Does Aquablation Affect Sexual Function?
Understanding Aquablation Therapy for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, is a common condition in aging men. As the prostate grows, it may compress the urethra and lead to symptoms such as:
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Incomplete bladder emptying
When medications are no longer effective, surgical treatment may be recommended. Among modern surgical options, Aquablation Therapy has emerged as a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve urinary obstruction while helping preserve sexual function.
What Is Aquablation Therapy?
Aquablation Therapy is a robotic-assisted, ultrasound-guided surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Instead of using heat energy such as electrocautery or laser, Aquablation removes obstructive prostate tissue using a high-pressure sterile water jet. Because no thermal energy is applied, surrounding tissues may be better protected, which may help reduce the risk of heat-related damage.
This technology combines:
- Real-time ultrasound imaging
- Robotic precision
- Heat-free tissue removal
These features allow surgeons to remove prostate tissue with a high degree of accuracy.
Does Aquablation Affect Sexual Function?
Sexual function preservation is one of the most important concerns for men considering prostate surgery.
Two main aspects are usually discussed: Erectile function & Ejaculatory function
Traditional surgical methods such as TURP or laser prostate surgery may involve heat energy, which can potentially affect nearby nerve structures. Aquablation uses heat-free waterjet technology, which may reduce the risk of thermal damage to surrounding nerves.
Erectile Function After Aquablation
Clinical studies, including the WATER and WATER II trials, have shown that erectile function scores generally remain stable after Aquablation treatment.
In many patients:
- Erectile function remains similar to pre-operative levels
- Significant deterioration is uncommon
However, outcomes can vary depending on individual health conditions.
Ejaculatory Function Preservation
One notable advantage reported in clinical studies is the higher rate of ejaculatory function preservation compared with traditional TURP procedures.
This is partly because:
- Real-time ultrasound allows surgeons to visualize prostate anatomy during surgery
- Robotic planning helps avoid structures related to ejaculation when possible
Although Aquablation may improve the likelihood of preserving ejaculation, individual outcomes may differ depending on prostate anatomy and surgical planning.
Recovery After Aquablation Surgery
Recovery after Aquablation is generally considered relatively smooth compared with some conventional surgical techniques.
Typical recovery timeline:
Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for approximately 4–5 days.
Catheter Duration: A urinary catheter is typically required for 2–3 days after surgery.
Return to Daily Activities: Many patients resume light daily activities within 2 weeks.
Urinary Symptom Improvement: Urinary flow usually stabilizes within 4 weeks.
During early recovery, patients may experience:
- Mild urinary urgency
- Temporary frequency
- Light blood in the urine
- Mild pelvic discomfort
These symptoms usually improve gradually during healing.
Full Recovery: Complete tissue healing generally occurs within 4–6 weeks. Light walking is usually encouraged.
Who Is a Candidate for Aquablation?
Aquablation may be considered for patients who:
- Have persistent urinary symptoms despite medication
- Experience weak urine flow or high residual urine volume
- Have larger prostate volume
- Prefer minimally invasive treatment
- Wish to reduce the potential impact on sexual function
A urologist will typically evaluate:
- PSA level
- Prostate ultrasound
- Uroflowmetry
- IPSS symptom score
- Overall urinary function
A personalized evaluation is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Post-Operative Care After Aquablation
During the first few weeks after surgery, patients should follow certain precautions to support healing.
Activity Restrictions (First 4 Weeks)
Patients are generally advised to:
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Avoid hot springs, sauna, or steam rooms
- Avoid sexual activity for approximately 4–6 weeks
Light walking is usually encouraged.
Diet and Hydration
Patients are typically advised to:
- Drink adequate water during daytime
- Avoid excessive fluid intake before bedtime
- Increase fiber intake to prevent constipation
- Limit alcohol and strongly irritating foods
Aquablation: A Modern Option for Enlarged Prostate Treatment
Aquablation combines:
- Robotic precision
- Real-time ultrasound guidance
- Heat-free tissue removal
It offers a modern surgical option for men with bothersome urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. While many patients experience symptom improvement and functional preservation, treatment decisions should always be made after consultation with a qualified urologist.
Tungs’ MetroHarbor Hospital has achieved JCI international medical quality accreditation, signifying that we meet international medical standards in patient safety, medical procedures, infection control, and quality management, and are continuously subject to rigorous scrutiny. Our urology team combines the experience of professional physicians with precise treatment techniques, and receives cross-border medical assistance from FORMOSA TUNGS+ IMedS International Medical Center. From medical assessment and treatment planning to post-operative follow-up, patients from different countries can clearly understand the process and receive care with peace of mind.