Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that occurs when the prostate gland enlarges.
As men age, the prostate gland often grows larger. When the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra and bladder, disrupting the normal flow of urine. This pressure causes a range of urinary symptoms that can impact daily life.
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Frequent Urination
A persistent need to urinate, especially during the night (nocturia).
Weak urine stream
Difficulty starting urination or a stream that stops and starts.
Urgency To Urinate
A sudden, strong urge to urinate that may lead to accidents.
Incomplete bladder emptying
Feeling like the bladder hasn’t fully emptied after urinating.
Straining to Urinate
Feeling like the bladder hasn’t fully emptied after urinating.
While BPH is not life-threatening, it can significantly reduce quality of life if left untreated. Severe cases may even lead to complications such as urinary retention (inability to urinate), bladder infections, or kidney damage.
Age
BPH is rare in men under 40 but becomes increasingly common with age. By age 60, about half of men have some symptoms of BPH, and by age 85, up to 90% are affected.
Family History
A family history of prostate problems can increase the risk.
Lifestyle Factors
Obesity, lack of exercise, and poor diet may contribute to the development of BPH.
Medical Conditions
Conditions like diabetes and heart disease have been linked to a higher risk of BPH.
Prostatic Artery Embolization is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists to treat BPH. PAE works by reducing blood flow to the enlarged prostate, causing it to shrink and alleviating symptoms.
Did you Know...
Prostate Artery Embolization Procedure only requires a small incision in the leg?
No major incisions are required.
Most patients resume normal activities within a few days.
PAE has a lower risk of side effects like erectile dysfunction or incontinence.
No need for an overnight hospital stay.
Significant improvement in urinary symptoms for most patients.
PAE may be right for you if you:
Our interventional radiologists will work closely with you to determine if PAE is the best choice for your specific needs.
If you’re experiencing bothersome symptoms from an enlarged prostate, let’s discuss your options.
We treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia at in the Palmdale Region.