Before we explain how to recover from prostate artery embolization (PAE), we must first explain why the procedure is necessary for many men. As men age, they tend to develop benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). More than 14 million American men and 30 million men around the globe experience BPH symptoms, including the following:
- Pain or difficulty with urination
- Frequent urination
- Strong or sudden urges to urinate
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Urinary incontinence
- Decreased urinary flow rate
- Inability to urinate or fully empty your bladder
- Getting up frequently at night to urinate
Overall, 30% of men over 50 and 90% of men over 85 will deal with BPH.
Thanks to the pervasiveness of BPH, research has revealed what it involves and how to treat it. Below, Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Adam S. Gropper, explains what to expect from PAE. If you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation, call 786-500-5347.
What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat men with an enlarged prostate. It involves inserting a catheter into the femoral artery and threading it up to the prostate arteries. Once in place, the doctor injects tiny beads into the vessels to cut off blood flow to the prostate. Consequently, the gland shrinks, relieving urinary symptoms. Recovery from PAE tends to be quick, with most men returning home the same day. There may be some minor discomfort and bruising at the injection site, but this usually goes away within a few days. Overall, PAE is a safe and effective treatment for an enlarged prostate.
How Long Does It Take PAE to Relieve Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy?
Symptoms usually improve within one to two weeks, with most men experiencing a significant reduction in urinary symptoms. PAE is a safe and effective treatment option for men with BPH who are not candidates for surgery or do not want to undergo surgery. Imagine sleeping through the night without running to the bathroom or making a presentation at work without fearing embarrassing urinary incontinence. If you’re ready to reclaim your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Prostate Specialists of Miami and our interventional radiologist at 786-500-5347 to discover if PAE is right for you.
What are the Risks and Side Effects of PAE?
Although PAE offers minimal risk and discomfort, it does have side effects. The most common is urinary retention, which usually resolves within a few days after the procedure. Post-procedure effects are generally mild and can include the following:
- Mild pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination
- Continued itching around the site of your incision
- Nausea and low-grade fever (rarely)
Referred to as post-embolization syndrome, it goes away within a few days. Following a PAE, most men can return to normal activities within one to two days and do not experience sexual side effects. If you are considering PAE, your interventional radiologist can discuss the risks and side effects to help you make an informed decision.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from PAE Surgery?
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) has a swift recovery time and minimal side effects. The most common include mild pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, and occasional burning sensations that subside quickly. Additionally, with PAE, there is almost no risk of sexual dysfunction post-procedure.
How Can I Find Out If I’m A Candidate for PAE?
The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is the scoring system medical professionals use to screen and diagnose BPH. We invite you to take our three-minute quiz to determine if you are eligible for BPH. After you take the questionnaire and share your results with us, we can help you understand the severity of your symptoms, then schedule a consultation to determine if PAE is right for you.
Reclaim Your Life with PAE from Dr. Adam S. Gropper and Prostate Specialists of Miami
Are you experiencing symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)? Don’t wait – take action today and get in touch with Dr. Adam Gropper at the renowned Prostate Specialists of Miami to learn more about how an innovative procedure, prostate artery embolization, could bring relief from these common yet bothersome issues. Call us at 786-500-5347 or complete our online form to get started on your healing.
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Prostate Specialists of Miami
15400 Biscayne Boulevard #104
Aventura, FL 33160
786-500-5347
https://prostatespecialistmiami.com/
