Rezum: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Rezum?
A urologist, a doctor who treats problems of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system, provides Rezum. Rezum is a treatment for an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate is also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Rezum is a type of water vapor thermal therapy. It releases sterile water vapor, also called steam, into the prostate to remove extra tissue.
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. As the prostate gets bigger, it may press against the bladder and pinch the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder outside of the body.
Rezum is done by passing an instrument through the opening of the penis. There is no cut in the skin.
Why a doctor might recommend it
An enlarged prostate can make it hard to urinate. Rezum is meant for men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms from BPH. It is for men who want more relief than medicines can give.
How to prepare
Preparation steps may include the following.
- Visits with your provider to make sure problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart or lung disease are treated well.
- Treating any urinary tract infection before Rezum.
- Telling your surgeon or nurse about all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
- Asking your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of the procedure.
What happens during it
Rezum is usually done with local anesthesia and sedation, in an outpatient or office setting.
The doctor guides a device through the urethra while looking inside through a scope. A small needle on the device goes into the prostate, and a burst of steam is injected into the tissue. The steam kills the cells in the area being treated.
Over the next days to weeks, the treated tissue is absorbed by the body or passes out. This shrinks the prostate and eases pressure on the urethra.
Recovery
A temporary catheter is usually put in after Rezum. A catheter is a tube that helps drain urine from the bladder. It often stays in place for 3 to 5 days, depending on your doctor's plan and a test of urinating. Some men have trouble urinating after it comes out and need it put back for a few extra days.
You may have these problems for a while after the procedure.
- Blood in your urine.
- Burning with urination.
- Needing to urinate more often.
Urinary symptoms may get worse for a few days because of swelling and irritation. Many of the early symptoms ease by 2 to 4 weeks.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or someone else has trouble breathing, a change in mental status such as confusion or difficulty arousing, fainting or loss of consciousness, or bleeding that will not stop. Also call 911 for chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more.
Risks and side effects
A urinary tract infection can happen, but it is relatively uncommon. A serious infection that enters the bloodstream, called urosepsis, has been reported rarely.
As a group, minimally invasive prostate procedures more often need a second surgery within 5 to 10 years than transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP.
Other risks listed for these procedures as a group include the following.
- Erection problems.
- Passing semen back into the bladder instead of out through the urethra, called retrograde ejaculation.
Who performs it
A urologist performs Rezum.
Common questions
When will I feel the full benefit of Rezum?
Most men reach the best result about 6 weeks to 3 months after the procedure.
Can Rezum be used for a very large prostate?
Rezum is mainly used for small to moderate-size prostates. The risk of complications and the need for more treatment may increase when the prostate is very large.
Does Rezum affect sex?
Most men keep their erections and normal ejaculation after Rezum, according to a review. A small number may have less semen or a short-term change in sexual function. The risk of semen going back into the bladder, called retrograde ejaculation, is very low.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Prostate resection - minimally invasive
- National Library of Medicine (PubMed Central) - To Rezum or Not to Rezum: A Narrative Review of Water Vapor Thermal Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- MedlinePlus - Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
