Getting up several times a night to urinate. Dealing with a weak stream or struggling to empty your bladder. These may seem like minor annoyances at first. But over time, these lower urinary tract symptoms can wear on you physically and mentally, especially if they start interfering with work, travel, or your ability to sleep.
If you’ve been told you have an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common conditions affecting men as they age. Can enlarged prostate be cured? The answer depends on what you mean by “cure.” While BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, there are several effective treatments available, some of which can shrink the prostate and ease symptoms without surgery.
Here in Miami, many men are choosing a minimally invasive approach known as prostate artery embolization (PAE). It offers an alternative to traditional procedures, with fewer risks and a quicker return to your daily life.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes an enlarged prostate, your options for relief, and whether new treatments can restore your comfort and confidence.
What Causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
BPH is one of the most common prostate conditions in men over 50, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The condition is linked to changes in hormones as you age, but it doesn’t develop overnight. The prostate gradually increases in size, putting pressure on the urethra and bladder, leading to urinary symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Weak urine stream or dribbling
- Difficulty starting urination
- Sensation of incomplete emptying
- Sudden urges to urinate
- Urinary retention in more advanced cases
These symptoms are collectively known as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). While they may start off as mild, they can worsen over time especially without treatment.
Can BPH Be Cured or Just Managed?
The short answer is: BPH can be managed very effectively, and in some cases, reversed. “Cure” may not be the most accurate term, since BPH is tied to natural aging and hormonal changes. But minimally invasive treatments like PAE can significantly shrink the prostate, restore bladder control, and dramatically reduce or eliminate urinary symptoms. For many men, that outcome feels like a cure.
Other options include:
- Medication to relax muscles or shrink the gland
- Surgical procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- Lifestyle changes, such as limiting caffeine and alcohol
But each option comes with trade-offs. That’s why more patients are looking into treatments like PAE.
What Is Prostate Artery Embolization?
Prostate artery embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It involves inserting a catheter, typically through a puncture site in the upper thigh or wrist, and threading it into the prostate arteries.
Once the catheter is in position, the radiologist uses imaging to guide tiny particles into the blood vessels that supply the prostate. These particles block blood flow to specific parts of the gland, which causes it to shrink over time.
The PAE procedure for enlarged prostate typically:
- Takes about two hours
- Is done under local anesthesia
- Requires no general anesthesia
- Allows you to return home the same day
- Is performed with a multidisciplinary team in a clinical setting
Unlike procedures that destroy tissue through heat or radiation, PAE reduces the prostate’s size by cutting off blood supply safely and without thermal damage. For most patients, this minimally invasive alternative offers relief with lower risk of complications.
How PAE Compares to Traditional Surgery
Traditional surgeries like TURP have long been used to treat symptomatic BPH, but they come with higher risks of:
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Urinary incontinence
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bleeding and longer recovery times
By contrast, PAE treatment is less invasive and often better tolerated, especially for men who:
- Have medical history that makes surgery riskier
- Prefer to avoid catheterization under general anesthesia
- Want to maintain sexual function
- Need to return to routine activities quickly
In clinical studies, most patients report long-term symptom relief with minimal side effects. And since it’s performed by interventional radiology teams, you avoid the need for hospitalization.
What Are the Risks Involved?
As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved, though they are relatively low with PAE. These may include:
- Bruising or discomfort at the puncture site
- Temporary urinary retention or irritation
- Rare risk of non-target embolization (particles reaching unintended vessels)
That’s why performing PAE requires skill, precision, and access to advanced imaging. At Prostate Specialists of Miami, the procedure is done by Dr. Adam S. Gropper, a board-certified radiologist and fellowship trained interventional radiologist who specializes in prostate artery embolization.
Is PAE for Enlarged Prostate Right for You?
Not every man with BPH is a candidate for PAE. The decision depends on several factors, including:
- Your prostate size
- Severity of your urinary symptoms
- Any history of prostate cancer
- Presence of a foley catheter or prior procedures
- Your overall health and ability to undergo a minimally invasive treatment
PAE is not a treatment for prostate cancer. If your symptoms are linked to a cancer diagnosis, your care team may recommend a different approach. An evaluation by a qualified provider will include a review of your medical history, imaging, and symptom assessment to determine if PAE offers the right path forward.
What Happens After the Procedure?
After PAE, most patients notice improvement within a few weeks, with full results developing over several months as the prostate shrinks and pressure on the urethra decreases. You’ll likely be able to return to light activity the next day and resume routine activities within a few days.
Many men report:
- Stronger urine flow
- Reduced urgency and frequency
- Better sleep
- Improved confidence and comfort
Because PAE avoids cutting or removing tissue, it reduces the chances of long-term side effects like urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
Explore a Minimally Invasive Path in Miami
If you’re dealing with an enlarged prostate and want real options, not just pills or surgery, you’re in the right place. Dr. Adam Gropper is a board-certified radiologist and fellowship trained interventional radiologist who brings over 20 years of experience to prostate artery embolization. Through his work at Prostate Specialists of Miami, he offers a minimally invasive, outpatient alternative that shrinks the prostate without cutting, heat, or general anesthesia.
Your search for answers led you here. Now take the next step and call (786) 500-5347 to schedule a personalized evaluation. If more convenient, you can complete our confidential online form.
While you wait for your consultation, download our FREE guide, 5 Reasons to Choose Prostate Artery Embolization, and learn how this outpatient procedure could ease symptoms and support your quality of life.
Prefer a more in-depth look? Join us for our FREE Webinar: Mastering Prostate Health: The PAE Breakthrough for Men. Check it out here to reserve your spot.
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Prostate Specialists of Miami
15400 Biscayne Boulevard #104
Aventura, FL 33160
(786) 500-5347
http://prostatespecialistmiami.com/
