Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
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What are the symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
One of the first and most noticeable symptoms a patient with BPH will experience is urinary issues. The frequent or urgent need to urinate during the day and increased frequency of night time urination are common symptoms. Difficulty starting urination, a weak stream, hesitancy in starting to initiate urination and inability to completely empty the bladder can also affect those suffering from BPH. These symptoms can markedly affect a man’s quality of life.
If symptoms are ignored and this condition progresses, more significant complications can occur. Bladder stones can result from an inability to empty the bladder, and contribute to blood in the urine and bladder infections. Urinary tract infections can also occur as a result of not fully emptying one’s bladder. If the prostate grows large enough, it can even cause an inability to urinate all together, known as urinary retention.
How is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) treated?
Traditional treatments include medications and prostate surgeries. Many patients may be taking or have tried multiple medications. But despite medication, symptoms can progress over time. Urologists can offer multiple surgical (TURP, simple prostatectomy, etc.) and procedural (Urolift, Rezum, Greenlight laser, HoLEP, etc.) treatment options. But many men do not want to have those options for a variety of reasons including prolonged recovery, hospitalization, risk of sexual side effects and wish to avoid having a procedure done through the penis.
Prostate artery embolization, or PAE, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to help relieve the symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is done by blocking the blood vessels that are feeding the prostate causing the prostate to abnormally enlarge. Once these blood vessels are blocked, the prostate can return to a healthier size, and the patient will experience significant symptom relief.