Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that occurs when men get older. The prostate enlarges and blocks the flow of urine that comes out from the bladder. This can cause severe urinary symptoms that can affect quality of life.
Over 50% of men aged over 60 struggle with enlarged prostate problems. Nowadays, nonsurgical treatments such as prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) ensure the management of an enlarged prostate is easier and more comfortable than ever.
After this simple outpatient treatment, you can expect to:
Don’t suffer in silence!
Prostate Artery Embolization or PAE, is a ground-breaking, minimally invasive procedure that treats a condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This condition is more commonly known as an enlarged prostate.
PAE works by slowing down the blood flow to the artery that feeds the prostate. The lack of blood, in turn, causes the prostate to shrink, thereby relieving urinary issues.
Here’s how the process works:
While other alternatives include surgical processes like Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), PAE therapy is quick, virtually pain-free and provides long-lasting treatment outcomes.
Following treatment with Prostate Artery Embolization, the prostate begins to shrink within 24-48 hours. However, most people notice a difference within 1-2 months. Over a six-month period, the prostate reduces in size by around 40%.
According to recently published data, PAE provides a satisfactory improvement in 67% - 92% of all cases treated and can last for 3-4 years.
You may be a good candidate for PAE therapy if you:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition in men over 60.
The prostate is a small gland that sits below the bladder, engulfing the urethra (the tube that removes urine from the body). The primary function of the prostate is to aid the production of semen. But at the same time, it acts as an on/off switch, regulating urine flow.
When the prostate gland is enlarged, it reduces urine flow from the bladder and sometimes blocks it entirely.
An enlarged prostate (BPH) can lead to symptoms like:
If you are currently experiencing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, you should know that they can worsen over time if not treated. Here’s what the research tells us:
The good news is that there are several available treatments that can reduce the size of your prostate, such as:
While all treatments have pros and cons, look at the tables below to see how PAE stacks up against other methods.
PAE |
Aquablation |
|
Outcome |
Good after a 12-month follow-up | Good after a 12-month follow-up |
Scientific Data |
Well documented | Limited data |
Side effects or Associations |
Low risk | Some bleeding-related complications |
PAE |
Rezum |
|
Prostate Size |
Very effective on prostates > 80cm3 |
Works best on prostates 30 - 80cm3 |
Post-Surgery |
Low risk of complications |
Risks include a decrease in ejaculatory volume and an increase in urinary frequency |
Comfort |
Little to no discomfort |
Minor discomfort during the procedure |
PAE |
UROLIFT |
|
Anesthetic required |
Light |
Yes |
Prostate Size |
Proven effective in prostate glands over 80 cm3 |
Best in prostate glands less than 80 cm3 |
Side effects |
Transient blood in urine and acute urinary retention – although only temporary |
Burning when urinating, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate – symptoms typically disappear within 2-4 weeks |
PAE |
TURP |
|
Hospitalization |
Outpatients only |
2-3 day hospital stay |
Sexual function |
No Impact |
Possibility of retrograde ejaculation |
Incontinence |
Temporary |
Could be long term |
Erectile Function |
No Impact |
May cause erectile dysfunction |
The prostate Centre at MINT is the first and only outpatient center to