Prostate Arterial Embolization is a modern approach to treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPH is a condition where the prostate has become enlarged and is non-cancerous. PAE has been frequently described as being a game-changer when it comes to treating BPH. This is due, in part, to its minimally invasive approach that limits damage to tissues in the area while reducing the size of the prostate. It is often touted as the best treatment for BPH available today.

Why Reducing The Prostate Gland Is Important

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a frequently encountered health condition experienced by men of all ages. It’s common in men over 50, becoming more frequent as age advances. 90% of men over the age of 85 lice with BPH. A healthy prostate is approximately the size of a walnut and is responsible for making the fluid carrier for semen in men. The prostate naturally increases in size when we age, though the reason behind this isn’t well understood.

The prostate’s location below the bladder means that it puts pressure on the urethra as it gets larger. This can lead to problems with urination and increase how often urination is necessary. It can result in a weak urine stream, urine leakage, and difficulty beginning to urinate in advanced cases. As the prostate enlarges in size, these symptoms can become troublesome and cause a significant impact on your quality of life.

Additional problems can occur if the condition is left untreated, including infections in the :

• Bladder
• Urinary tract
• Kidneys
• Erectile dysfunction

Those with BPH but experiencing no symptoms are advised to simply wait and see how the condition advances. When BPH starts to present with symptoms, medication and lifestyle changes are usually sufficient to manage them. Alpha-blocks and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are the two primary types of drugs used in managing the condition. When symptoms become severe, surgery may be required.

Benefits of PAE for Treatment of BHP

Prostate Artery Embolization is an effective way of treating this condition and is often preferred over more invasive forms of treatment. This treatment method involves the following steps:

• This treatment can generally be performed as an outpatient procedure under a local anesthetic.
• A small catheter is inserted into the upper thigh under guidance using x-rays.
• The catheter is threaded into the arteries responsible for supplying blood to the prostate.
• Tiny plastic particles are then injected to block the flow of blood to the prostate.

Blocking off the blood flow reduces the size of the prostate, relieving pressure. The symptoms can start seeing improvement rapidly, generally within a week or two following the treatment. This allows a return to normal activities faster than traditional treatments.

Reach out to your urologist to learn more about PAE and other treatment options for BPH. They’ll let you know the benefits and risks involved with each. They’ll also perform an exam and determine what treatment options are appropriate for your case. Don’t wait to get relief from BPH; schedule your consultation today!