūm is performed through the natural urinary passage, so our doctor does not need to make an external incision.

• Step 1: Anaesthesia: The medical team provides appropriate anaesthesia or sedation depending on the patient’s health, the treatment setting and the surgeon’s protocol.
  • Rezūm can be performed in an outpatient or day-case setting in appropriate patients, although some patients may require different anaesthesia arrangements.
• Step 2: Inserting the Device: Our urologist passes the Rezūm delivery device through the urethra until it reaches the prostate.
• Step 3: Delivering Water Vapor: The device delivers controlled amounts of sterile water vapor into selected areas of the prostate. Each treatment deposits thermal energy into a small region of tissue.
• Step 4: Treating the Obstructing Tissue: Our urologist places treatments according to prostate anatomy and size. The surgeon may also treat a median lobe when appropriate.
• Step 5: Completing the Procedure: After treating the planned areas, our urologist removes the device. Some patients require a urinary catheter temporarily after the procedure.

How Does Rezūm Actually Shrink the Prostate?

Rezūm does not physically cut the prostate tissue away during the procedure. Instead, the steam transfers thermal energy into the targeted tissue. This damages the treated cells.

Over the following weeks and months, the body gradually removes the damaged tissue. As this process continues, the treated areas shrink and the urinary passage can become less obstructed.

This explains why Rezūm does not provide its full benefit immediately after treatment.

How Long Does Rezūm Take?

The procedure itself is relatively short, although the total time at the hospital or treatment centre depends on preparation, anaesthesia and recovery.

Many patients undergo Rezūm as a day-case procedure.

The exact duration varies according to:

• Prostate size
• Number of treatments required
• Prostate anatomy
• Anaesthesia
• Individual patient factors

Our urologist can provide a more accurate estimate after evaluating your prostate.

When Do You Start Feeling Better After Rezūm?

One of the most important things to understand about Rezūm is that symptom improvement is gradual.

You may experience temporary worsening of urinary symptoms during the early healing period.

You may notice:

• Burning while urinating
• Increased urinary frequency
• Urgency
• Pelvic discomfort
• Blood in urine
• Blood in semen
• Temporary difficulty emptying the bladder

These symptoms generally improve as the prostate heals. NHS patient information notes that the prostate can continue shrinking over approximately three to six months, while clinical studies have demonstrated meaningful symptom improvement within the first few months.

Therefore, patients should not judge the final result immediately after the procedure.

Does Rezūm Require a Catheter?

Sometimes. Temporary catheterisation is common after Rezūm because swelling around the prostate can temporarily interfere with urination.

The catheter may remain for several days depending on:

• Prostate size
• Baseline bladder function
• Pre-existing urinary retention
• Degree of postoperative swelling
• Doctor’s assessment

Some patients can have the catheter removed relatively quickly, while others may need it for longer.

Our urologist will decide when it is safe to remove the catheter.

Benefits of Rezūm for Enlarged Prostate

Rezūm offers several potential benefits.

• Minimally Invasive Treatment: Our doctor performs the procedure through the urethra without an external surgical incision.
• Can Improve Urinary Symptoms: Clinical trials have demonstrated sustained improvement in IPSS, quality of life and urinary flow after water-vapor therapy. Five-year randomized trial data reported sustained symptom and flow improvements with a surgical retreatment rate of 4.4% in the original treatment group.
• Preserves Sexual Function in Many Men: One of the important advantages of Rezūm is its relatively favourable sexual-function profile.
  • Clinical studies have reported preservation of erectile and ejaculatory function, and the 2026 EAU guideline notes preservation of sexual function with water-vapor thermal therapy.
• No Large Surgical Incision: The procedure uses the natural urinary passage.
• Short Recovery Compared With Some Surgical Procedures: Many patients return to normal activities relatively quickly, although recovery varies from person to person.
• Can Be Performed as a Day-Case Procedure: Appropriately selected patients may undergo treatment without an overnight hospital stay.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Rezūm?

Every prostate procedure has potential risks. Rezūm can cause temporary urinary symptoms during the healing period.

• Common Temporary Effects: These may include:
  • Burning or painful urination
  • Blood in urine
  • Blood in semen
  • Increased frequency
  • Urinary urgency
  • Pelvic discomfort
  • Temporary difficulty emptying the bladder
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Temporary catheter requirement

NHS patient information describes these effects as generally temporary, although some patients may experience symptoms for longer.

• Urinary Retention: Swelling after treatment can temporarily make urination difficult. Some men therefore require a catheter until the swelling settles.
• Urinary Tract Infection: A urinary infection can occur after any procedure involving the urinary tract.

Contact our doctor if you develop fever, worsening urinary pain or other symptoms suggestive of infection.

Bleeding

You may notice blood in your urine or semen during recovery.

Small amounts can occur during healing. Heavy bleeding or large clots require medical assessment.

Does Rezūm Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Available clinical evidence suggests that Rezūm generally has a favourable effect on erectile function.

The five-year randomized trial reported no device- or procedure-related sexual dysfunction or sustained new erectile dysfunction, while the 2026 EAU guideline also describes preservation of erectile and ejaculatory function.

However, no procedure can guarantee that an individual patient will experience no sexual side effects.

Our urologist should discuss your baseline sexual function and priorities before treatment.

Does Rezūm Cause Retrograde Ejaculation?

Rezūm has been developed with preservation of sexual and ejaculatory function as an important consideration.

Studies have generally reported favourable preservation of ejaculation compared with several traditional tissue-removing procedures.

However, individual outcomes vary, and ejaculation can still change after treatment.

If preservation of ejaculation is particularly important to you, discuss this explicitly with our urologist before choosing a procedure.

Rezūm vs TURP

Both procedures treat urinary obstruction caused by BPH, but they work differently.

Feature	Rezūm	TURP
Technique	Water-vapor thermal therapy	Removes prostate tissue
External incision	No	No
Tissue immediately removed	No	Yes
Symptom improvement	Gradual	Usually faster
Recovery	Generally shorter	Longer
Sexual function	Generally well preserved	Retrograde ejaculation common
Catheter	May be required temporarily	Usually required initially
Hospital stay	Often day-case	Often short hospital stay
Long-term evidence	Increasing	Extensive
Large prostates	Patient selection important	Established option
Prostate tissue for pathology	No tissue is routinely removed	Removed tissue can be examined

The choice depends on prostate anatomy, symptom severity, expected durability, sexual priorities and the patient’s overall health.

The 2026 EAU guideline notes that objective improvements can be greater after TURP, while water-vapor therapy may appeal to patients who prioritise sexual-function preservation and outpatient recovery.

Rezūm vs HoLEP

HoLEP uses a laser to separate and remove obstructing prostate tissue.

Rezūm instead treats the tissue with steam and relies on the body’s healing process to remove the damaged tissue gradually.

HoLEP may provide more immediate removal of obstructing tissue and has strong evidence across a broad range of prostate sizes. Rezūm offers a less tissue-destructive approach with a strong emphasis on preserving sexual function.

Neither procedure is universally suitable for every patient.

Our urologist consider the prostate size, anatomy, degree of obstruction, bladder function and the patient’s treatment priorities.

Rezūm vs UroLift

Both Rezūm and UroLift are minimally invasive BPH treatments that aim to preserve sexual function.

However, they work differently:

• Rezūm: uses steam to ablate targeted prostate tissue.
• UroLift: uses implants to pull prostate tissue away from the urethra.

Comparative evidence suggests that both can improve urinary symptoms, although their effects on urinary and sexual outcomes differ.

Our urologist can explain which approach fits your prostate anatomy.

What Is Recovery Like After Rezūm?

Recovery after Rezūm occurs gradually because the prostate needs time to heal and the body needs to remove the treated tissue. Urinary symptoms can temporarily become more noticeable before they improve. Full benefits may take several weeks to months.

First Few Days

You may experience:

• Burning or discomfort while urinating
• Increased urinary frequency or urgency
• Mild pelvic discomfort
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Temporary difficulty passing urine

Some patients need a catheter for several days because prostate swelling can temporarily affect urination.

First Few Weeks

Urinary symptoms can fluctuate during the healing period. You may initially feel that your symptoms have worsened rather than improved. This does not necessarily indicate treatment failure.

Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and cycling until our urologist advises that you can resume them.

If your work involves physical activity, your return-to-work time may be longer than it is for desk-based work.

Following Months

The treated prostate tissue gradually shrinks as the body removes the damaged cells. Urinary flow and symptoms should improve progressively during this period.

Clinical studies have demonstrated sustained improvement in urinary symptoms and flow after Rezūm, with benefits maintained over several years in appropriately selected patients.

When Can You Return to Work After Rezūm?

The answer depends on your occupation and recovery.

Men with desk-based work may return sooner than those who perform heavy physical work.

Some NHS guidance suggests that approximately a week may be sufficient for many patients, although individual recovery varies.

Our doctor should provide specific instructions based on your procedure and health.

When Can You Exercise After Rezūm?

Avoid strenuous activity during the early recovery period.

Our doctor recommend temporarily avoiding:

• Heavy lifting
• Vigorous exercise
• Cycling
• Activities that place pressure on the pelvic region

Gradually resume exercise as your symptoms improve and our urologist advises.

When Can You Have Sex After Rezūm?

Sexual activity can usually resume once you feel comfortable and our doctor considers recovery satisfactory.

Because the prostate and urethra need time to heal, avoid rushing back to sexual activity if you have significant pain, bleeding or urinary symptoms.

Rezūm generally aims to preserve erectile and ejaculatory function, although individual outcomes vary.

What Should You Avoid After Rezūm?

Our urologist advise you to temporarily avoid:

• Heavy lifting
• Strenuous exercise
• Cycling
• Excessive alcohol
• Activities that worsen pelvic discomfort
• Delaying urination when you have significant urgency

Drink adequate fluids unless your doctor has advised you to restrict fluid intake because of another medical condition.

Always follow the specific postoperative instructions provided by our treating team.

When Should You Contact a Doctor After Rezūm?

Contact our urologist if you develop:

• Fever or chills
• Increasing urinary pain
• Worsening urinary symptoms
• Persistent or severe pelvic pain
• Significant bleeding
• Large blood clots
• Difficulty passing urine
• Complete inability to urinate

Inability to urinate, heavy bleeding or severe pain requires prompt medical assessment.

Can Rezūm Cure an Enlarged Prostate?

Rezūm can provide long-term improvement in urinary symptoms caused by BPH, but it does not remove the entire prostate.

The treated prostate tissue shrinks over time.

Because some prostate tissue remains, BPH can still progress in the future and some men may eventually require medication or another procedure.

Five-year trial data showed sustained symptom improvement and a 4.4% surgical retreatment rate in the original treatment group.

Does Rezūm Prevent Prostate Cancer?

No. Rezūm treats urinary obstruction caused by benign prostate enlargement. It does not prevent prostate cancer.

Men who have an elevated PSA or other findings that require evaluation should complete appropriate prostate-cancer assessment before selecting treatment.

Because Rezūm does not routinely remove prostate tissue for pathological examination, our doctors appropriately evaluate unexplained PSA abnormalities or cancer concerns before the procedure.

Is Rezūm Better Than TURP or HoLEP?

There is no single procedure that is best for every man with BPH.

Rezūm may appeal to patients who prioritise:

• Minimally invasive treatment
• Preservation of sexual function
• Day-case treatment
• Avoiding removal of prostate tissue

TURP or HoLEP may be more appropriate when the patient has significant obstruction, particular prostate anatomy, a larger gland or a need for more immediate tissue removal.

The 2026 EAU guideline emphasises that treatment selection should consider expected recovery, durability, complications and patient preferences. It also notes that evidence for water-vapor therapy remains less mature than for several established surgical techniques.

How Jyoti Hospital Can Help

At Jyoti Hospital, Gurugram, men with urinary symptoms can undergo a structured evaluation for enlarged prostate.

Our urology team can assess:

• Urinary symptoms
• IPSS score
• PSA where appropriate
• Prostate size
• Urinary flow
• Post-void residual urine
• Bladder function
• Previous treatment
• Sexual-function priorities

Based on the findings, our urologist can discuss medical treatment and minimally invasive or surgical options such as Rezūm, UroLift, TURP and HoLEP.

The goal is to choose treatment based on the patient’s prostate anatomy, symptoms, health and priorities rather than recommending the same procedure to everyone.

Final Thoughts

Rezūm water vapor therapy provides a minimally invasive option for men with bothersome urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

The treatment uses controlled steam to target prostate tissue. The body then gradually removes the treated tissue, allowing the urinary passage to open and improving urinary symptoms over time.

Rezūm can offer the potential benefits of minimally invasive treatment and preservation of sexual function. However, it does not suit every patient, and symptom improvement occurs gradually rather than immediately.

Our urologist at Jyoti Hospital, Gurugram, evaluate your symptoms, IPSS score, prostate size, anatomy, urinary flow, bladder emptying and overall health before recommending Rezūm or another BPH procedure.

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FAQs

1. Is Rezūm painful?
   • You may experience temporary discomfort, burning during urination or pelvic discomfort after treatment. Our medical team can prescribe appropriate pain relief.
2. How long does Rezūm take to work?
   • Rezūm does not provide its full effect immediately. Symptoms can initially worsen because of inflammation and swelling. Improvement develops gradually over the following weeks and months.
3. Does Rezūm cause retrograde ejaculation?
   • Rezūm generally has a favourable ejaculation-preservation profile compared with several traditional surgical treatments, although individual results vary.
4. Can Rezūm treat a large prostate?
   • Rezūm was initially studied extensively in men with prostate volumes around 30–80 cc. More recent studies have evaluated larger glands, but the evidence remains more limited for larger prostates. Our urologist assess prostate size and anatomy before recommending it.
5. Can I stop my BPH medicines after Rezūm?
   • Do not stop your medicines without speaking with our urologist. Your doctor will decide whether and when you can reduce or discontinue them based on your response.