A minimally invasive, in-office procedure that uses the natural energy in water vapor to reduce excess prostate tissue — relieving BPH symptoms without cutting, hormones, or removal of tissue.
Rezūm therapy delivers small bursts of sterile water vapor (steam) directly into the prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. When the steam contacts the tissue, it condenses and releases stored thermal energy — destroying the excess prostate cells.
Over the following weeks, the body's natural healing process absorbs the treated tissue, and the prostate gradually shrinks. As it shrinks, the pressure on the urethra is relieved and urinary flow improves.
Unlike UroLift, which mechanically holds tissue aside, Rezūm actually reduces the volume of the prostate itself — making it a good fit for men with larger prostates or a significant median lobe, who may not be ideal UroLift candidates.
Local anesthesia is applied and oral sedation or IV sedation is given. The procedure is performed in the office or a procedure suite.
A small device is passed through the urethra to the prostate. Brief, 9-second bursts of water vapor are delivered into the obstructing tissue.
The steam condenses instantly, releasing energy that destroys the prostate cells causing the obstruction. Surrounding structures are not affected.
Your body absorbs the treated tissue over the following weeks. The prostate shrinks, and urinary symptoms improve steadily over 3–6 months.
Delivered entirely through the natural opening of the urethra — no skin incisions, no surgical cuts to the prostate.
Clinical trials demonstrate preservation of erectile and ejaculatory function — important for men who want to maintain sexual health.
Effective across a wide range of prostate sizes, including men with a prominent median lobe who may not be candidates for other office-based therapies.
Typically completed in under 30 minutes. No hospital stay required. Patients go home the same day.
Clinical data shows sustained symptom improvement at 5 years, with the majority of men maintaining significant relief without additional treatment.
Many men are able to stop or reduce their BPH medications after Rezūm, eliminating daily costs and side effects.
| Feature | Rezūm | UroLift | TURP (Surgery) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting | Office / procedure suite | Office | Hospital operating room |
| Anesthesia | Local + sedation | Local / mild sedation | ✗ General or spinal |
| Tissue Removed | ✓ Yes (absorbed naturally) | No (mechanically lifted) | ✓ Yes (resected) |
| Median Lobe BPH | ✓ Effective | Limited | ✓ Effective |
| Sexual Function | ✓ Preserved | ✓ Preserved | ✗ Retrograde ejaculation common |
| Catheter After | Typically 3–7 days | Usually not needed | Several days to weeks |
| Time to Full Results | 3–6 months | 2–4 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
Rezūm is FDA-cleared for men with BPH symptoms and a prostate volume of 30–80 cc. It is particularly well-suited for men with a median lobe component and those who want a tissue-reducing option without major surgery.
You may be a good candidate if you:
The treatment itself takes approximately 10–20 minutes. Including preparation and recovery time, plan to be at the office for about 1.5–2 hours. You will go home the same day.
Yes. Because the treated prostate tissue swells temporarily as healing begins, most patients require a urinary catheter for approximately 3–7 days after the procedure. Dr. Sawkar's team will provide full instructions for catheter care and removal.
Unlike UroLift, Rezūm works through a gradual healing process. Many patients begin noticing improvement within 2–4 weeks, with significant symptom relief typically experienced by 3 months and continued improvement through 6 months as the prostate finishes shrinking.
Clinical trials show that Rezūm preserves erectile and ejaculatory function. Retrograde ejaculation — a common side effect of TURP surgery — is not associated with Rezūm. Some temporary changes in ejaculation may occur immediately after the procedure while healing takes place, but these typically resolve.
Rezūm is covered by most major insurance plans including Medicare. Our office will verify your coverage prior to the procedure. Contact us for a detailed review of your specific benefits.