Water Vapour Therapy for Enlarged Prostate: Patient Story

Last updated: 25 Sept 2026

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Improved Quality of Life Following Water Vapour Therapy for an Enlarged Prostate

A Patient Story About BPH, Minimally Invasive Treatment, and Better Daily Living

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous condition that becomes more common with age. For some men, prostate enlargement can lead to troublesome urinary symptoms that interfere with sleep, daily activities, and overall quality of life.

In this patient testimonial, a man describes how his urinary symptoms had begun affecting his quality of life before he discovered water vapour therapy, a minimally invasive treatment option for selected men with BPH.

This article is based on the patient experience described in the provided video. Individual results vary, and treatment suitability should always be determined by a qualified urologist.

Living With Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

BPH can cause symptoms such as:

Frequent urination
Getting up repeatedly at night to urinate
A weak or interrupted urine stream
Difficulty emptying the bladder
Urinary urgency
Urinary leakage or incontinence in some patients

These symptoms can gradually affect sleep, social activities, travel, and everyday comfort.

For the patient featured in the video, urinary problems had progressed to the point where his quality of life was deteriorating. He eventually decided to investigate another treatment option.

What Is Water Vapour Therapy?

Water vapour thermal therapy uses controlled steam to treat excess prostate tissue contributing to urinary obstruction.

During the procedure, a physician delivers sterile water vapour into targeted areas of the prostate. The heat affects the treated tissue, and the body's natural healing process subsequently removes the treated tissue, helping open the urinary passage.

Clinical research has reported improvements in urinary symptoms and urinary flow following water vapour treatment for appropriately selected men with BPH.

A Minimally Invasive Alternative for Selected Patients

There are several treatments available for BPH, including lifestyle measures, medication, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery. The most appropriate option depends on factors such as prostate size, symptoms, overall health, and treatment goals.

Water vapour therapy may appeal to some patients because it is minimally invasive and does not require traditional surgical incisions. Mayo Clinic describes water vapour thermal therapy as one of the procedures available for treating enlarged prostate symptoms.

However, it is important to understand that no treatment is completely risk-free. Temporary urinary symptoms, infection, bleeding, and other complications can occur, and patients should discuss potential benefits and risks with their urologist.

The Patient's Experience

According to the testimonial, the patient underwent prostate treatment several months before sharing his experience.

He describes the procedure as a major positive decision after urinary problems had begun affecting his everyday life. His story emphasises the personal importance of finding a treatment approach that addressed his symptoms while fitting his individual needs.

His reported experience should be viewed as an individual patient testimonial rather than a guarantee of treatment results.

Can Water Vapour Therapy Improve Quality of Life?

For appropriately selected patients, reducing BPH-related urinary obstruction can potentially improve symptoms and everyday comfort.

Research into water vapour therapy has reported improvements in measures such as urinary symptoms, urinary flow, and quality of life after treatment.

Recovery is different for every patient. Some people may experience temporary worsening of urinary symptoms because of swelling following treatment before improvement occurs. Mayo Clinic Health System notes that some patients begin noticing improvement within weeks, with many seeing more substantial improvement over subsequent weeks.

Why Diagnosis and Specialist Consultation Matter

Urinary symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be caused by BPH. Similar symptoms can have other causes, so medical evaluation is important.

A urologist may consider:

Medical history
Urinary symptoms
Prostate examination
Prostate size
Urinary flow
Other diagnostic tests
Current medications
Overall health

This information helps determine whether monitoring, medication, water vapour therapy, or another treatment is appropriate.

Water Vapour Therapy and Medical Tourism in Thailand

Thailand has developed a substantial medical tourism sector, with international patients seeking a range of medical services. A recent 2026 study found that Thailand's healthcare reputation and comparatively lower costs were among factors associated with interest in medical tourism.

For international patients considering treatment in Thailand, preparation is particularly important. Patients should provide their medical history and previous test results, confirm the qualifications of their treating specialist, understand the proposed procedure and costs, and plan appropriate follow-up care.

A Better Quality of Life Starts With the Right Care

The patient's story in this video highlights an important message: persistent urinary symptoms can have a meaningful effect on everyday life, but there are multiple treatment approaches available for BPH.

Water vapour therapy is one minimally invasive option that may be suitable for selected patients. A qualified urologist can determine whether it is appropriate based on the individual's symptoms, prostate characteristics, medical history, and treatment goals.

For men experiencing persistent urinary problems, seeking a professional evaluation can be an important first step toward understanding the available options.

Summary
Patient Background & Financial Consideration: Mr. Rolf Hitz, a Swiss expatriate living in Thailand, was treated for an enlarged prostate (BPH) by Dr. Niti at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. He was initially prescribed expensive long-term medication (Duodart costing nearly 40,000 THB annually). Dr. Niti introduced him to Water Vapour Therapy (Rezūm) as a cost-effective, permanent alternative to lifelong daily medication.

Post-Operative Recovery: Immediately following the procedure, Mr. Hitz experienced temporary discomfort caused by the urinary catheter [00:01:19]. During the initial recovery phase, he experienced frequent urination with small volumes. However, within two to three weeks, his symptoms significantly improved, and subsequent post-op clinical flow tests confirmed excellent urinary stream recovery.

Recommendation: Mr. Hitz highlights the long-term benefits of the procedure: improved quality of life, elimination of daily medication costs, and preservation of function. He strongly encourages others in a similar position to undergo the procedure, stating he would willingly do it again.

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Water Vapour Therapy for Enlarged Prostate: Patient Story

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