If you’re suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate, as it’s also known, you’re not alone. BPH is a common condition that targets millions of men as they age. Fortunately, the condition is not cancerous but the symptoms are such that your quality of life is likely to be affected, and not in a good way. Ranging from frequently needing to visit the bathroom to discomfort and interrupted sleep, living with BPH can be exhausting and frustrating. Here’s where Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) comes in. This innovative minimally invasive procedure offers new hope for those men whose BPH is impacting their lifestyle.
If you’re finding it hard to cope with an enlarged prostate, then perhaps it’s time to consider how PAE can shrink the problem without shrinking your lifestyle. This post explains BPH in more detail, how prostate embolization works, and why it could be a good solution for you. So, let’s get started …
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a condition in which the prostate grows larger than normal causing problems with urination. Symptoms such as
may indicate you have BPH.
Research shows that by the time a man reaches the age of 60, there’s a 50% chance of him having BPH and by the age of 80, this percentage rises to a whopping 90%.
Although BPH isn’t life-threatening, discomfort coupled with a constant need to urinate can severely impact daily activities and a person’s overall well-being. Here are some helpful tips for men of all ages to help lower the risk of developing BPH.
Not everyone who has BPH will require treatment. In mild cases, doctors will adopt a watch-and-monitor approach. Should the symptoms worsen, medication such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may be prescribed but these often come with side effects such as drowsiness, headaches, dizzy spells and sexual dysfunction. While surgical options like TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) may be recommended for more severe cases, the procedure is invasive and it can take between 4 and 6 weeks to fully recover. This is where prostate artery embolization comes into play as a less invasive, fast, and effective alternative.
In simple terms, prostate artery embolization works by cutting off the blood supply to the prostate causing the gland to shrink, easing the symptoms. Typically, the procedure is done on an outpatient basis and performed by specialized interventional radiologists. Most patients can go home the same day.
PAE works by inserting a tiny catheter into the arteries feeding the gland through which a liquid containing thousands of tiny round particles is injected. These block the blood supply by closing down blood flow to the gland causing it to gradually shrink over the following weeks. As a result, the urethra can open up enabling urine to flow more normally. Fortunately, shrinking the prostate doesn’t negatively affect sexual function and some patients notice an improvement following the procedure.
Non-surgical – The most significant benefit of prostate artery embolization has to be that unlike TURPS and other surgeries, there is no need for general anesthesia and no cutting or removal of tissue.
Less risk – Since PAE is a non-surgical therapy, there are fewer complications like infection, bleeding, and sexual dysfunction when compared to a surgical procedure.
Speedy recovery – Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a day or two unlike the extended recovery time associated with surgery.
Effectiveness - Studies have shown that PAE can significantly reduce the size of the prostate and improve urinary symptoms. A retrospective cohort study involving 65 PAE cases performed between 2017 and 2019 revealed that 80% of patients experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms at 3 months post-procedure.
Most men are surprised at the ease of the procedure. Here’s a brief outline of what you can expect.
Patients may experience symptoms including fever, nausea, vomiting, pelvic pain and painful or frequent urination for a few days following PAE. These symptoms are known as ‘post-PAE syndrome.
While relatively rare, other risks can include blood in the urine, semen or stool, hematoma at the incision site, bladder spasm or infection of the prostate or puncture site.
PAE is a good solution for any male diagnosed with BPH whose medication is not controlling their symptoms. It’s also a great alternative for men who are unable to or who do not wish to undergo invasive surgeries. However, to be a candidate for PAE, your kidneys must be functioning reasonably well and you mustn’t be allergic to the contrast dye used during the procedure.
If you would like to learn more about PAE and whether it’s the right treatment for you, contact MINT STL today. Our team of experienced interventional radiologists is here to help you find the best, personalized solution for your condition.
Call us or visit our website to schedule a consultation at one of our clinics. Don’t let BPH control your life – shrink the problem, not your lifestyle, with prostate embolization at MINT STL.
