September is Prostate Health Month, which highlights the importance of monitoring the overall health of your prostate, identifying symptoms, and understanding what your risks and treatment options are.
Maintaining prostate health is crucial for men as they age. As men get older, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can develop. Understanding the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, and learning about available treatments and risk factors can help men take charge of their prostate health.
What Is an Enlarged Prostate?
An enlarged prostate commonly occurs in men over the age of 50. This growth can compress the urethra, the tube through which urine exits the bladder, causing various urinary symptoms. While BPH is a natural part of aging, it can negatively affect the quality of life if left untreated.
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
Recognizing the symptoms is key to seeking timely treatment. Men with BPH often experience:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty starting urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Urgency to urinate
- Dribbling at the end of urination
If left untreated these symptoms can worsen and lead to more serious issues like urinary tract infections, not being able to pee, and possibly prostate cancer.
What are the Risk Factors for an Enlarged Prostate?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing BPH. Age is the most significant risk factor for BPH, as the condition becomes more prevalent as men age. In fact, studies show that about 50% of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men in their 80s have some form of prostate enlargement. Other risk factors include:
- Family history
- Obesity
- Underlying health conditions
Enlarged Prostate Treatment in Minneapolis
For men seeking relief from the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, there are various treatment options available, ranging from medications to surgical procedures. One minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), which works by blocking the blood flow to the prostate, causing the gland to shrink over time.
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) involves a small nick in the skin to insert and guide a catheter into the blood vessels supplying the prostate. Tiny particles are then injected to reduce blood flow to the gland, decreasing its size. The procedure offers several benefits, including:
- Minimally invasive: PAE is less invasive than traditional surgery and involves minimal downtime.
- Fewer side effects: Since the procedure is performed through a small incision, it has fewer side effects than surgical options.
- Quicker recovery: Most men experience relief within days or weeks and can resume normal activities soon after.
Knowing your risks and learning to recognize the symptoms of BPH is the best way you can prioritize your prostate health this month (and every month).
Dr. Jafar Golzarian of North Star Vascular & Interventional was the very first physician in the United States to perform the PAE procedure and continues to help men in the Minneapolis area by treating this condition without surgery. In addition to educating you on your options, Dr. Golzarian and his team will work with your urologist to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Call us at (952) 960-9399 to schedule a PAE consultation.
