Are you constantly battling annoying urinary symptoms and disrupted sleep due to an enlarged prostate? If so, you’re not alone. Many men face the challenges of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The good news is that prostate artery embolization (PAE) offers an innovative treatment option for BPH.
However, knowing when it’s time to seek PAE treatment can be challenging. In this blog, Dr. Adam S. Gropper, a leading interventional radiologist and vascular specialist in Florida, shares the signs and symptoms that may indicate it’s time to seek PAE treatment in Florida.
If you’d like to know if you’re a good candidate for PAE, take our FREE 3-Minute Quiz to determine your International Prostate Symptom Score and see if you’re eligible for PAE. You can also contact us at our Prostate Specialists of Miami clinic by calling (786) 500-5347 to schedule your consultation.
What is PAE?
PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate by blocking blood flow to the gland. This is done by injecting tiny particles into the prostate arteries, which gradually shrink the prostate, relieving pressure on the urethra and improving urinary symptoms. You can read about PAE in more detail in a recent blog by clicking here.
Signs and Symptoms Indicating It’s Time to Seek PAE
While mild symptoms of an enlarged prostate may be manageable with lifestyle changes and medication, several signs may indicate it’s time to consider PAE treatment:
Severe Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Severe lower urinary tract symptoms are common in men with BPH. These may include difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, or the need to strain while urinating.
PAE may be a suitable option if these symptoms significantly impact your quality of life or fail to improve with conservative treatments.
Frequent Urination at Night
Nocturia, or the need to urinate frequently at night, can disrupt your sleep and overall well-being. If nocturia persists despite lifestyle changes and medication, it’s time to consider PAE.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
An enlarged prostate can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by obstructing urine flow and promoting bacterial growth. If you experience recurrent UTIs not resolved with antibiotics, PAE may be necessary to address the underlying issue.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones can develop due to incomplete bladder emptying caused by an enlarged prostate. These stones can cause pain, infection, and further urinary problems. If bladder stones are present and symptomatic, it’s time to consider PAE as a treatment option.
Kidney Damage
Untreated BPH can eventually lead to kidney damage due to urinary retention and increased pressure on the kidneys. If diagnostic tests reveal kidney damage or compromised function, PAE may be recommended to alleviate symptoms and protect your kidney health.
Evaluating Your Candidacy for PAE
Before pursuing PAE treatment, evaluating your candidacy for the procedure is critical. This involves:
Consulting with a Urologist
A urologist specializing in BPH can help determine if PAE is the right treatment option for you. They will consider your age, overall health, and the severity of your symptoms when making this decision.
Discussing Your Medical History and Symptoms
Your urologist will want to understand your medical history, including any previous treatments or surgeries for BPH, and the specific symptoms you’re experiencing. This information will help them determine if PAE is the most appropriate treatment option for your situation.
Undergoing Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies, can help your urologist assess the severity of your BPH and evaluate the health of your urinary system.
These tests will provide valuable information to guide your treatment decisions. In some cases, a prostate-specific antigen test is done to help rule out prostate cancer.
Referral to an Interventional Radiologist
Once your urologist has ruled out prostate cancer or other diseases and determined that PAE might be the right treatment option, they will refer you to an interventional radiologist specializing in this procedure.
Interventional radiologists are experts in performing minimally invasive treatments using imaging guidance. They will work closely with your urologist to evaluate your medical history, diagnostic test results, and overall health to ensure that PAE is the most appropriate and effective treatment option for your BPH.
During your consultation with the interventional radiologist, they will explain the PAE procedure in detail, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and address any questions or concerns.
The Benefits of PAE Treatment
PAE offers several benefits compared to traditional surgical treatments for BPH:
- Less invasive: PAE is performed through a small incision in the groin, meaning there’s less pain, scarring, and recovery time than traditional surgery.
- Outpatient procedure: Patients go home the same day after PAE, whereas traditional surgery may require a hospital stay.
- Lower risk of complications: PAE has a lower risk of complications such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence compared to traditional surgery.
- Improved quality of life: PAE can effectively relieve urinary symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
With all these benefits of PAE treatment, don’t hesitate to take action and improve your quality of life by exploring this cutting-edge solution for your BPH symptoms.
Find Relief from an Enlarged Prostate with PAE Treatment in Florida
If you’re searching online for “prostate artery embolization doctors near me,” contact us instead. When you choose Prostate Specialists of Miami, you’ll meet our lead physician, interventional radiologist Dr. Adam S. Gropper. Dr. Gropper has over 20 years of experience treating venous and vascular disorders, including BPH.
He has served as an Associate Professor at FIU Medical School and recently retired from his position as Chief of Radiology at Jackson North Medical Center after 10 years of service.
Take the first step towards improved urinary function, health, and more enjoyable quality of life. It’s time to reclaim control over your body and regain the freedom you deserve! Call (786) 500-5347 or complete our online form today to schedule your consultation to get relief from your BPH symptoms.
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Prostate Specialists of Miami
15400 Biscayne Boulevard #104
Aventura, FL 33160
(786) 500-5347
https://prostatespecialistmiami.com/
