Rezum Water Vapor BPH Treatment in Busan Korea — English for Foreign Patients

Rezum injects brief 9-second bursts of water vapor (steam, 103°C) into enlarged prostate tissue through a needle in a cystoscope. The vapor delivers thermal energy that destroys excess tissue while the urethral lining is protected. The body gradually removes ablated tissue over 3 months, reducing prostate size and improving urinary flow.

UroLift's mechanical implants have limited "lifting" power — works best for smaller prostates (under 80g). Rezum actually reduces prostate volume by destroying tissue, so it works on larger prostates (80g+) and treats middle lobe enlargement effectively. Trade-off: Rezum requires catheter and longer effect development, but achieves higher effectiveness on harder BPH cases.

90%+ of Rezum patients preserve normal sexual function (no retrograde ejaculation, normal erections). Small percentage (5-10%) experience some retrograde ejaculation. Compare to alternatives: UroLift 100% preservation, BPH medication 30-60% retrograde ejaculation, TURP 75%+ retrograde. Rezum is excellent for patients who can't do UroLift but want to preserve sexual function.

2-3 days typically. Catheter is necessary due to post-procedure prostate swelling (vapor causes initial inflammation before tissue ablation). Catheter is removed at Mans Up Men's Clinic before you fly home. At Mans Up, most men adapt to catheter quickly with provided night/day drainage bags. Bladder spasm medication minimizes discomfort.

Gradual improvement over 3 months. Unlike UroLift's immediate effect, Rezum works as body resorbs ablated tissue. Timeline: Week 1-2 mild improvement (still inflamed). Month 1 noticeable improvement. Month 2 significant improvement. Month 3 full effect — most patients off BPH medication. Patience required.

Slightly. Rezum: ~75% IPSS improvement. UroLift: ~70% IPSS improvement. Both are minimally invasive. The choice depends on anatomy, not effectiveness alone. UroLift better for: smaller prostates, no middle lobe, want no catheter, want immediate effect. Rezum better for: larger prostates, middle lobe BPH, willing to wait 3 months for full effect.

Rezum equipment (Boston Scientific Rezum system) is more expensive than UroLift implants. Rezum vapor generator + single-use needle = higher cost per procedure. Despite this, Rezum at Mans Up Men's Clinic Busan ($5,185) is still 30-50% cheaper than US Rezum ($7,000-$10,000). The cost difference reflects Rezum's suitability for harder BPH cases that UroLift can't treat.

Most blood thinners need to be stopped 5-7 days before Rezum. Aspirin 81mg often continued. Coordination with your cardiologist required. Dr. Kim can advise on safe medication holding period during consultation. Bridging therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin sometimes used for high-cardiac-risk patients.

Not "cure" — but long-lasting symptom relief. 10-15% of patients need retreatment within 5 years (additional Rezum sessions or escalation to TURP). Long-term studies show sustained improvement at 5 years. Larger initial prostates with more tissue ablated tend to have lower retreatment rates.

15-20% of patients see less than ~75% improvement. Options: (1) Additional Rezum session 6 months later if some response, (2) Escalate to TURP if severe symptoms persist, (3) Combination with BPH medication for synergy. Dr. Kim discusses retreatment options at 3-month follow-up if needed.

Credit card, bank transfer, or crypto accepted. Card descriptor reads "Busan Health Clinic" — not "Rezum" or "BPH." Payment: 50% deposit / 50% on procedure day. Itemized English receipts available for insurance reimbursement attempts (some plans cover Rezum).

Four reasons: (1) 30-50% lower cost than US/UK ($5,185 vs $7,000-$10,000), (2) Same FDA-approved Boston Scientific Rezum equipment as top US centers, (3) Dr. Kim's 4,000+ BPH patient experience and Korean Prostate Society membership, (4) Combine with 5-day Busan tourism during catheter period. International patients from Europe, US, Middle East regularly choose Busan specifically for Rezum.