Rezum Treatment Melbourne
Rezūm is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate. It uses the natural energy of water vapour (steam) to shrink excess prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow, offering long-term relief while preserving sexual function.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Brendan Dias
Consultant Urologist & Robotic Surgeon · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Urology), IntFRCS (England), FUSANZ, FRACS (Urology)
Last clinically reviewed: 26 August 2026
Benefits
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- Preserves sexual function including ejaculation
- No general anaesthesia required in most cases
- Quick procedure time (typically under 10 minutes)
- Minimal downtime with rapid return to normal activities
- Reduces or eliminates need for BPH medications
- Durable symptom relief lasting 5+ years
- Low risk of side effects
The Procedure
Rezūm is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia or light sedation. A small device is inserted through the urethra to the prostate. Controlled bursts of sterile water vapour (steam) are delivered directly into the obstructing prostate tissue. The thermal energy causes the targeted tissue cells to undergo natural cell death over the following weeks. As the body absorbs the dead tissue, the prostate shrinks and the urinary channel opens, relieving obstruction. The procedure typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
Who Is a Candidate?
Rezūm is ideal for men with moderate BPH symptoms who want to preserve sexual function, particularly ejaculatory function. It is suitable for prostates between 30 and 80 grams in size. Rezūm is particularly attractive for younger men concerned about sexual side effects, or those who prefer to avoid long-term medication. It may also be an option for men who cannot undergo more invasive surgery due to health conditions. Dr Dias will evaluate your symptoms, prostate anatomy, and treatment goals to determine if Rezūm is right for you.
Recovery
A temporary urinary catheter is placed after the procedure and typically removed within 3-7 days. During the initial weeks, patients may experience increased urinary frequency, urgency, and discomfort as the treated tissue shrinks. Symptom improvement is typically noticeable within 2-4 weeks, with maximum benefit achieved by 3 months. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for 1-2 weeks.
Risks & Considerations
Rezūm has an excellent safety profile. Common temporary side effects include painful urination, blood in urine, increased frequency, and urgency—these typically resolve within 2-4 weeks. Urinary tract infection can occur but is uncommon. Unlike TURP or HoLEP, Rezūm has a very low rate of retrograde ejaculation (approximately 3%), making it attractive for men who wish to preserve ejaculatory function. Rare complications include urinary retention and need for repeat treatment.