If you're a man who's been dealing with the discomfort of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you're not alone. Statistics reveal that this common disease increases once a man reaches his forties, with a prevalence of 8%-60% at the age of ninety years, causing symptoms like frequent urination, weak urinary flow, and the feeling of being unable to completely empty the bladder. But the good news is that there's a modern and minimally invasive solution that can help you reclaim your comfort and confidence: prostate artery embolization.
Before we dive into prostate artery embolization (PAE), let’s discuss benign prostatic hyperplasia in more detail. BPH is a condition that causes the prostate to grow in size. As the prostate grows, the gland squeezes and pinches the urethra causing the bladder wall to thicken. This, in turn, can eventually cause the bladder to weaken and lose the ability to fully empty, leaving behind some urine. The constriction of the urethra and the inability to fully empty the bladder cause many of the problems associated with BPH.
What exactly is the prostate?
The prostate forms part of the male reproductive system. The function of this walnut-shaped gland is to produce the fluid that goes into semen and is essential to a man’s fertility. The prostate sits beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding part of the urethra – the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body and also ejects semen out through the penis.
No one knows for sure what causes benign prostatic hyperplasia, although it occurs primarily in older men. What we do know is that BHP does not occur in males whose testicles were removed before puberty. This fact has led scientists to believe that BHP may be caused by factors relating to the testicles and ageing.
Men produce the male hormone testosterone throughout their lives together with small amounts of the female hormone, estrogen. With age, the production of testosterone decreases leaving a higher proportion of estrogen. Research suggests that BHP may be caused by the higher proportion of estrogen inside the prostate increasing the activity of the substances that promote prostate cell growth.
The following factors increase a male’s chance of developing BHP:
Symptoms that may indicate the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) within the lower urinary tract include:
The majority of benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms arise from two primary factors:
Urethral Obstruction: Symptoms result from the narrowing or blockage of the urethra due to the enlarged prostate.
Bladder Overactivity: The bladder works harder to push urine through the obstruction, leading to various urinary issues.
The symptoms of BPH can affect your daily life, causing inconvenience and discomfort. But you don't have to let BPH hold you back or limit your activities. Let us introduce you to Prostate Artery Embolization.
PAE is a modern and minimally invasive procedure designed to address the symptoms of BPH. Unlike traditional surgical methods, it doesn't involve cutting or removal of tissue. Here's how it works:
Preparation: You'll be sedated and made comfortable for the procedure.
Insertion: A tiny catheter is inserted into your groin area and guided through the blood vessels to the arteries that supply blood to your prostate.
Embolization: Tiny particles are then injected through the catheter to block these arteries. This reduces blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink and relieve the pressure on your urethra.
Recovery: The recovery time is relatively short, and patients can usually go home the same day.
The Benefits of Prostate Artery Embolization
This modern treatment offers several advantages:
Prostate embolization might be the right choice if you're looking for a less invasive and effective solution to your BPH symptoms. However, it's essential to discuss your options with a healthcare professional who can assess your unique situation and provide personalized guidance.
The journey to a more comfortable life with BPH starts with knowledge and a conversation with a medical expert. Don't let an enlarged prostate hold you back—consider the modern approach of prostate embolization as a way to regain control over your urinary health and overall well-being.
If you have questions or concerns about BPH and prostate embolization the compassionate and experienced team at MINT are here to help. Want to find out more? Contact the MINT Prostate Centre at 314-255-2204 or book a consultation online.
