BPH TreatmentOrange, CA
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition among men over 50 that causes urination problems. At Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Orange County, we specialize in Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive procedure that provides lasting relief from enlarged prostate symptoms without the risks associated with traditional surgery.
Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system that surrounds the urethra. As men age, the prostate naturally enlarges, and its cells grow larger. This condition is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
BPH leads to an enlarged and inflamed prostate gland that compresses the urethra, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Enlarged prostate affects more than 50% of men by age 50, and up to 90% of men over age 80. These symptoms can disrupt daily activities, affect sleep, and cause pain and discomfort. If left untreated, BPH symptoms can worsen with age and sometimes lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), blood in the urine, kidney issues, or even complete urinary retention. Thus, patients should seek immediate professional treatment for lasting relief.
Signs and Symptoms of BPH
BPH symptoms are similar to other urinary or prostate issues. These symptoms include:
- Frequent urination and urgency
- Difficulty starting or controlling urination
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Painful urination (Dysuria)
- Feeling that you cannot completely empty your bladder
- Increased frequency of urination at night (Nocturia)
A more alarming symptom is hematuria, or blood in the urine. The blood may appear as red crystals or clumps of red cells. You can see it on toilet paper when wiping, during urination, or in tissue samples during a cystoscopy.
Causes of Enlarged Prostates
Since patients have different body types, the specific cause of an enlarged prostate may vary. Common causes include hereditary factors, aging, and hormone imbalances.
More often than not, BPH is genetic in origin. As we age, the prostate naturally enlarges, which may lead to urination problems such as increased frequency and a weaker flow. Hormones also play a role, with patients having low testosterone levels appearing to have an increased risk for this condition, especially among men over 50 years of age.
Our team can help to identify any warning signs of BPH or other health issues, recommending the most effective course of action.
What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to provide relief for men suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). PAE is a non-surgical option that shrinks the prostate, by targeting the blood vessels that feed the gland. It provides symptom relief without the need for invasive surgery, general anesthesia, or tissue removal.
The PAE procedure works by reducing blood flow to the enlarged prostate, which causes the gland to shrink gradually over time. As the prostate shrinks, pressure on the urethra is relieved, and urinary symptoms typically improve—without surgery, cutting, or removal of tissue. This innovative approach is an excellent option for men looking to avoid traditional surgery or long-term medication for prostate enlargement.
How does PAE Work?
Our experienced interventional radiologists use advanced imaging guidance to perform the PAE procedure with precision:
- Tiny Incision: A small incision is made in the wrist or groin to access an artery—no large surgical cuts required.
- Catheter Guidance: A specialized microcatheter is carefully guided through the artery to the blood vessels supplying the prostate using real-time X-ray imaging.
- Blocking Blood Flow: Microscopic embolic particles (tiny medical-grade beads) are injected into the arteries to block blood flow to the enlarged prostate tissue.
- Shrinking the Prostate: As the prostate receives less blood, it gradually shrinks over the next several weeks to months, reducing pressure on the urethra and alleviating urinary symptoms.
- Quick & Comfortable: The entire procedure takes one to two hours and is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, keeping you comfortable throughout.
- Simple Closure: When complete, the catheter is removed and light pressure with a bandage is applied to the access site—no stitches needed.
Why Choose PAE for BPH Treatment?
PAE presents numerous advantages over traditional surgical treatments such as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), making it a preferred choice for men seeking effective relief with minimal downtime and fewer complications.
Key benefits of the PAE procedure include:
- Minimally Invasive: PAE requires only a tiny pinhole incision, resulting in less pain and minimal scarring. Nothing is inserted into the penis.
- Outpatient Procedure: Performed at our state-of-the-art facility with same-day discharge.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
- Preserves Sexual Function: PAE has extremely low complication rates with no reports of negative effects on sexual function or causing retrograde ejaculation.
- Low Risk of Urinary Incontinence: Much lower risk compared to surgical treatments.
- Effective Symptom Relief: Clinical studies show that over 80% of patients experience significant symptom relief, with full benefits developing over one to three months.
PAE vs. Traditional BPH Surgery (TURP)
| Feature | PAE (Prostate Artery Embolization) | TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Minimally Invasive (Catheter-based) | Surgical (Tissue removal) |
| Incision Size | Pinhole incision (wrist or groin) | None (instrument inserted through urethra) |
| Anesthesia | Local with light sedation | Spinal or General |
| Hospital Stay | Outpatient/Same-day discharge | Typically 1-2 nights |
| Recovery Time | 24 – 48 hours to resume normal activities | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Risk of Retrograde Ejaculation | Extremely Low/Rare | High Risk (Common) |
Other Treatment Options for BPH
While we specialize in PAE and believe it offers the best combination of effectiveness and safety for most patients, other treatments for BPH include lifestyle changes, medications, and traditional surgery.
For mild symptoms, lifestyle modifications such as limiting alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can help relieve symptoms. Medications including Finasteride (Proscar), Dutasteride (Avodart), Terazosin (Hytrin), Tamsulosin (Flomax), and alpha-blockers like Alfuzosin (Uroxatral) may be prescribed to shrink the prostate gland and relax bladder muscles. However, these medications can have side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction.
Newer procedures like UroLift and Rezūm are less invasive options. However, they may not be suitable for all men, especially those with larger prostates. Our specialists can help you navigate these options and determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also referred to as an enlarged prostate, is when an individual has a large and inflamed prostate gland. While BPH can be uncomfortable, it is a non-cancerous condition. It can be caused by a patient's age, hormone imbalance, and genetic predisposition.
What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?
PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that treats BPH by blocking blood flow to the enlarged prostate. Using a tiny catheter inserted through the wrist or groin, microscopic particles are delivered to the arteries supplying the prostate, causing it to shrink over time and relieving urinary symptoms.
How effective is PAE?
Clinical studies show that over 80% of patients experience significant symptom relief following the PAE procedure. The procedure can shrink the prostate by 20-40% in the majority of patients within six months, leading to improved urinary flow and quality of life.
Will PAE affect my sexual function?
Unlike traditional prostate surgeries, PAE has extremely low complication rates with no reports of negative effects on sexual function. The procedure preserves erectile function and does not cause retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm), which commonly occurs after TURP surgery.
How long does PAE recovery take?
Most patients return home the same day and can resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. You may experience mild pelvic discomfort or frequent urination for a few days. Full benefits typically develop over one to three months.
Will my insurance cover treatment?
This depends on your treatment plan and coverage. We invite you to call our office to discuss finance options. We can review the various insurance companies we accept and help guide patients on the path toward necessary treatment.
Call Us Today
Take the next step toward lasting relief. If you or a loved one is experiencing BPH symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to our highly-skilled specialists. For more information about our Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) treatment, contact our office at 714-560-4450 to schedule an appointment today.
Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Orange County is located at 1010 W La Veta Ave Suite 320 Orange, CA 92868.
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