At a glance:
- BPH can cause frequent urination, urgency, weak stream, incomplete emptying, and waking at night to urinate.
- Symptoms overlap with other conditions, so evaluation matters.
- For some patients, Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive option based on candidacy.
- Inability to urinate, fever, severe pain, or significant bleeding requires urgent evaluation.
Common urinary symptoms
Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) often describe lower urinary tract symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination or urgency
- Waking up at night to urinate (nocturia)
- Weak urinary stream
- Starting/stopping or straining
- Feeling like the bladder doesn’t empty completely
Why evaluation matters
Urinary symptoms can have more than one cause, and the best treatment depends on the underlying issue.
An evaluation helps confirm whether BPH is the main driver and whether minimally invasive options are appropriate.
Red flags: when to seek urgent care
Seek urgent evaluation if you experience:
- Inability to urinate (urinary retention)
- Fever, chills, or severe burning/pain (possible infection)
- Severe pelvic/lower abdominal pain
- Significant blood in the urine
- New confusion or weakness with urinary symptoms
How we evaluate BPH/PAE candidacy
We review your symptoms and medical history and coordinate evaluation steps needed to determine candidacy. This may include symptom scoring, lab work, and imaging as appropriate.
If PAE is a good fit, we’ll explain the procedure, typical recovery, benefits/risks, and alternatives in clear terms.
Comparing Treatment Options for BPH
BPH treatment can range from medication to minimally invasive procedures and surgery. The right approach depends on factors such as symptom severity, prostate anatomy, overall health, and personal goals.
| Treatment | General Approach | Invasiveness | Key Consideration |
| Medications | Help relax prostate muscles or reduce prostate size | Noninvasive | May require ongoing use |
| PAE | Reduces blood flow to targeted prostate tissue | Minimally invasive | Preserves the prostate and does not require surgical removal of tissue |
| UroLift | Uses implants to hold prostate tissue away from the urethra | Minimally invasive | Best suited for certain prostate anatomies |
| Rezūm | Uses water vapor to treat excess prostate tissue | Minimally invasive | Symptoms may improve gradually |
| HoLEP | Removes obstructing prostate tissue with a laser | Surgical | Often considered for larger prostates |
| TURP | Removes prostate tissue through the urethra | Surgical | Established surgical treatment for BPH |
Why Choose MINT for Urinary Symptoms/Enlarged Prostate Treatment in St. Louis, MO?
MINT offers minimally invasive care for men experiencing urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. The team is led by board-certified interventional radiologist Dr. Goke Akinwande and uses advanced imaging to support precise diagnosis and treatment. Patients also receive clear explanations about their condition, potential solutions, and what to expect. With multiple offices in the St. Louis area, MINT makes specialized prostate care more accessible to local patients.
Next step
If urinary symptoms are affecting your sleep and daily life, a PAE consultation can help determine whether this minimally invasive option makes sense for you.
Medical information on this page is for general education and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you believe you have an emergency, call 911.
FAQs
What is BPH?
BPH is benign enlargement of the prostate that can obstruct urine flow and cause urinary symptoms.
What is PAE?
Prostate artery embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment that reduces blood flow to targeted prostate tissue to help relieve symptoms in selected patients.
Is PAE right for everyone with BPH?
No. Candidacy depends on evaluation, anatomy, and clinical factors.
How long is recovery after PAE?
Recovery varies, but many patients return to normal activities relatively quickly. Your provider will review expected timelines for your situation.
What are alternatives to PAE?
Alternatives can include medications and other procedures (such as TURP/HoLEP/UroLift/Rezūm). Your evaluation helps determine what best fits your goals.