What is Rezum?
Rezum is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH). Through a small telescope passed along the urine passage, a few short bursts of sterile water vapour (steam) are injected into the enlarged prostate tissue. The thermal energy in the vapour destroys the excess cells, which the body then gradually absorbs over the following weeks. As the prostate shrinks, the urine channel opens up and symptoms improve.
How Rezum works, step by step
- Anaesthesia: usually local anaesthesia with sedation, or a short spinal or general anaesthetic.
- Telescope: a slim device is passed through the urethra to the prostate; there is no cut on the body.
- Vapour treatment: each injection of steam lasts about nine seconds; the number of injections depends on prostate size and shape.
- Catheter: a temporary catheter is placed because the prostate swells for a few days.
- Going home: most men go home the same day.
Who is Rezum suitable for?
- Men with bothersome urinary symptoms from BPH who do not want long-term tablets or have side effects from them
- Prostates of small to moderate size; it can also treat an enlarged middle (median) lobe
- Men who wish to preserve erections and ejaculation as far as possible
- Men who prefer a quick procedure with a short recovery
Very large prostates are usually better treated with HoLEP. Before Rezum, prostate cancer must be excluded where appropriate with a PSA test.
Benefits of Rezum
- No cuts and usually no overnight stay
- Low risk of erectile problems and a high chance of preserving ejaculation
- Can be done under local anaesthesia with sedation
- Reduces or removes the need for daily prostate tablets for many men
- Results that last for years in most patients
Recovery after Rezum
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First few days | Catheter in place; burning and frequency are common |
| Week 1 | Catheter removed, usually within three to seven days |
| Weeks 1–4 | Burning, urgency and some blood or tissue in the urine as the treated tissue is absorbed |
| 2–3 months | Steady improvement in flow and night-time urination |
Unlike surgery that removes tissue immediately, Rezum improves symptoms gradually, so patience in the first weeks is important.
Rezum compared with other prostate treatments
| Rezum | UroLift | HoLEP | TURP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Steam shrinks tissue | Implants hold the prostate open | Laser removes the obstructing tissue | Electric loop removes tissue |
| Prostate size | Small to moderate | Small to moderate, no large middle lobe | Any size | Small to medium |
| Catheter | Usually 3–7 days | Often none | 1–2 days | 1–3 days |
| Ejaculation preserved | Usually | Usually | Often lost (dry) | Often lost (dry) |
| Durability | Good; some need retreatment | Good; some need retreatment | Longest-lasting | Long-lasting |
Dr. Nitin Negi explains which option suits your prostate size, symptoms and priorities after an ultrasound and flow test. See also UroLift and enlarged prostate treatment.
Tests before Rezum
- Symptom score and bladder diary
- Ultrasound to measure prostate size and urine left after voiding
- Uroflowmetry (urine flow test)
- Urine test to exclude infection
- PSA blood test where appropriate
- Sometimes cystoscopy to view the prostate shape
Possible side effects
Most side effects are temporary: burning, urgency, frequency, blood in the urine and passing small pieces of tissue in the first weeks. Less commonly, men experience urinary infection or difficulty passing urine after the catheter is removed, needing it to be replaced briefly. A small proportion of men notice reduced semen volume. A minority need further treatment in later years.
Preparing for Rezum
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, especially blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin, which may need to be paused on advice
- A urine test a few days before to make sure there is no infection
- Fasting for about six hours if sedation or anaesthesia is planned
- Arrange for someone to take you home, as you should not drive on the day
Living with the catheter for a few days
The temporary catheter drains urine while the prostate swelling settles. Keep the catheter bag below the level of the bladder, drink plenty of water, keep the area clean, and avoid constipation, as straining can cause bleeding. Some bladder spasms or leakage around the catheter are common and settle once it is removed at the clinic.
When to call the clinic after Rezum
- Fever or chills
- Heavy bleeding or clots that block the urine
- Being unable to pass urine after the catheter is removed
- Severe pain not relieved by the prescribed medicines
Why choose Dr. Nitin Negi for Rezum in Jaipur
Choosing the right prostate treatment matters as much as performing it well. Dr. Nitin Negi, MCh Urology, offers the full range of BPH treatments, including medicines, Rezum, UroLift, TURP and HoLEP, so the recommendation is based on your prostate and your priorities rather than on a single technique. You will receive a clear explanation of the expected results, recovery and alternatives before you decide.
Why Dr. Nitin Negi
Rezum treatment in Jaipur with the best urologist in Jaipur
- MCh super-specialistMBBS, MS (Surgery), MCh in Genitourinary Surgery; clinical training at AIIMS, New Delhi.
- 25,000+ proceduresEndourological surgeries including RIRS, Mini-PERC, PCNL, HoLEP, TURiS and TURP.
- 150W Holmium laserRajasthan’s first, at ManglamPlus Medicity, for faster, safer stone and prostate surgery.
- Clear explanationsEvery option, risk and cost discussed before treatment; two convenient Jaipur locations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rezum painful?
The procedure is done under anaesthesia or sedation, so it is not painful. Burning while passing urine is common for a few weeks afterwards.
How soon does Rezum work?
Some men notice improvement within two weeks, but the full benefit usually takes about three months as the treated tissue is absorbed.
Will Rezum affect my sex life?
Rezum has a low risk of erection problems and preserves ejaculation in most men, which is one of its main advantages over TURP and HoLEP.
Can I stop my prostate tablets after Rezum?
Many men are able to stop or reduce them once symptoms improve. Your urologist will advise when.
Is Rezum covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by policy. The clinic can provide an estimate and help with insurance queries.