The right choice depends on your prostate’s size and shape, and on what matters most to you.
If you’ve been struggling with urinary issues due to an enlarged prostate (BPH – benign prostatic hyperplasia), you may have heard of Rezūm and UroLift as minimally invasive treatment options. But how do they differ, and which one is most suitable for you?
I’ve been helping men with prostate-related urinary symptoms for over two decades, and I regularly use both Rezūm and UroLift. Each treatment has its strengths, but the best option depends on the size and shape of your prostate, and what outcomes are most important to you.
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
Dr Chabert will be hosting a Q&A on Thursday 30th October 7:30pm AEST on his YouTube channel, covering everything you need to know about prostate health, treatments, surgery, recovery & more!
Become a premium subscriber - Don’t miss your chance to be heard.
What is Rezūm?
Rezūm uses steam energy to treat prostate tissue.
Performed under light or general anaesthetic (usually in hospital).
Steam is delivered via a small camera inserted through the urethra.
Each injection of steam causes prostate cells to shrink and die off, allowing the body to reabsorb the tissue over time.
Rezum
What to expect:
Most men need a catheter for about 4 days after the procedure due to prostate swelling.
Urinary improvement is usually gradual – most men notice changes from about 3 weeks onward.
Suitable for larger prostates (up to ~80cc) and men with more complex prostate shapes, including those with a median lobe.
Preserves erections, but there is a 5% risk of changes to ejaculation (reduced or absent semen).
What is UroLift?
UroLift uses tiny permanent implants (clips) to pull back and hold prostate tissue away from the urethra, relieving blockage.
Performed under anaesthetic, usually as a day procedure.
No tissue is removed – the implants simply retract the obstructing tissue.
UroLift
What to expect:
Most men do not need a catheter.
Urinary flow often improves immediately.
Some men experience temporary discomfort in the prostate area.
Best suited for men with smaller prostates (~40cc), no median lobe, and obstruction mainly from the sides.
Preserves both erections and ejaculation (when clips only are used).
Comparing the Two Treatments
Feature | Rezūm | UroLift |
|---|---|---|
Hospital stay | Usually day stay (sometimes overnight) | Day procedure |
Catheter | Commonly needed for ~4 days | Rarely needed |
Symptom improvement | Gradual (after ~3 weeks) | Immediate |
Best suited for | Larger prostates, complex shapes, median lobe present | Smaller prostates, simple obstruction, no median lobe |
Sexual function | Erections preserved; ~5% risk of ejaculatory changes | Erections & ejaculation preserved |
Retreatment rates (5 years) | ~10–15% | ~20–30% |
So, which is right for you?
UroLift is ideal for men with smaller prostates, no median lobe, and who want immediate improvement without the need for a catheter.
Rezūm is often better for men with larger prostates, more complex anatomy, or a median lobe, and who are comfortable with a short catheter period and gradual improvement.
Both treatments are designed to preserve sexual function, which is a key advantage compared to traditional surgery.
Final Thoughts
Both Rezūm and UroLift are excellent minimally invasive options for treating urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. The right choice depends on your prostate’s size and shape, and on what matters most to you — whether that’s avoiding a catheter, preserving ejaculation, or choosing the most durable outcome. That’s why I recommend a cystoscopy (camera test) before deciding on treatment. This allows me to assess the exact size and shape of the prostate, and advise which treatment will give the best and most durable outcome.