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Stanford Health Care

Risks

Risks

Our Approach to Rezum™ Water Vapor Therapy

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called an enlarged prostate, affects millions of men as they age. BPH is not cancerous, but it can cause urinary problems that can negatively affect your quality of life.

Many people want or need a BPH treatment option that doesn’t involve medications or invasive surgery. That’s why Stanford Health Care provides Rezum Water Vapor Therapy, a minimally invasive solution that's done in-office, with local anesthesia. This treatment provides long-lasting relief from BPH symptoms.

You will have no incisions and no hospital stay. Most people see improvement of BPH symptoms within two weeks.

What We Offer You With Water Vapor Therapy

  • World-class team of urology experts, including doctors who have specialty training in BPH treatment.
  • Compassionate care for each person, with a focus on dignity and comfort at every visit. 
  • Nationally ranked medical center consistently recognized for the safest and highest quality care.

What Is Water Vapor Therapy?

Risks of Water Vapor Therapy

At Stanford Health Care, our experienced doctors provide the highest quality of care while minimizing side effects and complications. Water vapor therapy is a safe and effective treatment for BPH symptoms. But like any medical procedure, this therapy has benefits and risks.

Although rare, side effects of this procedure may include:

  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Decreased ejaculatory volume
  • 1 or 2 weeks of frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • 1 or 2 weeks of mild burning during urination 

What to Expect with Water Vapor Therapy

Water vapor therapy is a nonsurgical treatment that can improve or eliminate urinary symptoms caused by BPH. Learn more about what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.

 

Before

During

After

 

Before the Procedure

  • Your doctor may order an ultrasound to see if you're a good candidate for water vapor therapy.
  • If you take blood thinners, you may need to stop taking them up to a week before your procedure. Ask your doctor before stopping any of your medications.
  • Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics that you take before, during, and after the treatment.
  • Your doctor will talk with you about pain relief options.
  • Ask your doctor if you need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

During the Procedure

  • Although water vapor therapy takes only a few seconds, you should set aside about two hours for your total appointment time.
  • Eat a light, healthy meal, and drink plenty of clear fluids on the day of your appointment.
  • Your doctor will give you the pain medication or sedation you discussed and will ensure your comfort. 

After the Procedure

  • Continue taking your antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.
  • You may need to use a catheter for a few days as you heal.
  • Usually, you can resume normal activities within a few days.
  • If you have pain, take your pain medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
  • You may notice improvement in your BPH symptoms within two weeks, but full results usually take three months.
Before

Before the Procedure

  • Your doctor may order an ultrasound to see if you're a good candidate for water vapor therapy.
  • If you take blood thinners, you may need to stop taking them up to a week before your procedure. Ask your doctor before stopping any of your medications.
  • Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics that you take before, during, and after the treatment.
  • Your doctor will talk with you about pain relief options.
  • Ask your doctor if you need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

close Before
During

During the Procedure

  • Although water vapor therapy takes only a few seconds, you should set aside about two hours for your total appointment time.
  • Eat a light, healthy meal, and drink plenty of clear fluids on the day of your appointment.
  • Your doctor will give you the pain medication or sedation you discussed and will ensure your comfort. 

close During
After

After the Procedure

  • Continue taking your antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.
  • You may need to use a catheter for a few days as you heal.
  • Usually, you can resume normal activities within a few days.
  • If you have pain, take your pain medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
  • You may notice improvement in your BPH symptoms within two weeks, but full results usually take three months.

close After

Our Clinics

Urology Clinic

The Stanford Urology Clinic provides world-class care for all types of male and female urology conditions. At our clinic, you’ll find compassionate doctors who are experts in the latest treatments available.

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RELATED CLINICS

5800 Hollis Street
 Emeryville, CA 94608
Phone: 510-806-2100
5565 W Las Positas Blvd
 Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 925-278-7095
Make An Appointment

To make an appointment, please call:

Urology Clinic in Palo Alto: 650-723-3391

Urology Clinic in Pleasanton: 925-278-7095

Urology Clinic in Emeryville: 510-806-2100