A Minimally Invasive Option for Prostate Relief: One Patient’s Experience
Quick Overview
Quick Overview
- Age: 71
- Main Concern: Ongoing urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Initial Symptom Score (IPSS): 21 (significant impact on daily life)
- Treatment: Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
- Results: Symptom score improved to 8–9 within 1 month and stayed stable
- Medications: No longer needed after 3 months
- Surgery: Avoided
- Complications: None
The Patient’s Story
A 71-year-old man came to North Star Prostate Center looking for answers after years of frustrating urinary symptoms. He was experiencing frequent urination, difficulty emptying his bladder, and poor sleep. These are all common signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate.
Although he had tried prescription medications, they caused unwanted side effects like dizziness and changes in ejaculation. Surgery had been discussed, but he wanted to avoid anything invasive if possible, especially options that could affect sexual function.
Because he also takes blood thinners for a heart condition, finding a safe, low-risk treatment was especially important.
Finding the Right Treatment Option
Before recommending any procedure, our team completed a thorough evaluation to understand the cause of his symptoms and determine whether PAE was a good fit.
His testing showed:
- A significantly enlarged prostate
- No signs of prostate cancer
- Urinary symptoms caused mainly by blockage, not bladder weakness
Based on these findings, and after careful review with both urology and interventional radiology specialists, PAE was recommended as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. Importantly, this procedure could be done without stopping blood thinners and without general anesthesia.
What Is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats an enlarged prostate by reducing its blood supply. By carefully blocking specific prostate arteries, the prostate gradually shrinks, relieving pressure on the bladder and urethra.
No surgical incisions
No general anesthesia
Typically performed as an outpatient procedure
Results and Recovery
The improvement was noticeable and meaningful.
- 1 month after PAE: Symptom score improved from 21 to 9
- 3 months after PAE: Symptom score improved further to 8; prostate medications were stopped
- 6 months after PAE: Symptoms remained stable
The patient reported better urinary flow, fewer nighttime bathroom trips, and a significant improvement in overall quality of life, all without the side effects he experienced on medication.
No additional prostate procedures were needed.
What This Means for Patients
This case shows how PAE can be an effective option for men who:
- Have moderate to severe urinary symptoms
- Do not tolerate prostate medications
- Want to avoid surgery
- Take blood thinners or have other medical conditions
- Are looking for a minimally invasive treatment with a shorter recovery
PAE is not right for everyone. That’s why every patient at North Star Prostate Center receives a personalized evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment.
When to Ask About PAE
You may want to ask about PAE if you:
- Struggle with urinary symptoms that affect daily life
- Have tried medications without relief or with side effects
- Have an enlarged prostate
- Prefer a non-surgical option
Our team works closely with urologists to ensure patients are guided toward the treatment that best fits their condition and goals.
Want to learn if PAE could be right for you?
Explore your options with the specialists at North Star Prostate Center by scheduling a consultation or speaking with your urologist.
