BPH, commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate, affects millions of men worldwide. In 2019, there were a staggering 94 million cases! The condition is characterized by uncomfortable urinary symptoms, often impacting daily life and overall well-being. This article explores how prostate artery embolization (PAE) is transforming the landscape of prostate artery care, bringing fresh hope to those suffering from BPH symptoms.
The prostate gland sits just below the bladder, surrounding the upper part of the tube (urethra) that carries urine away from the body. While it’s relatively small (around the size of a walnut), it has an important role to play in a male’s reproductive system since it produces the seminal fluid that carries sperm.
During a man’s lifetime, the prostate experiences a couple of growth spurts: one at puberty and the other when he reaches his 30s. From that point, it continues to enlarge gradually with age. According to experts, it’s estimated that BPH affects 5-6% of men aged between 40 and 64 and 29-33% of men aged 65 years and above.
As the prostate enlarges, it can squeeze or compress the urethra, leading to bothersome BPH symptoms, which include:
These symptoms can significantly affect a man’s quality of life, causing anxiety, limiting daily activities, and disturbing sleep. Without treatment, BPH symptoms can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney stones, kidney failure and lastly, total inability to urinate, necessitating the need for a catheter to be placed into the bladder. It’s vital to seek help from a urologist or interventional radiologist if your symptoms worsen.
In the past, treatment options for BPH have included lifestyle choices, medication and surgical procedures. Often, the first line of defense is Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors designed to relax prostate muscles or shrink the prostate. While effective for some, these medications can cause dizziness, fatigue and sexual dysfunction.
When medication hasn’t helped, patients have resorted to surgical options like TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate). While TURP is effective, the procedure comes with risks, including erectile dysfunction, infection and bleeding.
Introducing PAE (prostate artery embolization) – A minimally invasive procedure
This innovative procedure is an effective modern treatment designed to treat BPH symptoms and offers a solid alternative for those unwilling to undergo surgery and hospital stays. Here’s how it works:
The procedure takes about one to two hours, with most patients able to go home the same day.
PAE offers several benefits that make it attractive for many patients:
Minimally invasive – Probably, the primary benefit of PAE is its minimally invasive nature. Unlike traditional surgeries, PAE does away with incisions and stitches, significantly shortening recovery time and lowering the risk of complications.
Outpatient procedure – Typically, PAE is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that most patients return home the same day, eliminating the costs of a hospital stay. Recovery usually takes just a few days, and there is no need for catheterization.
Preserves sexual function – Sexual dysfunction is a major cause of concern for patients considering surgery to improve their BPH symptoms. Fortunately, PAE has a lower risk of impacting sexual functionality and, according to Science Direct, may even improve erectile function in up to 33% of patients.
While TURP remains the go-to treatment for severe BPH cases, PAE is gaining traction as an effective alternative solution for men unable or unwilling to undergo more invasive surgery.
According to the latest research, 1000 patients who underwent the PAE procedure experienced significant and sustained relief from BPH-related lower urinary symptoms or urination retention for up to six years.
Moreover, compared to laser therapies such as Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP), PAE presents a lower risk of incontinence and bleeding. The procedure is particularly suitable for men with larger prostates or those ineligible for surgery due to underlying health conditions.
Of course, there’s nothing like real-world experiences to highlight the effectiveness of PAE. Here’s a testimonial from one happy patient taken from Ask4PAE – an educational patient-program seeking to raise awareness about BPH and current treatment options, primarily PAE.
Larry, who had been suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), experienced severe urinary retention, sometimes being unable to urinate at all. This led him to seek emergency relief through catheterization. After undergoing PAE, Larry reported significant improvement, expressing gratitude for the procedure and wishing he had known about it earlier.
Not only did PAE improve his symptoms it also gave him his life back.
“I literally don’t think about the symptoms I used to struggle with,” Larry says. “I can go play golf without having to worry about going to the bathroom in the middle of the golf course!”
While PAE is a promising solution to BPH, it’s not right for everyone. It’s essential to learn if it’s suitable for your specific case. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, including imaging studies to assess prostate size and vascular anatomy, is necessary to determine eligibility.
Don't let BPH symptoms control your life. Consult with a healthcare professional to explore whether PAE is right for you. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and a more comfortable, fulfilling life.
If you're interested in the latest advancements in minimally invasive treatments and want to stay informed, consider MINT STL to support cutting-edge medical research and innovation. Call us at 314-255-2204 to schedule a consultation at our St Louis, MO or Swansea, IL offices.
