Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common condition among aging men. By age 60, more than half of men will show some signs of BPH, and that number increases with each passing decade. While BPH is not cancerous, it can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, incomplete bladder emptying, and the sudden urge to urinate can interfere with daily activities and sleep.
For many patients, the thought of managing BPH with medication or surgery can seem overwhelming. But there is another option that is minimally invasive and effective and uses something as simple as water: water-induced thermotherapy, or WIT.
What Is Water-Induced Thermotherapy?
WIT is a treatment method designed to reduce the size of the prostate by using heated water delivered through a specialized catheter. This technique targets the excess prostate tissue causing urinary symptoms. The heated water circulates within a balloon at a controlled temperature, delivering thermal energy directly to the enlarged tissue. Over time, this treated tissue is naturally reabsorbed by the body, reducing pressure on the urethra and improving urinary flow.
WIT is FDA-approved and performed on an outpatient basis. It is considered nonsurgical, as it does not involve incisions, stitches, or general anesthesia. For many men, this makes it an appealing alternative to traditional surgical approaches.
How WIT Works
The procedure begins with the insertion of a soft, flexible catheter into the urethra. The catheter has a balloon that is inflated once in place. Heated water, typically at a temperature of 60°C (140°F), circulates within the balloon, transferring energy to the surrounding prostate tissue for a controlled period, usually around 45 minutes.
Because the heat is confined within the balloon and not released directly into the urethra or bladder, the surrounding tissues are protected. A cooling system is also used to maintain comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
After treatment, the body’s natural healing process gradually removes the treated tissue. Most patients begin to experience symptom relief within a few weeks, with full results becoming apparent in about three months.
Benefits of WIT for BPH
WIT offers several advantages for individuals with BPH:
- Minimally Invasive:No incisions or general anesthesia are required.
- Preservation of Sexual Function:There is a lower risk of side effects, such as erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation, compared to more invasive procedures.
- Outpatient Procedure:Most patients return home the same day.
- Fast Recovery Time:Many men resume normal activities within a few days.
- Long-Lasting Results:Significant symptom improvement has been observed several years after the procedure.
Not all patients are ideal candidates for WIT, so it is important to consult with a urologist to determine whether this option is appropriate based on your individual condition and prostate size.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Following WIT, patients may experience some temporary urinary symptoms such as increased frequency, mild discomfort, or urgency. These symptoms typically subside within a few days to a week.
A catheter may remain in place for a short time following the procedure to support healing and ensure proper urine drainage. Pain management is usually minimal and handled with over-the-counter medications.
Most patients report gradual improvement in their BPH symptoms, with measurable relief in urinary flow and reduced nighttime urination.
Specialized Urologic Care, Close to Home
The experienced physicians at Houston Physicians Hospital offer WIT as a treatment option for patients with an enlarged prostate.
On the Urology page, you can scroll down and find a urologist who’s right for you. Then click their bio to visit their website and make an appointment.
Houston Physicians Hospital is committed to offering advanced treatment options with a personalized approach to care.