Every medical procedure carries side effects, and a good consultation should cover all of them, not just the highlights. Aquablation has a strong safety profile, but knowing what's normal, what's uncommon, and what isn't normal at all will make your recovery smoother and your decision more confident.
The Most Common (and Mild) Side Effects
The majority of men experience one or more of the following in the first week or two:
- Mild burning during urination: Typically resolves within 7–14 days.
- Increased frequency and urgency: The bladder needs time to recalibrate after years of straining against an obstruction.
- Light blood in the urine: Pink-tinged urine is common for days to a few weeks. It usually comes and goes.
- Fatigue: Anesthesia takes something out of you. Don't rush back to full pace.
What About Sexual Function?
This is where Aquablation has a meaningful advantage. Because the surgical map is built specifically to preserve the structures responsible for ejaculation, clinical data consistently show low rates of retrograde ejaculation compared with TURP, where rates can run 60% or higher. Erectile function is generally preserved as well, most men report no change.
Less Common Side Effects
- Urinary tract infection: Typically treated with a short course of antibiotics.
- Temporary urinary retention: Occasionally a catheter is needed for a few extra days.
- Bladder neck contracture or urethral stricture: Rare, but possible with any prostate procedure.
When to Call Your Urologist
- Inability to urinate
- Heavy bleeding or large clots
- Fever above 101°F
- Severe pelvic pain not controlled by basic pain medication
The Bottom Line
Aquablation's side-effect profile is one of the reasons it has become a preferred option for men who want durable BPH relief without trading away sexual function. Most side effects are mild, predictable, and short-lived, and knowing what to expect makes them easier to navigate.