Rezum vs. Traditional BPH Treatments: Understanding Your Options for an Enlarged Prostate
Dealing with an enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), can really impact your daily life.
You might be experiencing frustrating urinary symptoms like frequent urges, a weak stream, or getting up multiple times at night.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by all the available treatment options.
That’s why understanding the differences between Rezum vs. Traditional BPH Treatments: Understanding Your Options for an Enlarged Prostate is so important for making the best decision for your health.
What Exactly Is BPH?
BPH stands for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
It’s a common condition where the prostate gland grows larger.
This growth can press on the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of your body.
When this happens, it can lead to uncomfortable urinary symptoms.
Common Symptoms of BPH
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate.
- Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia).
- Difficulty starting urination.
- Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts.
- Dribbling at the end of urination.
- Inability to completely empty the bladder.
Traditional BPH Treatment Approaches
For a long time, traditional BPH treatments have been the go-to.
These usually fall into two main categories: medications and surgical procedures.
Medications for BPH
Many men start with medication to manage their symptoms.
These drugs work in different ways to relieve prostate-related discomfort.
- Alpha-blockers: These relax bladder neck muscles and prostate muscle fibers, making urination easier.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: These shrink the prostate by preventing hormonal changes that cause growth.
- Combination therapy: Sometimes, a combination of both types of drugs is prescribed for better symptom relief.
Traditional Surgical Options
When medications aren’t enough, surgery becomes an option for more significant relief.
The most common traditional surgery is called TURP.
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): This involves removing excess prostate tissue that’s blocking urine flow.
- It’s considered very effective but does involve a hospital stay and recovery time.
- Other surgeries, like open prostatectomy for very large prostates, are less common now.
Introducing Rezum: A Newer, Minimally Invasive Option
Rezum Water Vapor Therapy is a modern, minimally invasive treatment that’s gaining popularity.
It offers a different approach to BPH symptoms.
At Modern Care, we’re dedicated to offering our patients in Lebanon the most advanced choices.
You can learn more about specific prostate treatments, including Rezum, on our prostate information page.
How Does Rezum Work?
Rezum uses steam to treat the enlarged prostate tissue.
Here’s a quick overview of what happens:
- A small device is inserted into the urethra and delivers targeted bursts of sterile water vapor.
- This steam gently heats and destroys the excess prostate tissue.
- Over time, your body naturally reabsorbs the treated tissue, which helps to open up the urethra.
- This process leads to significant symptom relief and improved urine flow.
Want to dive deeper into Rezum?
Check out our dedicated Rezum category for more details.
Rezum vs. Traditional BPH Treatments: A Comparison
Let’s break down how Rezum compares to some of the more traditional options.
Understanding these differences can help you weigh your personal preferences and needs.
| Feature | Rezum Water Vapor Therapy | Medication | TURP Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Minimally Invasive | Non-invasive (Oral) | Invasive Surgery |
| Hospital Stay | Typically Outpatient | Not Applicable | Usually 1-3 days |
| Recovery Time | Days to weeks for full effect | Ongoing, no recovery | Weeks for full recovery |
| Sexual Side Effects | Low risk of new erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory dysfunction | Possible ejaculatory dysfunction (retrograde ejaculation) | High risk of retrograde ejaculation |
| Anesthesia | Local or light sedation | Not Applicable | Spinal or general anesthesia |
| Effectiveness | Significant symptom relief, long-lasting | Manages symptoms, needs ongoing use | Highly effective, immediate relief |
Frequently Asked Questions About BPH Treatments
We know you might have more questions, so here are some common ones we hear.
What are the potential side effects of Rezum?
After a Rezum procedure, you might experience some temporary side effects.
These can include discomfort or pain during urination, blood in your urine, or an increased urge to urinate.
These symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks as your body heals.
Serious side effects are rare, and it usually has a low risk of new erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory issues compared to other surgeries.
How long does it take to see results from Rezum?
While some patients notice improvement relatively quickly, it usually takes some time for the full benefits of Rezum to become apparent.
Most men experience significant relief from their BPH symptoms within two weeks to three months after the procedure.
The treated tissue needs time to shrink and be reabsorbed by the body.
Is Rezum a permanent solution?
Rezum is designed to provide long-lasting relief from BPH symptoms.
Clinical studies have shown that the benefits can last for many years, with a low rate of retreatment needed.
However, BPH is a progressive condition, and no treatment completely stops the prostate from growing over a lifetime.
We’ll discuss what to expect long-term during your consultation.
Considering your options? We can help! Call us at 96176887676 or book a consultation to get started.
Choosing the right treatment for an enlarged prostate is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences.
Whether you lean towards traditional methods or are curious about newer, minimally invasive options like Rezum, it’s essential to have all the facts.
We hope this overview of Rezum vs. Traditional BPH Treatments: Understanding Your Options for an Enlarged Prostate has given you a clearer picture of what’s available.
Our team at Modern Care is here to guide you every step of the way.
