Enlarged Prostate Treatment with Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy

If you find yourself waking up multiple times a night to use the bathroom, it could be a sign of an enlarged prostate.

Enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition as men get older. In fact, it is the most common prostate problem for men older than age 50. Although benign prostatic hyperplasia rarely causes symptoms before age 40, the occurrence and symptoms increase with age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects about 50 percent of men between the ages of 51 and 60 and up to 90 percent of men older than 80.

An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as a weak urine stream, urine stream that starts and stops, frequently getting up at night to urinate, and inability to void the bladder.

There are many different treatment options for BPH, ranging from behaviour medications to surgery. If you are considering treatment, here’s what you need to know about this men’s health concern.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition in men in which the prostate gland is enlarged and not cancerous. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is also called benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic obstruction.

The prostate goes through two main growth periods as a man ages. The first occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size; while the second phase of growth begins around age 25 and continues during most of a man’s life. Benign prostatic hyperplasia often occurs within the second growth phase.

As the prostate enlarges, the gland presses against and pinches the urethra. The bladder wall also becomes thicker. Eventually, the bladder may weaken and lose the ability to empty completely, leaving some urine in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and urinary retention—the inability to empty the bladder completely—cause many of the problems associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

What causes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

The cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is not well understood. However, it occurs mainly in older men. Studies have shown that BPH also does not develop in men whose testicles were removed before puberty. For this reason, some researchers believe factors related to ageing and the testicles may cause benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Testosterone and estrogen balance: Males produce testosterone throughout their life, along with a smaller amount of estrogen. Females also produce these hormones, but they produce less testosterone and more estrogen. As males get older, they produce less testosterone in proportion to estrogen. It may be the estrogen that triggers additional growth in the prostate.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): DHT is another male hormone that enables the prostate to develop and grow. Scientists have found that even when testosterone levels fall, DHT levels can remain high. Not all men produce DHT, and those who do not produce it do not appear to develop BPH. This fact suggests a possible link between high DHT levels and BPH.

How is benign prostatic hyperplasia treated?

Treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia can range from behaviour medications to surgery. To choose the best option, you and your doctor will need to consider the severity of your symptoms, the size of your prostate, other health conditions you might have, and your preferences.

You may not need treatment for a mildly enlarged prostate unless the symptoms are bothersome and affecting your quality of life. In these cases, instead of treatment, a urologist may recommend regular checkups. If benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms become bothersome or present a health risk, a urologist most often recommends treatment.

Rezūm, a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure

Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy is a treatment that uses the natural energy stored in water vapour, or steam, to remove excess prostate tissue that is pressing on the urethra, without the risks and discomfort of surgery.

It differs from the traditional transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), which delivers heat to the excess tissue in the prostate, and instead provides radiofrequency generated thermal energy in the form of water vapour. This short, in-office procedure uses the natural energy stored in a few drops of water to shrink the prostate so that urine can flow freely. The treatment doesn’t involve any incisions, no general anaesthesia, and most patients return to regular activities within a few days. Additionally, it also preserves the patient’s sexual function.

Talk to your doctor to determine if Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy is a good treatment for you based on your symptoms and treatment goals. Should you wish to get answers to your questions and concerns from a trusted source, request an appointment with Sanomed, the first clinic to offer Rezūm in Quebec and Eastern Canada. No referral from your doctor is needed.

Book an appointment today!

Enlarged Prostate Treatment with Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

What causes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

How is benign prostatic hyperplasia treated?

Rezūm, a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure

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