Water Vapor Therapy for Enlarged Prostate: Mr. Jess's Story

Last updated: 25 Aug 2026

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Water Vapour Therapy for Enlarged Prostate: Mr. Jess's Journey to Better Quality of Life

Discovering a Minimally Invasive Treatment Option for BPH in Thailand

Living with symptoms of an enlarged prostate can affect comfort and everyday quality of life. In this patient story, Mr. Jess shares his journey from diagnosis and medication to exploring water vapour therapy as another treatment option.

During a routine annual health check-up, Mr. Jess discovered that he had an enlarged prostate, commonly associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). His doctor initially recommended medication. However, Mr. Jess experienced headaches while taking the prescribed treatment and began looking for other options.

After further research and consultation with Dr. Niti, including reviewing information from the Mayo Clinic in the United States, he decided to explore water vapour therapy for his enlarged prostate.

What Is an Enlarged Prostate?

An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms in some patients.

Symptoms may include:

Frequent urination
Difficulty starting urination
A weak urine stream
A feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied
Waking during the night to urinate

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the patient's overall health, and medical evaluation.

What Is Water Vapour Therapy?

Water vapour therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses controlled steam to treat selected cases of enlarged prostate. The procedure is intended to reduce prostate tissue contributing to urinary obstruction.

A qualified urologist can determine whether this approach is appropriate based on factors such as the patient's prostate anatomy, symptoms, medical history, and overall health.

Not every patient with BPH is a suitable candidate, and outcomes vary between individuals.

Mr. Jess's Search for Another Treatment Option

After experiencing headaches while taking medication, Mr. Jess wanted to learn more about alternative treatment options.

His journey included:

Discovering his enlarged prostate during an annual health check-up.
Beginning treatment with medication.
Experiencing unwanted side effects.
Researching water vapour therapy.
Consulting with Dr. Niti.
Reviewing additional information from reputable medical sources.
Deciding to undergo treatment based on professional medical advice.

According to his testimonial, the treatment journey helped him feel more positive about his health and quality of life.

Why Patient Education Matters

Mr. Jess's story highlights the importance of understanding available treatment options and discussing concerns openly with a qualified doctor.

Patients considering treatment for BPH may wish to ask:

What is causing my symptoms?
Do I need treatment now?
What non-surgical options are available?
What are the potential benefits and risks of each treatment?
Am I a suitable candidate for minimally invasive therapy?
What side effects or recovery requirements should I expect?

Making an informed decision requires an individual medical assessment rather than relying solely on information found online.

Advanced Urology Care in Thailand

Thailand's healthcare sector offers a range of diagnostic and treatment services for international patients, including urology and minimally invasive procedures. International patients may benefit from modern hospitals, specialist consultations, diagnostic services, and coordinated patient support.

For patients considering treatment abroad, it is important to provide previous medical records and discuss all treatment options with a qualified specialist before making travel arrangements.

A Focus on Quality of Life

Mr. Jess's experience demonstrates that managing an enlarged prostate is not simply about treating symptoms. For many patients, the goal is also to improve comfort, confidence, sleep, and everyday quality of life.

His story is a reminder that when a treatment causes unwanted side effects or does not meet a patient's needs, discussing other medically appropriate options with a doctor can be an important next step.

Every patient is different, and Mr. Jess's experience should not be interpreted as a guarantee of similar results for others.

Conclusion

Mr. Jess's journey from an annual health check-up to exploring water vapour therapy for an enlarged prostate highlights the value of early diagnosis, patient education, and consultation with experienced medical professionals.

After experiencing headaches with medication, he explored another treatment option with Dr. Niti and reviewed information from established medical sources before proceeding with therapy. According to his testimonial, the experience contributed positively to his quality of life.

For patients experiencing urinary symptoms or considering treatment for BPH, the first step should always be a professional medical evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Summary
Condition & History: Mr. Jess Van Pelt, a 69-year-old American living in Thailand, was diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH / enlarged prostate) after seeking routine urological care with Dr. Niti at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. Initially managed with oral medications, he experienced unpleasant side effects—including headaches, drowsiness, and a reduced quality of life—prompting him to stop medication.

Discovery & Thorough Research: During a routine checkup, he discovered advertisements for Water Vapour Therapy (Rezūm) at the hospital [00:01:56]. Before deciding, he conducted extensive independent research via reputable sources such as the UK National Health Service and Mayo Clinic, confirming that Water Vapour Therapy consistently showed superior outcomes and minimal negative feedback compared to traditional surgery (like TURP) or medications.

Procedure & Recovery: The procedure itself lasted only about 12 minutes under anaesthesia, causing so little immediate discomfort that he questioned whether it had even taken place upon waking up in recovery. While he had to wear a catheter for a few days post-procedure, the temporary inconvenience was very minor.

Life-Changing Outcomes: By two months post-procedure, Mr. Van Pelt felt like a "new person". He can now sleep uninterrupted through the night (from 10 PM to 6 AM), travel long distances without worrying about frequent bathroom stops, and noted an improvement in his sexual health. He highly praises Dr. Niti's clear communication and strongly recommends the procedure at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya to others suffering from BPH.