What Is Aquablation Therapy And Why Men With BPH Are Choosing It
June is Men’s Health Month, making it a good time to discuss a condition that affects many men but is often not openly discussed. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, often called BPH or enlarged prostate, can cause urinary symptoms that disrupt sleep, daily routines, and quality of life. At Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Fort Worth, men in the Fort Worth area can learn more about BPH, available treatment options, and whether Aquablation therapy may be appropriate to discuss with a urologist.
What Is BPH And How Does It Affect Daily Life?
The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder. As men age, the prostate may naturally increase in size. When the enlarged prostate presses on the urethra, it can make it harder for urine to pass normally.
BPH symptoms may include a frequent or urgent need to urinate, difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted stream, the feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied, or waking during the night to use the bathroom. On their own, these symptoms may seem manageable. Over time, however, they can interfere with sleep, work, travel, social plans, and overall comfort.
BPH is not prostate cancer. Having BPH does not mean a man has cancer, but ongoing urinary symptoms should still be evaluated. In more severe cases, untreated BPH may contribute to urinary retention, bladder concerns, or urinary tract infections. Talking with a physician can help clarify what is happening and what options may be available.
Treatment Options: A Range Of Approaches
Treatment for BPH often begins with lifestyle changes or watchful waiting when symptoms are mild. Some men may benefit from reducing evening fluids, limiting caffeine or alcohol, or adjusting certain medications under physician guidance.
Medication may also be recommended. Some medications help relax the muscles around the prostate, while others may help reduce prostate size over time. Medication can be helpful for many men, but some may experience side effects or may not get enough symptom relief.
When symptoms are moderate to severe or when medication is not providing adequate support, procedural options may be discussed. Traditional surgical approaches, laser-based treatments, and other minimally invasive procedures may all be considered depending on a patient’s anatomy, symptoms, health history, and goals. Aquablation therapy is one option worth discussing with a urologist.
How Aquablation Therapy Works
Aquablation therapy is a minimally invasive treatment for BPH that uses a controlled stream of water to remove excess prostate tissue. The procedure is guided by real-time imaging and robotic assistance, allowing the surgeon to create a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s prostate anatomy.
Before tissue removal begins, imaging helps map the prostate and identify the area causing blockage. The physician defines the treatment zone and monitors the procedure throughout. The waterjet then removes targeted prostate tissue without using heat.
Because Aquablation therapy uses water rather than heat, it may help reduce thermal impact on surrounding tissue. For some men, that may be an important consideration when reviewing treatment options and potential side effects.
Why Men Are Asking About Aquablation Therapy
Men considering BPH treatment often want to understand how a procedure may affect urinary symptoms, recovery, and sexual function. Aquablation therapy has gained attention because it combines imaging, surgical planning, and robotic assistance in a way that can be tailored to the patient’s anatomy.
Some studies suggest that Aquablation therapy may improve urinary symptoms and urine flow in appropriately selected patients. Individual outcomes vary, and not every patient is a candidate. A urologist can help determine whether Aquablation therapy or another treatment may be more appropriate.
Why Sexual Function Should Be Part Of The Conversation
Concerns about sexual function are common among men considering BPH procedures, but they are not always brought up during medical appointments. Some BPH treatments may affect ejaculation or sexual health, which can be an important quality-of-life concern.
Aquablation therapy is designed to help preserve certain structures related to ejaculatory function during treatment planning. Some clinical findings suggest lower rates of ejaculatory dysfunction compared with certain traditional procedures, although individual results vary.
Men should feel comfortable asking questions about sexual side effects, recovery expectations, and long-term considerations. A clear conversation with a urologist can help patients make decisions that reflect their health needs and personal priorities.
Who May Be A Candidate For Aquablation Therapy?
Aquablation therapy may be considered for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms who have not achieved enough relief from medication or who prefer to discuss procedural options. It may also be considered for some men with larger prostates, depending on anatomy and overall health.
Candidacy depends on several factors, including symptom severity, prostate size, urinary flow, medical history, and treatment goals. A urological evaluation may include a symptom review, physical exam, urine testing, flow studies, or imaging.
The right treatment plan is personal. Aquablation therapy may be appropriate for some men, while others may benefit from medication, another procedure, or continued monitoring.
Taking Men’s Health Seriously
Many men live with urinary symptoms for years because they assume the changes are just part of aging. While BPH is common, ongoing symptoms do not need to be ignored. Frequent nighttime urination, urgency, weak stream, or difficulty emptying the bladder can affect rest, confidence, and daily life.
Men’s Health Month is a helpful reminder that asking questions early can make a difference. Speaking with a physician can help identify the cause of symptoms and open the door to treatment options that may support improved comfort and quality of life.
Sources
Journal of Urology. “WATER: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Aquablation vs TURP for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.” | https://www.auajournals.org/journal/juro
Journal of Urology. “WATER II: Aquablation Therapy in Large Gland BPH, 1-Year Results.” | https://www.auajournals.org/journal/juro
American Urological Association. “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines.” | https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-(bph)-guideline
PROCEPT BioRobotics. “AQUABEAM Robotic System Overview.” | https://www.procept-biorobotics.com
Mayo Clinic. “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.” | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087
Urology Times. “Aquablation Offers Consistent Outcomes Across Prostate Sizes.” | https://www.urologytimes.com