Prostate Artery Embolization: A Non-Surgical Solution for BPH Symptoms

Health changes are a natural part of the aging process. About 50% of men develop an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), by age 60.  While BPH isn’t cancerous, it can cause frustrating symptoms that affect your quality of life.

Advanced treatments like prostate artery embolization mean you don’t have to face invasive surgery to find relief. Here’s what you need to know about prostate artery embolization from our expert team at Vascular & Interventional Specialists.

The most common symptoms of BPH

BPH develops as your prostate gets larger with age. It can start pressing against your urethra as it grows, making it harder for urine to flow freely and causing some uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the most common signs of BPH are:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or maintaining a steady urine stream
• A feeling that your bladder isn’t fully empty after urinating
• Urgency to urinate that can be difficult to control
• Weak or interrupted urine flow

These symptoms are rarely life-threatening. However, they can interfere with sleep, work, social activities, and your overall well-being. The good news is that BPH is treatable, and one of the most effective options is prostate artery embolization.

How prostate artery embolization treats BPH

Prostate artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks your prostate and relieves urinary symptoms without surgery. 

It takes about 1-3 hours, and there’s very little downtime required. In fact, most of our patients return home the same day and resume all their normal activities within a few days.

We generally use local anesthesia and moderate sedation during the procedure, so you remain awake but comfortable. Our interventional radiology team guides a tiny catheter through the arteries that lead to your prostate, and no large incisions are required.

Once the catheter is positioned, we release small particles to block the blood flow that keeps your prostate enlarged. Over time, this reduced blood supply makes your prostate shrink, which eases pressure on your urethra and improves urinary flow.

How to know if prostate artery embolization is right for you

BPH symptoms range in severity, and not every man with BPH needs treatment right away. Some may find lifestyle adjustments or medication helpful enough to manage symptoms, so that a more advanced procedure isn’t necessary.

However, if your urinary problems are persistent, disruptive, or not improving with medication, it might be time to explore procedures like prostate artery embolization. We might recommend considering prostate artery embolization if you:

• Are seeking long-term relief with minimal side effects
• Want to avoid the risks and downtime of traditional surgery
• Prefer a treatment that preserves sexual function compared to some surgical alternatives
• Have not had success with medications

Our team at Vascular & Interventional Specialists is here to help you make an informed decision about your care. We work with you to evaluate your health, symptoms, and goals to determine if prostate artery embolization is a good choice for you.

Living with the symptoms of an enlarged prostate doesn’t have to be your new normal. With modern treatments like prostate artery embolization, you have options that can restore comfort and confidence without surgery. 

Take the first step toward relief and schedule a consultation at our clinic in Miami, Florida, to find out more about prostate artery embolization.