How the Rezum Procedure Uses Water Vapor to Shrink an Enlarged Prostate
The Rezum Procedure is a modern medical approach designed to treat urinary problems caused by prostate enlargement without cutting or removing tissue surgically. What makes the Rezum Procedure unique is its use of water vapor energy to target excess prostate tissue in a controlled and natural way. Understanding how this process works helps patients feel more confident and informed before choosing treatment.
This article explains in detail how the Rezum Procedure uses water vapor, how the body responds, and why this method is effective in reducing prostate size and improving urinary symptoms.
Understanding Prostate Enlargement and Urinary Symptoms
Prostate enlargement develops gradually over time. As the prostate grows, it presses against the urinary channel, narrowing the passage through which urine flows. This pressure leads to symptoms such as weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent bathroom visits, and disrupted sleep.
The goal of the Rezum Procedure is to reduce this pressure by shrinking the excess prostate tissue that causes obstruction, allowing urine to flow more freely again.
What Makes Water Vapor Effective in the Rezum Procedure
Water vapor carries stored thermal energy. When steam comes into contact with tissue, it releases this energy instantly. The Rezum Procedure uses this principle to treat prostate tissue precisely and safely.
Unlike dry heat or lasers, water vapor spreads evenly through the targeted tissue space. This allows effective treatment without damaging surrounding areas. The controlled delivery ensures that only the intended prostate tissue is affected.
How Water Vapor Is Delivered During the Rezum Procedure
During the Rezum Procedure, a specialized device is gently inserted through the natural urinary passage. Once positioned correctly within the prostate, short bursts of water vapor are delivered into selected areas.
Each vapor injection lasts only a few seconds. The number of injections depends on prostate size and shape. The treatment is carefully planned to ensure even coverage of the tissue causing blockage.
No incisions are made, and no prostate tissue is physically removed during the procedure.
What Happens to Prostate Tissue After Water Vapor Treatment
When water vapor contacts prostate tissue, it releases thermal energy that disrupts the targeted cells. These cells lose their structure and are no longer viable.
Importantly, the Rezum Procedure does not rely on burning or cutting. Instead, it triggers a natural biological response. Over time, the body’s immune system recognizes the treated tissue and gradually absorbs it.
As this tissue is absorbed, the prostate shrinks from within.
Why Shrinking the Prostate Improves Urine Flow
The urinary channel runs through the center of the prostate. When excess tissue is reduced, pressure on this channel decreases.
As a result:
Urine flows more easily
The bladder empties more completely
Urinary urgency decreases
Nighttime bathroom visits become less frequent
These improvements develop gradually as healing progresses.
Why the Rezum Procedure Does Not Require Tissue Removal
Traditional prostate treatments often remove tissue immediately. While effective, this approach can involve bleeding, longer recovery, and higher risk of complications.
The Rezum Procedure avoids these issues by allowing the body to do the work naturally. Because treated tissue is absorbed over time, healing is gentler and more controlled.
This method reduces trauma to surrounding structures and supports preservation of normal urinary and sexual function.
Precision of Water Vapor Treatment
The Rezum Procedure is designed for precision. The device delivers water vapor only to preselected areas of excess tissue. This targeted approach minimizes impact on nearby structures.
Precision treatment is one reason the Rezum Procedure is associated with lower risk of long-term side effects compared to more invasive techniques.
Why Water Vapor Is Safer Than Other Energy Sources
Water vapor distributes energy evenly within the tissue space. This prevents overheating and reduces the risk of unintended damage.
Unlike some other energy-based treatments, water vapor naturally follows tissue planes. This predictable spread allows consistent results and safer outcomes.