Prostate & Urinary Procedures
Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy
A gentle, 10-minute steam treatment for an enlarged prostate. Rezūm uses natural water vapour to shrink prostate tissue, restoring your flow while protecting your sexual health and avoiding major surgery.
Key takeaways
- A gentle, 10-minute steam treatment for an enlarged prostate. Rezūm uses natural water vapour to shrink prostate tissue, restoring your flow while protecting your sexual health and avoiding major surgery.
- Specialty: Prostate & Urinary Procedures
~10
Active treatment timemin
3–5
Most back to normal withindays
Local
Local anaesthetic or sedation
Treatment Overview
About Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy
Rezūm is a modern, minimally invasive way to treat an enlarged prostate (BPH) using the natural power of steam. During this quick procedure, tiny bursts of sterile water vapour (steam) are injected into the prostate in 9-second intervals.
When the steam touches the enlarged prostate tissue, it releases energy that causes those specific cells to gently die away. Over the next few weeks, your body’s natural healing process clears this tissue, shrinking the prostate and opening up your water pipe (urethra). It is a highly effective option because it can treat all parts of the prostate, including the central 'median lobe' which some other treatments struggle to reach.
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
Rezūm is designed for men who want to get back to their normal life quickly—usually within 3 to 5 days. Key benefits include:
No General Anaesthetic: It can be done with simple numbing (local anaesthetic) or light sedation, so you don't have to be fully 'under.'
Sexual Health: It is one of the best options for preserving your natural sexual and ejaculatory function.
Long-lasting Relief: Most men enjoy significantly better urinary flow for at least five years before needing further treatment.
02
Risks
Rezūm is very safe, but because the steam causes some temporary swelling, the most common short-term risk is being unable to pee immediately after the procedure (urinary retention). This is why a small drainage tube (catheter) is used for a few days to keep you comfortable.
Other minor risks include a temporary urinary tract infection (UTI) or seeing a small amount of blood in your urine. About 4 or 5 out of 100 men may find their symptoms return after five years and might need a repeat treatment or a different type of surgery.
03
Side Effects
In the short term, you might feel some stinging when you pee or notice blood in your urine or semen—this is normal and can last for a few weeks as you heal.
One of the biggest reasons men choose Rezūm is because the risk of erectile dysfunction is virtually zero. Unlike traditional 'scraping' surgeries (like TURP), the risk of 'dry orgasm' (retrograde ejaculation) is also very low, affecting only about 5–10% of men.
What We Treat
How Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy Can Help You
This treatment is effective for a wide range of health needs. Select a condition below to learn more about how we can support your recovery and improve your daily well-being.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
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Before Procedure
Before your treatment, your specialist will check the size of your prostate using an MRI or ultrasound to make sure it’s a good fit for the Rezūm device (usually between 30cc and 80cc).
You’ll have a simple flow test and a urine check to ensure you don’t have an active infection. You may be given a short course of antibiotics to take beforehand. If you take blood-thinning medication, your team will advise you on when to pause these (usually about a week before).
02/ 03
During Procedure
The procedure is usually done as an outpatient 'day-case,' meaning you don't stay in hospital overnight.
Your specialist uses a handheld device passed gently through the penis.
A tiny needle delivers 9-second bursts of steam into the prostate.
Most men need between 4 and 10 of these bursts, depending on the prostate's size. The actual 'active' part of the treatment often takes less than 10 minutes.
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After Procedure
Because the steam causes the prostate to swell slightly at first, you will go home with a temporary catheter. This is usually removed by a nurse 3 to 7 days later.
You’ll be given some antibiotics and simple painkillers like ibuprofen to help with any discomfort. We recommend avoiding heavy lifting or sex for about 2 weeks.
It is important to know that your symptoms might feel a little worse for the first week or two, but you will start to see the real benefits between 2 and 3 months after the treatment as the prostate shrinks.
Specialists
Specialists for Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy
Leading experts for this treatment. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.
Our Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
Trusted Resources
Trusted Patient Resources
For your insurer
Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
When the steam is injected, it causes immediate but temporary inflammation and swelling of the prostate tissue. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, this swelling can squeeze the 'water pipe' shut for a few days. The catheter ensures you can drain your bladder comfortably while the swelling settles and the tissue begins to shrink.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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Rezūm is officially indicated for prostates between 30cc and 80cc. While some experienced urologists in 2026 use it for glands up to 100cc, it is generally less effective for 'giant' prostates. If your prostate is significantly larger than 80cc, your consultant might recommend HoLEP or Aquablation as a more durable alternative.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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Yes, that is a primary goal for many patients. Clinical data shows that the majority of men are able to completely stop taking alpha-blockers (like Tamsulosin) and 5-ARIs (like Finasteride) within 3 months of the procedure. However, you should continue your medication as instructed by your surgeon until your follow-up appointment confirm your flow has sufficiently improved.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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