Are you tired of planning your life around bathroom breaks? Or are frustrated with medications that aren’t working or cause unwanted side effects? If you’re one of the millions of men suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), we have good news for you. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) might just be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
What are Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms?
BPH is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, a common condition in aging men. As the prostate grows, it can compress the urethra, leading to LUTS. LUTS includes a range of urinary issues, such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak urine flow, and the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms can significantly impact a man’s quality of life.
The main risk factor for developing BPH is age. Other factors include family history, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
The symptoms of BPH can vary in severity, but they generally worsen over time. Common signs include frequent or urgent urination, especially at night (nocturia), difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream, and dribbling at the end of urination. Some individuals may also experience an inability to empty the bladder completely.
Less common symptoms include urinary tract infections, inability to urinate, or blood in the urine. Interestingly, the size of the prostate doesn’t necessarily correlate with the severity of symptoms—men with smaller prostates can have significant issues, while some with larger prostates may have only mild symptoms.
What is PAE?
PAE is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that reduces prostate size by blocking blood flow to the prostate. PAE is particularly effective for patients who are not ideal candidates for surgery due to medical conditions. The procedure is done via a small catheter inserted into an artery in the wrist or groin, minimizing physical trauma. Unlike other procedures which involve resecting part of the prostate or implants to lift the prostate tissue, PAE has fewer risks of complications.
Treatment Benefits
PAE stands out as an ideal early intervention option. Here’s why:
- Minimally Invasive: No surgery required!
- Preserve Sexual Function: Unlike some treatments, PAE doesn’t cause impotence or retrograde ejaculation.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within days.
- Effective Symptom Relief: Many patients experience significant improvement in urinary symptoms.
What to Expect with PAE
- Quick Procedure: The entire process, including the procedure, typically takes about 3 hours.
- Minimal Recovery Time: Most patients go home just 1 hour after the procedure.
- Ongoing Support: We see you for a follow-up one month after your PAE and continue to monitor your progress annually using the IPSS scoring system.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Traditionally, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia treatment followed a “wait and see” approach, starting with medications and progressing to surgery only when symptoms became severe. But here’s why that thinking is changing:
- Avoid Medication Side Effects: Many BPH medications can cause dizziness, sexual dysfunction, and other unwanted side effects.
- Prevent Symptom Progression: BPH is progressive. Early treatment can stop symptoms from worsening.
- Maintain Quality of Life: Why spend years dealing with bothersome symptoms when relief is available?
- Reduce Complications: Untreated BPH can lead to urinary retention, bladder stones, or kidney problems.
Patient Story
John, 62, had just started noticing increased nighttime bathroom trips. His doctor suggested “watchful waiting,” but John wanted to be proactive. He came to us to learn if PAE was a suitable treatment for him. Two months after his PAE procedure, John shared, “I wish I’d done this sooner! I’m sleeping through the night, enjoying outings without bathroom anxiety, and feeling great. Why did I even consider waiting?”
Reclaim Your Freedom
Don’t let BPH symptoms control your life any longer. If you’re tired of the frequent trips to the bathroom, the medications that don’t seem to work, or the fear of more invasive surgeries, PAE could be your answer.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us today for a consultation. Let’s explore how PAE can help you regain control and start living life without limits!
