Rezum: Therapy without Surgery
Josiah Nelson, MD
Urology
Western Wisconsin Urology
Eau Claire
As men age it is common to have trouble with urination that includes frequency, getting up multiple times at night, a slow stream and straining to urinate. These symptoms are related to enlargement of the prostate and are called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, or BPH. It affects up to 50% of men over the age of 50 years old and up to 80% of men over the age of 80. It can be progressive and can lead to patients having trouble urinating at all or even requiring catheters. Many men opt for treatments such as medications or surgery.
Benefits of Rezum
- Alternative to medications or surgery
- Relieves symptoms safely and effectively
- Simple in-office procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia
- Allows return to regular activities in a few days
- Noticeable and lasting improvement within a couple weeks
Both medications and surgery have side effects that can be a barrier for patients to undergo treatment. This leaves a number of patients who are either unhappy with their medications, are afraid to undergo surgery, or choose to do nothing. Historically these were the only options for men.
A few years ago, a therapy was developed that can treat men without surgery, get men off medications, and has virtually no long-term side effects. It sounds almost too good to be true, however, in multiple studies there is no sexual dysfunction, or concerns regarding incontinence, with this type of procedure. This therapy is called Rezum.
Rezum works by using energy that is stored in water vapor and uses it to decrease the size of the prostate. The procedure itself only takes about five minutes, the overall time in the office is about an hour. Often we give some oral medications and local anesthetic for pain control.
If you are experiencing symptoms of going to the bathroom frequently, getting up multiple times at night, having trouble with a slow stream, straining to urinate, or want to stop medications that you are taking for these symptoms, Rezum may be a good option for you.
Josiah Nelson, MD – Western Wisconsin Urology
For information or to schedule an appointment:
715-835-6548 | eauclaireurology.com
Dr. Nelson sees patients in Eau Claire, Black River Falls and Osceola.
