Many men — 50% of the male population by age 60 — develop an enlargement of the prostate as they age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a noncancerous enlargement, can cause symptoms ranging from a weak urine stream to more serious side effects like renal failure. While the majority of men will deal with this condition at some point in their later years, there are treatment options available to help you find relief.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
BPH refers to the growth of the prostate gland, which is situated just below a male’s bladder. This gland is near the urethra, which is responsible for carrying urine out of the bladder. When the prostate begins to enlarge, it will start to press up against the urethra, which slows urine flow and has the potential to affect ejaculation.
Though this condition is not cancerous or life-threatening, the discomfort and sexual side effects can affect a man’s quality of life.
Symptoms of BPH
As the prostate enlarges and presses up against the urethra, many men will start to experience a range of lower urinary tract symptoms. These can range from mild discomfort to complete loss of bladder control and include:
- Weak or intermittent stream
- Dribbling after urination
- Having to urinate more frequently
- Intermittent urination
- Feeling the urge to urinate even after doing so
- Feeling like you can’t empty your bladder all the way
- Experiencing urinary incontinence like leaking
- Pain when urinating
- Urinary retention
Some men may wake up several times throughout the night due to these symptoms, which will then affect their quality of sleep. Severe cases of BPH may result in the inability to urinate, blood in the urine, urinary tract infections and renal failure.
How Is BPH Treated?
There are several treatment options available for men dealing with BPH. Some involve invasive surgeries while others may lead to unwanted sexual side effects. Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is an outpatient, nonsurgical procedure that can help improve enlarged prostate symptoms — without all of the side effects from surgical treatments.
To perform this procedure, a catheter is inserted through an opening in either the wrist or the groin and then directed toward the prostate. Small particles will then be injected into the blood vessels feeding the prostate, blocking blood flow to the gland. This is done on both sides of the prostate.
With the blood flow blocked, the prostate will begin to get softer and eventually start to shrink, giving the patient relief from their symptoms.
Why Choose Modern Vascular?
When you choose Modern Vascular for your prostate artery embolization procedure, you’ll be receiving the highest-quality care. We have a multidisciplinary team of interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons who are committed to providing individualized outpatient care. Our team will take the time to learn all about your case to provide you with procedures that meet your goals.
Schedule an Evaluation Today
Want to learn more about prostatic artery embolization? We can help you determine if this procedure is right for you. Schedule a comprehensive consultation today.
