Using REZUM for BPH

Prostate enlargement is a common problem for millions of men, and like many age-related issues, it tends to become even more common the older we get. For most men, the cause of this particular change is due to a benign (non-cancerous) condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

At Adult and Pediatric Urology, Alfred Shtainer, MD, FACS, and his team help men overcome the discomfort and frustration of BPH with an advanced outpatient therapy called Rezum. Here, we share the basics of BPH and how Rezum can help you find relief for your prostate-related symptoms.

BPH 101

Located near your bladder, your prostate gland produces the fluid component of semen. About the size of a walnut, your prostate grows as you age. If it grows large enough, it can press on your bladder, causing an array of unpleasant and irritating symptoms, like: 

• Problems ejaculating
• Decreased amount of semen
• Increased ended to urinate
• Need to urinate during the night
• Weak or interrupted urine stream

If BPH interferes with emptying your bladder, you can experience a painful urinary tract infection (UTI).

While researchers aren’t exactly sure what “triggers” BPH, they do know it’s more common as we get older due to age-related changes in dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that causes prostate cell growth. It also tends to occur more frequently among men with a family history of the condition. 

BPH is a surprisingly common problem for men, with researchers estimating it affects about half of men in their 50s. By the time a man reaches his 70s, he has an 80% chance of having BPH.

Rezum — relief for BPH

BPH has traditionally been treated with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes, with surgery reserved for more severe or complex cases. Today, Rezum offers an alternative that can yield long-term results without resorting to surgery or increasing doses of medication.

Before recommending Rezum, Dr. Shtainer performs a comprehensive exam and prostate evaluation to rule out other potential causes of prostate-related symptoms, like prostate cancer. During your initial consultation, Dr. Shtainer measures the size of the prostate and performs lab tests to make sure Rezum is the best therapy for you.

What to expect during your visit

Rezum is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that doesn’t involve incisions. Instead, the therapy relies on a slim catheter-like device that’s inserted through the urethra (the opening at the end of your penis).

At the start of treatment, Dr. Shtainer numbs your penis and your prostate gland to keep you comfortable. He inserts the Rezum device and advances it to the prostate gland. 

Once in place, the device emits tiny bursts of steam that help shrink the prostate gland, destroying excess cells to reduce gland size over time. Most men achieve maximum benefits with 2-7 treatment sessions, depending on the size of the prostate gland and the symptoms it’s causing.

After your treatment, it’s common to have some minor swelling and irritation.You’ll use a catheter for a few days to ensure you can urinate without any problems. You’ll also need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward. 

Most men experience relief within a few weeks, and treatment can be repeated as needed to maintain those benefits.

Make prostate health a priority

BPH is a common cause of prostate problems, but it’s not the only cause. Infections, inflammation, and even prostate cancer can cause similar symptoms, which is why early evaluation is so important for your health.

If you’re having prostate-related symptoms, don’t delay treatment. Request an appointment online or over the phone with Adult and Pediatric Urology in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York, today.