What is Rezūm minimally invasive steam injection therapy and how it treats BPH

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common conditions among men over 50. By the age of 60, every second man experiences symptoms of an enlarged prostate, and by age 80, 90% of men are affected.

Modern medicine offers many treatment options for this condition — from medication to surgery. However, in recent years, an effective alternative to surgery has gained popularity: Rezūm minimally invasive steam injection therapy.

What is BPH?

The prostate gland is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the initial section of the urethra. In benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cells grow excessively, causing the organ to enlarge.

Important: BPH is not cancer. However, if left untreated, an enlarged prostate can significantly impair quality of life.

Common symptoms of BPH include:

• Weak urine stream.
• Difficulty or interruption during urination.
• Frequent urges to urinate, especially at night (nocturia).
• A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
• Acute urinary retention (in severe cases).

In the early stages, these symptoms can be managed with medication. However, over time, drug therapy often becomes less effective. That’s when modern minimally invasive procedures, like Rezūm, come into play.

What is Rezūm Therapy?

Rezūm is an innovative procedure that is considered an effective solution for treating BPH in many countries. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The procedure uses the natural energy of water vapor to precisely destroy excess prostate tissue that compresses the urethra.

How Does Rezūm by Boston Scientific Work?

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, usually without general anesthesia. Here’s how it works:

• A special instrument with a thin needle is inserted through the urethra.
• The needle penetrates the enlarged prostate tissue, delivering controlled steam.
• The vapor disperses through the tissue, transferring thermal energy.
• At a temperature of about 103°C (217°F), excess cells are destroyed.
• Over the next few weeks, the body naturally removes the destroyed tissue, relieving pressure on the urethra.

Each injection lasts only 9 seconds. Depending on the prostate size, 2 to 7 steam injections may be needed. The entire procedure takes about 5–10 minutes.

Advantages of the Rezūm Method

• No surgery — no incisions are needed; the procedure is performed through the urethra.
• Fast recovery — patients can return to normal life in just a few days.
• Preservation of sexual function — low risk of erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation.
• Long-lasting effect — clinical studies show results last up to 5 years or more.

What Happens After the Procedure?

Some patients may experience mild discomfort, such as slight burning during urination or traces of blood in the urine. This is a normal reaction during the first 8 weeks after the procedure.

A temporary catheter is usually placed for 3–7 days to help with urination during healing.

Most patients start feeling symptom relief within two weeks, with maximum improvement occurring over three months. Individual responses may vary. Patients should be monitored by a urologist and follow medical advice during this period.

Who Is a Candidate for Rezūm Treatment?

The decision to perform the procedure is made by a urologist after an examination (including ultrasound, tests, and prostate volume measurement).

Doctors may recommend this procedure for men with BPH symptoms in the following cases:

• Prostate volume between 30 and 80 ml.
• Pronounced urinary problems.
• Preference to avoid surgery or long-term medication.
• No prostate cancer or active urinary tract infection found.

Contraindications for Rezūm:

• Patients with a urinary sphincter implant.
• Patients with a penile prosthesis.

Conclusion

Rezūm minimally invasive steam injection therapy by Boston Scientific is a modern, effective, and safe solution for men with an enlarged prostate. It offers a gentle approach with lasting results — helping maintain male health and quality of life.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of BPH, consult a specialist and discuss the possibility of undergoing Rezūm steam therapy. It could be the first step toward a life without pain and limitations.