Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Symptoms, Treatment Options, and What to Know About Rezum Therapy
As societies continue to age, an increasing number of middle-aged and older men are experiencing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged and compresses the urethra. This can lead to various urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, nocturia (nighttime urination), urinary urgency, and difficulty with urination.
Among these symptoms, nocturia is often one of the most disruptive, as repeated nighttime urination can lead to sleep deprivation and interfere with daily activities and overall quality of life.
Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia varies depending on the patient’s condition and the severity of symptoms. Several treatment options are commonly used, including medication therapy and surgical treatments such as Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP), Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift), and Aquablation (waterjet robotic surgery).
Recently, there has been increasing interest in Rezum therapy, a minimally invasive treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Rezum therapy is a treatment that uses high-temperature water vapor (steam) to destroy enlarged prostate tissue. During the procedure, a specialized device delivers controlled bursts of steam directly into the enlarged prostate tissue. The heat from the steam causes the targeted tissue to undergo thermal necrosis, meaning the abnormal tissue is destroyed.
One important characteristic of this treatment is that the steam selectively targets the enlarged prostate tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy structures. Over time, the treated tissue is gradually absorbed by the body. As this occurs, the urethra becomes less compressed, which allows urinary flow to improve and urinary symptoms to gradually recover.
Another advantage of Rezum therapy is that it does not involve direct surgical removal of prostate tissue. Because it is performed as a minimally invasive procedure, recovery time after treatment is relatively short. In many cases, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, which may reduce the burden associated with anesthesia.
However, if benign prostatic hyperplasia is left untreated for a long period of time, the risk of complications may increase. These complications can include decreased bladder function and abnormalities in kidney function. For this reason, it is important for patients to seek medical evaluation and treatment at an appropriate time.
When considering treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, patients should not only consider treatment costs but also carefully review several important medical factors.
First, accurate diagnosis and evaluation of the patient’s condition should be prioritized. Benign prostatic hyperplasia can present differently in each patient. Factors such as prostate size, the pattern of enlargement, severity of urinary symptoms, and accompanying medical conditions may vary. Because of these differences, an accurate diagnosis is necessary in order to establish an effective treatment plan.
Several diagnostic tests are commonly used in the evaluation of benign prostatic hyperplasia. These include a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, urine flow rate testing, post-void residual urine measurement, ultrasound examination, and kidney function tests.
The PSA test is essential for distinguishing benign prostatic hyperplasia from prostate cancer. During evaluation, urine flow rate testing and residual urine measurement help assess the degree of urethral obstruction and bladder function. Ultrasound examination helps physicians accurately evaluate the size and structure of the prostate as well as measure residual urine in the bladder. In addition, kidney function tests help determine whether complications such as kidney infection or kidney dysfunction are present.
Through these comprehensive examinations, physicians can accurately assess the patient’s condition and determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.
Second, the patient’s overall health condition and lifestyle habits should be carefully reviewed. Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia ranges from medication therapy to surgical procedures, and the most appropriate treatment method depends on the patient’s overall health status.
For example, patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease may not be suitable candidates for certain medications or surgical procedures. Patients who take anticoagulant medications may also have a higher risk of bleeding during surgery.
Lifestyle factors may also influence symptoms. Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or salty foods can irritate the bladder and worsen urinary symptoms, so lifestyle modifications may be recommended. In addition, the patient’s expectations and treatment preferences should be considered when planning treatment. Some patients may prefer to avoid surgery, while others may prioritize a faster recovery and a quicker return to daily life. Therefore, treatment decisions should be made through careful discussion between the patient and physician.
Finally, it is essential for patients to understand the advantages, limitations, and possible side effects of each treatment option. Benign prostatic hyperplasia should not simply be considered a natural symptom of aging. It is a condition that may require active medical treatment.
Before selecting a treatment method, patients should undergo detailed diagnostic evaluation and carefully consider their overall health status, lifestyle habits, potential benefits and risks of each treatment option, and treatment costs including procedures such as Rezum therapy. Through proper evaluation and appropriate treatment selection, it is possible to minimize urinary discomfort caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia and improve overall quality of life.
Dr. Je-Man Ryu
Goldman Urology Clinic, Seoul Station