Men - do you find yourself constantly running to the bathroom to pee? Do you experience discomfort or pain while urinating or have a weak stream? These could be signs of a common condition affecting many men over 50: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
Not only can BPH be a major inconvenience, but it can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. But don't worry- we’re here to help.
In this blog post, we'll explore the symptoms, causes, diagnoses, and treatment options for BPH and provide compassionate support for those who are struggling with this condition. Because at VIP, we believe that every patient deserves the highest level of care and comfort.
So, let's dive in and learn how we can help you manage your BPH symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged, leading to a variety of frustrating symptoms and health complications. The prostate gland is an essential organ located just below the bladder in men, responsible for producing semen and playing a crucial role in sexual function.
As the prostate gland grows larger, it can put pressure on the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis) and cause symptoms like:
While BPH is a relatively common condition among older men, it can have a significant impact on quality of life, particularly with regard to urinary symptoms. Many men find that they need to get up multiple times throughout the night to empty their bladder, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and daytime fatigue.
Other significant impacts of BPH include difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, decreased sexual desire, and ejaculation problems.
The causes of BPH are not fully understood, but age and hormones are believed to play major roles. As men age, their prostate gland naturally grows larger, while changes in hormone levels can also contribute to prostate enlargement. Other risk factors for developing BPH include obesity, family history, and certain medications.
However, it’s important to note that though an enlarged prostate is often referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia, this is technically not always the case. Cases of BPH may include an enlarged prostate, but not every enlarged prostate is necessarily BPH.
There are three treatment categories available for this condition, tailored to the patient’s specific circumstances and the body's response to each approach: medications, outpatient procedures, or surgery. Typically, we advise starting with conservative medications or minimally invasive procedures before considering surgical treatment, though every patient’s needs will differ.
While some patients may respond to oral medications like Alpha Blockers to relieve symptoms, others will enjoy complete relief by undergoing a minimally invasive procedure known as Prostate Artery Embolization.
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our team of specially trained interventional radiologists at Vascular and Interventional Partners regularly performs this procedure with great success.
As an alternative to more invasive surgical procedures, prostate artery embolization is normally done on an outpatient basis. This minimally invasive procedure is performed through the wrist or groin.
Using image guidance technology, a small catheter is used to place tiny embolic beads into vessels feeding the prostate. As a result, the prostate shrinks, and pain and discomfort are relieved by blocking blood flow to the arteries that supply the enlarged prostate, allowing for a normal stream.
The PAE procedure comes with fewer risks than traditional surgery and allows for a quicker recovery. There are no sexual side effects, and most men will see results in as little as 2-3 weeks.
Not sure if you have BPH? Take the FREE quiz here.
At VIP, we are a team of highly skilled medical professionals who have been extensively trained in the kinds of conditions you are experiencing. We have developed a reputation for taking on the most severe cases that need the most acute treatment — and we are highly successful in those complex cases.
Many of our clinicians have served as professors and educators to the medical community, and we practice only with the most cutting-edge treatments and techniques available to the field.
If you or someone you love has been suffering from an enlarged prostate, schedule a consultation today to see how our team can help!
