Common Signs of an Enlarged Prostate — and When PAE May Help

Written by Pavan Khurana, MD

An enlarged prostate is extremely common as men get older. The condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is noncancerous, but it can significantly affect urination, sleep, and quality of life.

What are the common symptoms of BPH?

As the prostate enlarges, it can compress the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine. Common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Waking up several times at night to urinate
• A weak or slow urinary stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Starting and stopping during urination
• A sudden or urgent need to urinate
• Feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied
• Dribbling after urination
• In more advanced cases, urinary retention or the need for a catheter

These symptoms should be evaluated because other urinary conditions can cause similar problems.

When is treatment needed?

Not every enlarged prostate requires a procedure. Mild symptoms may be managed with lifestyle changes or medications. However, treatment may be considered when symptoms become bothersome, medications don’t provide adequate relief, side effects are problematic, or complications such as urinary retention develop.

What is Prostate Artery Embolization?

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment performed by a Vascular Interventional Radiologist.

Through a tiny catheter inserted into an artery, the physician identifies the blood vessels supplying the prostate and delivers microscopic particles that reduce its blood supply. Over time, the prostate shrinks and pressure on the urinary tract may decrease.

PAE is typically performed without a surgical incision and patients usually return home the same day.

Why do some men choose PAE?

Potential advantages include:

• No surgical incision
• Outpatient treatment
• Short recovery
• Avoidance of surgery in appropriately selected patients
• Low risk of sexual side effects compared with some surgical treatments
• Treatment of very large prostates is possible

PAE isn’t the best option for every patient. A complete evaluation and appropriate imaging can help determine whether symptoms are caused by BPH and which treatment makes the most sense.

If an enlarged prostate is interfering with your sleep, daily activities, or quality of life, it may be worth learning whether PAE is one of your treatment options.

UR Vascular offers evaluation and minimally invasive embolization treatment for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Schedule a consultation to review your imaging and discuss whether treatment is appropriate for you.