Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
What is BPH?
As men age, their prostate gland can grow larger, putting pressure on the bladder and urethra, the vessel that carries urine from the bladder and outside of the body. This is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. It is one of the most common health problems men can experience, affecting half of all men between 51 and 60 years of age, and 90% of men older than 80.
In some cases, it can lead to painful urination, reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and urinary continence or retention (the inability to urinate). Most men with BPH are unhappy with the condition and do not wish to live the rest of their lives with its symptoms, which typically include:
A frequent or urgent need to urinate (especially at night)
A weak urine stream
Difficulty beginning urination or dribbling at the end
Inability to completely empty the bladder
What happens as the prostate gets bigger?
The prostate is a gland that is normally the size of a walnut. With BPH, it can grow as large as a tennis ball. The enlarging prostate can put pressure on the urethra, which carries urine out of the body. This can restrict the flow of urine or, in extreme cases, cut it off completely.
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE):
A Revolutionary Treatment
At North Star Prostate Center, we specialize in the innovative treatment for BPH, Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE). PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that helps to shrink the prostate by blocking the blood vessels feeding the prostate, thereby reducing its size and alleviating the pressure on the urethra. This groundbreaking treatment offers an effective alternative to more traditional, invasive surgical procedures with a quicker recovery time and minimal side effects.
Take Control of Your Health Today
If you’re struggling with the symptoms of BPH, it’s time to take action. Don’t let your condition dictate your quality of life. Contact North Star Prostate Center to learn more about this innovative treatment and schedule a consultation with one of our expert physicians.