Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement, is a common non-cancerous condition that affects nearly half of men over the age of 50. As men age, hormonal changes cause prostate cells to multiply, resulting in gradual gland enlargement. The prostate surrounds the urethra, so any increase in its size can narrow the urinary passage and obstruct the flow of urine.

Why BPH Occurs

The prostate naturally grows twice during a man’s life — once during puberty, and again after age 40. In some men, this second growth phase continues excessively due to hormonal imbalances (especially elevated DHT levels), genetics, or lifestyle factors, leading to BPH.

Common Symptoms

BPH symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Difficulty starting urination or maintaining flow
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Urgency and frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Pain or discomfort during urination or ejaculation

If untreated, these symptoms may worsen over time, leading to bladder infections, stones, or even urinary retention.

Traditional Treatment Options for BPH

Before the introduction of Rezūm, treatment options for BPH fell into two main categories:

1. Medication:
   • Alpha-blockers (like tamsulosin) relax the prostate and bladder neck muscles to ease urination.
   • 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (like finasteride) shrink the prostate over time.
   • While effective for some, these drugs require lifelong use and can cause dizziness, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido.
2. Surgical Procedures:
   • TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) and HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation) are traditional surgeries that physically remove prostate tissue.
   • These methods provide lasting relief but come with risks such as bleeding, retrograde ejaculation, and longer recovery times.

Rezūm therapy bridges the gap between medication and surgery — offering effective, long-term relief with minimal risk and downtime.

What Is Rezūm Steam Therapy?

Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy is a minimally invasive, office-based treatment developed by NxThera (and later acquired by Boston Scientific) that uses the thermal energy from water vapor (steam) to shrink enlarged prostate tissue.

It is FDA-approved for men with moderate to severe BPH and can treat prostates up to 80 cubic centimeters in size. The Rezūm system has transformed BPH care by combining natural energy, precision, and convenience.

The Science Behind Rezūm

Rezūm works by delivering small, controlled doses of steam directly into the enlarged prostate tissue. When the steam condenses, it releases stored thermal energy that destroys excess cells. Over several weeks, the body’s immune system absorbs and removes this treated tissue, allowing the prostate to shrink and relieving pressure on the urethra.

Because Rezūm specifically targets enlarged areas, it preserves surrounding structures that control urinary and sexual function.

Step-by-Step: How the Rezūm Procedure Works

1. Preparation:
   The patient empties their bladder, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the prostate and urethra. Sedation may be used for added comfort.
2. Device Insertion:
   The urologist inserts a small, camera-guided device through the urethra.
3. Steam Delivery:
   A fine needle extends into the prostate tissue and releases bursts of steam lasting around 9 seconds each. The number of injections (typically 4–10) depends on prostate size and shape.
4. Completion:
   The entire procedure takes about 15–30 minutes. A catheter is usually placed for 2–3 days to allow healing and urine drainage.

Within a few weeks, the treated tissue naturally shrinks, and urinary symptoms begin to improve.

Benefits of Rezūm Steam Therapy

Rezūm offers a variety of medical and lifestyle benefits, making it a leading option for modern BPH management:

• No general anesthesia required — local or mild sedation is sufficient.
• Quick and convenient: outpatient procedure; patients go home the same day.
• Preserves sexual function: no negative impact on erections or ejaculation.
• Fast recovery: most men return to work or normal activity in a few days.
• Effective symptom relief: noticeable improvement in 2–6 weeks.
• Long-lasting results: benefits last 5–7 years or longer in most studies.
• Repeatable procedure: Rezūm can be safely repeated if symptoms recur.
• Reduced dependence on medication: many patients discontinue BPH drugs post-treatment.
• Natural approach: uses water vapor — no synthetic energy or cutting instruments.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Short-Term Recovery

Mild burning or discomfort during urination may occur for a few days. Increased frequency or urgency of urination is normal as the prostate begins to heal.

Patients are advised to:

• Rest for at least 24 hours.
• Avoid heavy lifting, cycling, or vigorous activity for a week.
• Drink plenty of water to flush the bladder.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods for several weeks.
• Refrain from sexual activity for 7–10 days.

Long-Term Recovery

Most men experience gradual improvement in symptoms within 3–6 weeks, with full benefits realized around three months. Follow-up appointments ensure the prostate is healing properly.

Possible Side Effects

Rezūm therapy is safe and well-tolerated, but temporary effects may occur:

• Burning or stinging during urination
• Mild pelvic discomfort
• Small amounts of blood in urine or semen (hematuria or hematospermia)
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Temporary urinary retention (requiring short-term catheter use)
• Rarely, urinary tract infection (UTI)

These effects usually resolve naturally as inflammation subsides.

Comparing Rezūm to Other Treatments

Feature	Rezūm Therapy	TURP Surgery	Medications
Invasiveness	Minimally invasive	Surgical	Non-invasive
Anesthesia	Local or mild sedation	General or spinal	None
Hospital Stay	None (outpatient)	1–3 days	None
Recovery Time	Few days	2–4 weeks	Continuous
Sexual Function	Preserved	Often impaired	Possible effects
Durability	5–7 years	5–10 years	Temporary
Cost	Moderate	High	Ongoing
Retreatment Need	<5%	5–10%	Continuous use

Rezūm provides a perfect balance of durability, safety, and quality of life improvement, making it a top choice for many urologists and patients alike.

Clinical Studies and Effectiveness

Numerous clinical trials support Rezūm’s long-term safety and efficacy:

• Symptom Reduction: Average 50–60% improvement in IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) within three months.
• Flow Rate Improvement: Urinary flow increases by up to 60%.
• Patient Satisfaction: Over 90% report sustained relief and quality-of-life improvement.
• Durability: Less than 5% require retreatment within five years.

A 5-year multicenter study published in Urology confirmed that Rezūm offers results comparable to TURP but with significantly fewer side effects and no negative impact on sexual function.

Cost of Rezūm Therapy

The cost of Rezūm therapy in Dubai and across the UAE typically ranges between AED 30,000 and AED 50,000, depending on the clinic, the surgeon’s experience, and whether the hospital is private or part of an international network.

This price usually covers the full procedure, including the disposable Rezūm device, use of the operating room, local anesthesia, and post-procedure follow-up. While the upfront cost is higher than medication, Rezūm provides a long-term solution for BPH symptoms, often eliminating the need for lifelong drug therapy.

Patients should check with their healthcare provider whether the procedure is partially covered by insurance or if financing options are available. Overall, considering the benefits, reduced hospital stay, and minimal downtime, Rezūm therapy offers excellent value for men seeking an effective, minimally invasive treatment for prostate enlargement in the UAE.

Who Is a Candidate for Rezūm?

Rezūm therapy is ideal for men who:

• Have moderate to severe urinary symptoms from BPH
• Prefer to avoid major surgery or general anesthesia
• Want to preserve sexual and urinary function
• Have not achieved adequate relief from medication
• Have prostate volumes between 30–80 cc

Rezūm may not be recommended for men with prostate cancer, active urinary infections, or very large prostates above 100 cc.

Long-Term Results and Quality of Life

Long-term follow-ups demonstrate that Rezūm therapy provides durable improvement in urinary flow, reduced post-void residual volume, and sustained symptom relief. Many men report restored confidence, improved sleep, and reduced nighttime urination, dramatically enhancing their daily life.

Final Thoughts

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is one of the most common and frustrating conditions affecting men as they age. Fortunately, modern technology like Rezūm steam therapy offers an effective, safe, and long-lasting solution — all without the need for major surgery or ongoing medication.

Rezūm combines simplicity, precision, and natural energy to deliver results that last. For men whose quality of life is affected by frequent urination, weak flow, or interrupted sleep, Rezūm may be the key to regaining control and comfort.

If you have BPH and are considering treatment with Rezūm, please contact us today to schedule a consultation and see if this advanced, minimally invasive procedure is right for you.