psa after rezum procedure

HaC 2025

3 min read 11-03-2025

Meta Description: Understanding PSA levels after a Rezum procedure is crucial for monitoring treatment success. This comprehensive guide explains what to expect, potential fluctuations, and when to consult your doctor. Learn about the recovery process, potential side effects, and how PSA levels relate to prostate health.

Introduction:

The Rezum procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition causing an enlarged prostate. Many men undergoing this procedure have questions about their Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels afterward. This article will clarify what to expect regarding PSA levels following a Rezum procedure, offering guidance and insights into the recovery process. Understanding your PSA after Rezum is key to monitoring the effectiveness of your treatment.

Understanding PSA Levels and BPH

What is PSA? Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Higher-than-normal PSA levels can indicate prostate problems, including BPH and prostate cancer. However, elevated PSA can also result from other factors, such as prostatitis or even vigorous prostate examination.

BPH and PSA: Men with BPH often have elevated PSA levels. This is because an enlarged prostate produces more PSA. The Rezum procedure aims to reduce prostate size, thus potentially lowering PSA levels.

What to Expect After a Rezum Procedure

Immediate Post-Procedure: Immediately following the Rezum procedure, your PSA level may not change significantly. It takes time for the treated prostate tissue to reduce in size and for PSA production to decrease.

Short-Term Changes: You might experience some initial urinary changes such as increased frequency or urgency in the days following the Rezum procedure. This is normal. The reduction in prostate size may or may not immediately impact your PSA.

Long-Term PSA Trends: Over several weeks or months, you should see a gradual decrease in your PSA levels as the treated prostate tissue shrinks. The rate of decrease varies from person to person.

Individual Variation: It's crucial to remember that the impact of Rezum on PSA levels is highly individualized. Factors such as the severity of your BPH, your age, and your overall health can all influence the results.

How Often Should You Monitor PSA After Rezum?

Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your PSA levels and overall prostate health after the Rezum procedure. These appointments usually involve a blood test to measure your PSA. The frequency of these appointments will vary depending on your individual needs and progress.

When to Contact Your Doctor

While some fluctuation in PSA is normal after a Rezum procedure, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

A significant increase in PSA levels
Persistent or worsening urinary symptoms
Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
Blood in your urine
Severe pain

Rezum Procedure and Prostate Cancer

It's important to note that a Rezum procedure does not diagnose or treat prostate cancer. If you have concerns about prostate cancer, your doctor will likely order additional tests to assess your risk. Regular PSA screenings remain important even after a Rezum procedure.

Alternative Treatments for BPH

While Rezum is a popular minimally-invasive option, other treatments for BPH include:

Medication: Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can help reduce BPH symptoms.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This is a more invasive surgical procedure.
Laser therapy: Several laser techniques can treat BPH.

Conclusion: PSA Monitoring is Key

Regular monitoring of your PSA levels after a Rezum procedure is vital to ensure the treatment's effectiveness and to address any potential complications promptly. Open communication with your doctor is crucial for managing your BPH and maintaining optimal prostate health. Remember, while changes in PSA are expected, significant changes or new symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider with any concerns.