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Prostate Artery Embolization: Relief from Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

Prostate Artery Embolization: Relief from Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and urinary incontinence. PAE is a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery, with a shorter recovery time and fewer potential complications. Andrew Doe, MD, offers prostate artery embolization at Alate Health. For more details, contact us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Hermann Drive Houston, TX and Gulf Freeway Houston, TX.

Prostate Artery Embolization Near Me in Hermann Drive and Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX
Prostate Artery Embolization Near Me in Hermann Drive and Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX

Table of Contents:

What is artery embolization for an enlarged prostate?
What symptoms of an enlarged prostate can be improved by prostate artery embolization?
Can prostate artery embolization cause frequent urination?
Who is not a good candidate for a PAE?

What is artery embolization for an enlarged prostate?


Artery embolization is an emerging, minimally invasive procedure we offer to our patients as a non-surgical option for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition, which manifests as an enlarged prostate, tends to affect men as they age, leading to urinary problems including urinary tract infections, difficulties starting or stopping urine, and frequent urination.

Our team of expert interventional radiologists begins the artery embolization process by injecting tiny particles, or embolic agents, into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. These particles obstruct the blood flow, triggering the prostate to shrink. This procedure is performed under imaging guidance, where we insert a catheter through a small incision in the patient’s groin, directing it to the arteries that fuel the prostate with blood.

We typically recommend artery embolization for men with BPH who present moderate to severe symptoms that have been unresponsive to other treatments. These symptoms may include difficulty urinating, increased urinary frequency, a weak urine stream, or blood in the urine.

Choosing Alate Health for artery embolization comes with multiple benefits:

• Minimally invasive procedure with only small incisions required
• Quicker recovery times
• Lower risk of complications, such as bleeding or infection
• Improved urinary symptoms
• Enhanced quality of life without the need for BPH medications or more invasive surgical procedures

Artery embolization at our clinic is performed as an outpatient procedure, typically taking 1-3 hours. The majority of our patients are released the same day or the day after.

Post-procedure, patients may experience some discomfort or pain in the groin area, which can be managed with medication. Most patients can return to their homes within 24 hours. The procedure is effective in reducing prostate size and improving urinary symptoms in most patients.

What symptoms of an enlarged prostate can be improved by prostate artery embolization?


One of the most distressing symptoms BPH can cause is urinary issues, such as frequent urination, especially at night, difficulty starting or stopping urination, a weak or interrupted urinary stream, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary leakage. By performing PAE, our interventional radiologists can reduce the size of the enlarged prostate and relieve the pressure on the urethra, improving urine flow and reducing urinary symptoms.

In addition to urinary issues, BPH can cause discomfort or discomfort in the hips, pelvis, or lower back. Our patients have found relief from these symptoms after undergoing PAE. Sexual dysfunction, another common symptom of BPH, has also been reported to improve post-PAE.

Our team is also dedicated to helping reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common in men with BPH due to urinary retention. By improving bladder emptying and reducing urinary retention with PAE, we can lower your risk of UTIs and their associated symptoms.

We also recognize the impact of BPH on your overall quality of life, with symptoms causing sleep disruptions, increased anxiety, and decreased overall satisfaction. By offering PAE treatment, we aim to alleviate these symptoms, enabling you to take back command of your life and enjoy your daily activities with less discomfort and interruption.

Can prostate artery embolization cause frequent urination?


PAE functions by decreasing the prostate’s blood flow. In doing so, the gland shrinks and symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia are alleviated. Patients must, however, be aware of the possible risks and problems, just like with any medical operation. One such possible side effect is frequent urination, which may occur due to the treatment’s impact on the prostate gland, which contributes to urinary control.

While the embolization process may temporarily irritate the prostate and urinary tract, resulting in an increased urge to urinate, this side effect is often temporary and resolves as the body heals post-procedure. However, patients’ experiences can vary significantly. Some may experience frequent urination after PAE, while others may observe different side effects such as blood in the urine, minor pain, or discomfort in the lower abdomen.

We believe in the importance of informed decision-making. We encourage our patients to discuss these potential side effects and complications with our healthcare professionals before deciding to undergo PAE. This way, our patients can make well-informed decisions about the procedure and adequately prepare for any possible short-term and long-term effects. Throughout therapy, our team of professionals is always on hand to address any queries and offer the required assistance.

Who is not a good candidate for a PAE?


Those with active urinary tract infections or prostatitis should not undergo PAE at our clinic. The procedure could worsen the infection, leading to severe complications. Therefore, any present infection must be treated before considering PAE.

Men with certain types of prostate cancer, especially people whose cancer has progressed and spread beyond their prostate, are not advised to undergo PAE. This is because PAE is designed to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate rather than the cancer itself.

Those with severe bladder outlet obstruction, insufficient blood flow to the prostate, or anatomical abnormalities of the prostate arteries may require a different type of intervention, such as surgery, to adequately relieve their symptoms.

Patients with severe kidney disease, untreated blood clotting disorders, severe peripheral arterial disease, major bleeding disorders, or an allergy to contrast material used during the procedure should not undergo PAE at our clinic. This is due to the use of contrast dye in the procedure, which can be harmful to individuals with poor kidney function.

Individuals who have a large prostate that is unlikely to be effectively embolized or who have undergone previous prostate surgery or radiation therapy may not be ideal candidates for PAE.

Lastly, men who are planning to have children in the future should carefully consider PAE. While PAE has less impact on sexual function compared to other treatments for BPH, it can potentially impact fertility.

At Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic, we underscore the importance of a thorough discussion with our healthcare providers about your medical history, current health status, and plans to determine whether PAE is the best choice for you. For more details, contact us today or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Hermann Drive Houston TX, Gulf Freeway Houston TX, Montrose TX, Bellaire TX, Deer Park TX, Houston Heights TX, Pasadena TX, Pearland TX, and surrounding areas of Texas.

Convenient Locations to Serve You

Hermann Drive

Gulf Freeway