“Is your nightly sleep constantly interrupted by frequent bathroom visits?”

If you’re a man over 50, chances are you’ve asked yourself this more than once. The culprit? Most likely an enlarged prostate, or what doctors call benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s one of those health concerns that creeps up gradually and begins to affect not just your bladder but your confidence, your rest, and even your social life.

I’ve seen this issue play out in my own family. My uncle, a fit and active 61-year-old, was baffled by his need to urinate every two hours at night. Medication didn’t do much. That’s when his urologist introduced him to a breakthrough treatment that wasn’t even around five years ago. The transformation? Remarkable.

So, what is the latest treatment for enlarged prostate? Let’s unpack the cutting-edge solutions that are changing the way men live with BPH.

Understanding Enlarged Prostate: A Quick Refresher

Before diving into the latest treatments, let’s quickly understand what BPH is.

As men age, the prostate gland – which sits just below the bladder – tends to grow. This growth can squeeze the urethra, disrupting normal urination. BPH is not cancerous, but its symptoms can feel overwhelming:

• Weak urine stream
• Urgency to urinate
• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder

Traditional treatments include medication (like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors) and surgical options like TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate). But side effects such as sexual dysfunction, bleeding, or long recovery periods have led to a demand for newer, less invasive options.

The Latest Treatment: What’s New in 2025?

1. Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy

Rezūm uses the natural energy stored in water vapour (steam) to shrink prostate tissue. It’s minimally invasive, doesn’t require general anaesthesia, and can be done in a doctor’s office in under 30 minutes.

“Rezūm transformed my nights. Within weeks, I was finally sleeping through without interruptions,” my uncle told me.

How it works:
Sterile water vapour is injected directly into the enlarged prostate tissue. As the steam condenses, it releases energy that destroys the problematic tissue, allowing the body to absorb it naturally over time.

Pros:

• Outpatient procedure
• Low risk of sexual side effects
• Quick recovery (3–5 days in many cases)

Supported by: The American Urological Association recommends Rezūm as an effective, safe option for men with moderate symptoms.

2. Prostatic Artery Embolisation (PAE)

Originally used to treat fibroids in women, PAE is now being embraced as a revolutionary treatment for BPH.

What is it?
It’s a non-surgical, image-guided procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Tiny particles are injected into the arteries that supply the prostate, reducing blood flow and causing the gland to shrink.

Why it’s gaining traction:

• No general anaesthesia required
• Performed as a day procedure
• Minimal complications

Clinical insight: A 2022 study published in The Lancet showed that over 75% of patients experienced significant symptom relief within 6 months.

3. iTind Procedure (Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device)

This is one of the newest kids on the block and is already making waves.

What is iTind?
A temporary nitinol (a metal alloy) device is placed in the prostate for five to seven days. It gently reshapes the prostatic urethra to improve urine flow.

Why it matters:

• No permanent implant
• Preserves sexual function
• Short treatment time (less than 10 minutes)

UK trial update: NHS sites have recently started offering iTind in select hospitals. Early results show promise for men seeking effective, surgery-free relief.

4. Aquablation Therapy

Aquablation is a robot-assisted water jet procedure. It sounds futuristic – and in many ways, it is.

How it works:
Using a heat-free high-velocity saline stream, the system precisely removes excess prostate tissue under real-time imaging.

Key benefits:

• Highly precise targeting
• Lower risk of sexual dysfunction compared to TURP
• Suitable for larger prostates

Expert opinion: Dr. Steven Kaplan from Mount Sinai Hospital calls Aquablation “the most exciting development in urology since TURP was invented.”

What About Medications? Any Innovations?

Yes. While surgery-free options are exciting, pharmaceutical research hasn’t stood still either.

Recent developments include:

• Combination therapy: Tailored regimens mixing alpha-blockers and anti-androgens
• Botox injections: Experimental trials in Europe are testing Botox to relax prostate muscles
• New drug classes: Researchers are exploring androgen receptor inhibitors that avoid common side effects like dizziness or loss of libido

Choosing the Right Treatment: What Should You Consider?

Choosing a treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Factors to weigh include:

• Size of the prostate
• Severity of symptoms
• Age and overall health
• Concern for preserving sexual function

Talk to a specialist. Even though these options sound exciting, only a urologist can assess which suits your condition best.

“The conversation with my doctor was surprisingly collaborative. I felt heard, and that made all the difference,” my uncle said.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Rezūm therapy painful?

Most patients report only mild discomfort. Local anaesthesia is used, and recovery time is typically short.

How long does iTind stay in the body?

Just 5–7 days. It’s removed after reshaping the prostate, and the results often last for years.

Can an enlarged prostate be cured completely?

BPH is a chronic condition, but symptoms can be managed or reduced significantly with the right treatment.

Does insurance cover these new treatments?

It depends on the provider and location. In the UK, some are available on the NHS; in the US, many are covered if deemed medically necessary.

Actionable Takeaways

• If you’re struggling with BPH symptoms, see a urologist. New treatments may offer better relief with fewer side effects.
• Ask about Rezūm or Aquablation if you prefer minimally invasive options.
• Track your symptoms using a urinary symptom questionnaire to discuss your condition more effectively with your doctor.

Final Thoughts

The days of living quietly with BPH are over. With innovative procedures like Rezūm, PAE, and iTind, men have more choices than ever – without sacrificing their quality of life. My uncle’s story isn’t an exception anymore. It’s becoming the norm.

If you or someone you care about is dealing with an enlarged prostate, it’s time to explore these options. Start the conversation today.

What treatment has worked for you or someone you know? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.