What to Know About BPH
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, can significantly impact your quality of life—causing frequent urination, weak flow, and sleep disruption. Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a safe, outpatient procedure that reduces blood flow to the enlarged areas of the prostate, leading to shrinkage and symptom relief. Using advanced X-ray guidance, a small catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin to deliver tiny embolic particles to the prostate arteries. This non-surgical technique offers long-lasting results with minimal downtime.
Symptoms of BPH
Men with BPH may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Feeling that the bladder isn’t completely empty
- Dribbling at the end of urination
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate:
- Age: Risk increases significantly after age 50
- Family History: A close relative with BPH raises your risk
- Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, and high-fat diets
- Chronic Health Conditions: Diabetes and heart disease
- Hormonal Imbalance: Age-related changes in testosterone and estrogen levels
Diagnoses
If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms, your physician may recommend diagnostic tests to evaluate prostate size and rule out other conditions. These may include:
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test
- Urinary Flow Test
- Post-Void Residual Volume Test
- Imaging Studies such as MRI or CT angiography to assess vascular anatomy before PAE
Our team at RVC works closely with your urologist or primary care provider to ensure an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Treatment – Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
PAE is a non-surgical outpatient procedure performed by our experienced interventional radiologists. Here’s what sets it apart”
Benefits of PAE:
- Outpatient Procedure – No general anesthesia or hospital stay
- Lower Risk –Less chance of urinary incontinence and sexual side effects
- Safe for High-Risk Patients – A suitable option for complex cases
- Faster Recovery – Quick return to daily life
- Proven Relief – High satisfaction and symptom improvement
What to Expect:
The procedure lasts about 1–2 hours. After local anesthesia and light sedation, you’ll rest briefly in our recovery area and return home the same day. Most patients begin noticing symptom relief within a few weeks, with continued improvement as the prostate shrinks over time.
FAQ
Most patients report only mild discomfort. We use local anesthesia and sedation to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Most men return to work and normal activities within a few days.
PAE carries a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to traditional prostate surgery.
PAE is covered by many insurance providers, including Medicare. Our team will help verify your coverage before scheduling.
Some men notice improvement within weeks, while others may take up to three months. Long-term results are well-documented in clinical studies.
Are You a Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for PAE if:
- You prefer a non-surgical outpatient option with minimal downtime
- You’ve been diagnosed with BPH
- You’re experiencing moderate to severe urinary symptoms
- Medications have not provided adequate relief
- You wish to avoid surgery or preserve sexual function
- You have been told your prostate is enlarged (typically over 40 grams)
- You are not eligible for TURP or laser surgery