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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Rezum or iTind?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is very common in Canada. Among men aged 50 and older, nearly 48% experience urinary symptoms such as frequent urination or weak stream. To relieve these symptoms without major surgery, Rezum and iTind are two minimally invasive treatment options to consider.
Rezum uses thermal water vapour to reduce prostate volume, with symptom improvement often noticeable within 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure.
iTind is a temporary device placed in the urethra that mechanically opens the urinary channel, providing symptom relief after removal of the device, typically 5 to 7 days post-placement.
Rezum treats the root cause by reducing prostate volume, while iTind targets symptoms by quickly improving urinary flow.
Explore the characteristics of both approaches to better understand which one aligns with your needs and lifestyle.
Rezum: Restoring Long-Term Urinary Comfort
Principle and Mechanism
Rezum water vapour therapy involves injecting sterile steam into the areas of the prostate responsible for urinary obstruction.
The targeted thermal energy allows to:
- gradually reduce prostate volume,
- relieve symptoms by decreasing pressure on the urethra,
- improve urinary flow,
- reduce frequent urges to urinate.
The procedure is minimally invasive, performed in-clinic by a urologist under local anesthesia or light sedation, without surgical incisions.
Benefits and Advantages
Rezum therapy minimizes disruption to daily life.
Patients typically:
- return home the same day with simple follow-up care,
- experience gradual symptom improvement over the following weeks, while maintaining normal activities,
- benefit from quick recovery, with mild and temporary side effects such as burning during urination or slight urinary discomfort.
Limitations and Contraindications
As with any treatment, Rezum is not suitable for all clinical situations.
A prior urological evaluation ensures that:
- Prostate size is appropriate (best for small to moderately enlarged prostates),
- Urinary symptoms are indeed linked to BPH,
- There is no active urinary infection or inflammation at the time of treatment.
The final decision is made in consultation with the urologist, based on clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests.
iTind: Rapid Symptom Relief Within Days
Principle and Mechanism
The iTind device works mechanically to:
- gradually reshape the urinary channel through targeted pressure on the prostate,
- reduce obstruction and improve urinary flow,
- maintain long-term benefits after removal due to urethral remodeling.
The device remains in place for a few days, typically 5 to 7, then is quickly removed in the clinic by a urologist, without surgery or incisions.
Benefits and Advantages
iTind provides fast urinary relief with minimal constraints.
It:
- Quickly improves symptoms,
- Enhances urinary flow after removal,
- Reduces the sensation of blockage,
- Decreases frequent urination, including nighttime symptoms.
These effects contribute to immediate daily comfort without prolonged recovery.
Quick Return to Daily Activities
No incision is required, allowing patients to return to work and regular activities rapidly.
During the treatment period, constraints are minimal and easy to manage. The impact on personal and professional life is significantly lower than that of more invasive procedures.
Limitations and Contraindications
A urological evaluation confirms that:
- The prostate size and shape are suitable for the device.
- Symptoms are caused by BPH.
The treatment is not recommended if:
- Symptoms are not related to BPH,
- There is an active urinary infection or another condition requiring different treatment.
Rezum vs iTind: Key Differences for Patients
Comparison Table: Benefits, Recovery and Results
| Criteria | Rezum | iTind |
| Procedure Type | Transurethral endoscopic treatment using steam | Transurethral endoscopic temporary device |
| Access | Through urethra, no incision | Through urethra, no incision |
| Anesthesia | Local or light sedation | Local or light sedation |
| Procedure Duration | ~60 minutes including preparation | Quick placement + 5–7 days in place |
| Hospital Stay | Outpatient, same-day discharge | Outpatient, scheduled removal |
| Mechanism | Gradual destruction of obstructive prostate tissue | Mechanical expansion of urethra |
| Time to Improvement | 2–4 weeks, optimal at 2–3 months | Relief within days after removal |
| Recovery | Fast, mild discomfort for 1–3 weeks | Fast, temporary discomfort during use |
| Side Effects | Urinary burning, frequency, temporary discomfort | Pelvic discomfort, unusual urinary sensations |
| Sexual Impact | Typically none | Typically none |
| Prostate Profile | Small to moderate size | Specific size and morphology |
| Key Advantage | Long-lasting results | Rapid relief, reversible treatment |
| Main Limitation | Gradual improvement | Temporary device + strict criteria |
| Ideal Patient Profile | – Prioritizes durability
– Accepts delayed improvement – Wants to avoid invasive surgery |
– Wants quick relief
– Needs to stay active immediately – Accepts temporary device |
Conclusion
Rezum and iTind are both minimally invasive treatments designed to relieve urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Each approach has distinct benefits and limitations that should be considered when choosing the most appropriate option.
A consultation with a urologist allows for a proper assessment of your symptoms and helps determine the best treatment based on your profile.
Book an appointment with a urologist to find the right solution for your urinary comfort.