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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy Our Services Enlarged Prostate
Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy - - Vascular and Interventional Radiologist

Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy

Vascular and Interventional Radiologists located in St. Louis, MO & Swansea, IL

Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Why Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) May Be the Best Option

What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men where the prostate gland enlarges, leading to urinary symptoms such as:

  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Weak urine stream
  • Difficulty starting and stopping urination
  • A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
  • Urgency and potential incontinence

If left untreated, BPH can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to bladder damage, urinary retention, or kidney problems.

Traditional Surgical Treatments vs. PAE

Several treatment options exist for BPH, including medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery. While surgery has been the traditional approach, newer non-surgical treatments like Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) offer significant advantages.

Why PAE is a Better Alternative to Traditional Surgical Treatments

Treatment Procedure Invasiveness Recovery Time Sexual Side Effects Urinary Incontinence Risk
PAE (Prostate Artery Embolization) Non-surgical, blocks blood flow to shrink the prostate Minimally invasive A few days Very low risk Very low risk
TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) Surgical removal of prostate tissue via the urethra Invasive 2-6 weeks 50-70% risk of retrograde ejaculation Moderate risk
Aquaablation High-pressure water ablation of prostate tissue Minimally invasive 2-6 weeks High risk of retrograde ejaculation Moderate risk
UroLift Permanent implants placed to hold the prostate open Minimally invasive 2-4 weeks May improve symptoms but less effective in large prostates Low risk

Key Benefits of PAE Over Surgery

  1. Minimally Invasive with No Incisions

    • Unlike TURP or Aquaablation, PAE is performed via a small catheter inserted through the wrist or groin, reducing surgical risks.

  2. Preserves Sexual Function

    • PAE has a much lower risk of erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation, unlike TURP and other procedures that may cause irreversible sexual side effects.

  3. Faster Recovery with Fewer Side Effects

    • Patients who undergo PAE typically resume normal activities within a few days, whereas surgical options often require weeks of recovery and involve catheter use.

  4. Low Risk of Urinary Incontinence

    • Since PAE does not remove tissue or disrupt the bladder neck, it avoids the risk of incontinence associated with TURP.

  5. Effective for Larger Prostates

    • Unlike UroLift, which is less effective for large prostates, PAE works for prostates of all sizes by reducing overall gland volume.

Who is a Good Candidate for PAE?

  • Men who want to avoid the risks and side effects of surgery
  • Patients with larger prostates (>80g) where TURP and UroLift are less effective
  • Those with urinary symptoms unresponsive to medication
  • Patients who prefer a quicker recovery and outpatient treatment

Learn More About PAE for BPH

At Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT), we specialize in Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) as a cutting-edge alternative to surgery. If you're struggling with BPH and looking for a safer, minimally invasive treatment option, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Learn more: Prostate Artery Embolization

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