PAE for Enlarged Prostate — A Non-Surgical Solution for Better Quality of Life
Discover how Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) treats enlarged prostate, helping men relieve urinary symptoms while preserving sexual health.
Select Topic
In middle age to older adulthood, many men experience urinary problems such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, a weak urine stream, or needing to wake up often at night to urinate. These symptoms may seem mild at first, but if left untreated, they can significantly affect quality of life in the long term. One of the most common causes of these symptoms is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate gland.
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous condition in which the prostate gradually becomes larger as men age. The prostate is located below the bladder and wraps around the urethra. As it grows larger, it can compress the urethra, leading to urinary problems such as difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, or frequent urination.
This condition is not cancer and does not develop into cancer, but it can significantly affect quality of life.
Causes and Risk Factors
Factors that contribute to the development of this condition include:
- Age: Men aged 50 and older are at higher risk. It is found in more than 50% of men aged 60 and in up to 80% of men aged 70 and older.
- Age-related hormonal changes: Changes in male sex hormones that occur naturally with aging.
Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Symptoms can be divided into two primary groups: storage symptoms and voiding symptoms.
1. Storage Symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Frequent urination at night (nocturia)
2. Voiding Symptoms
- Difficulty urinating or intermittent urine flow
- Dribbling of urine or blood in the urine
- Incomplete bladder emptying or inability to urinate
If left untreated, BPH may lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or kidney failure.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose the condition through several tests and examinations, such as:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Urinalysis
- Blood test to measure PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels
- Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)
- Uroflowmetry (urine flow rate test)
- Measurement of post-void residual urine volume
Treatment Options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
The treatment approach for BPH depends on symptom severity and its impact on the patient’s daily life.
1. Lifestyle Modifications
For patients with mild symptoms, doctors may recommend:
- Reducing fluid intake before bedtime
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks
- Managing stress
2. Medications
There are two primary groups of medications:
- Alpha-blockers (α-blockers): Help relax the muscles around the urethra
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs): Help reduce the size of the prostate
These medications are effective in many cases; however, they need to be taken continuously and may cause side effects such as low blood pressure, fatigue, or abnormal ejaculation.
3. Surgery
If medications are ineffective or the prostate is significantly enlarged and causes difficulty urinating, doctors may recommend endoscopic surgery through the urethra to remove excess prostate tissue. Although this method is effective, there are drawbacks to consider, such as risks associated with anesthesia, the risk of infection, and possible sexual side effects, including ejaculatory problems in some patients.
Non-Surgical Treatment : PAE (Prostatic Artery Embolization)
One of the latest safe treatment options is PAE, an interventional radiology procedure. The doctor will insert a small catheter through the blood vessel from the groin or wrist, and inject embolic agents to block the arteries supplying the prostate. This causes the prostate to gradually shrink within 1–3 months, with noticeable symptom improvement 5–6 months after the procedure.
Benefits of PAE
- Non-surgical treatment
- No incision results in a fast recovery
- Minimal impact on sexual function
- Discharge within one day
- About 75–80% of patients experience significant improvement, including easier urination and reduced frequency and discomfort.
Although benign prostatic hyperplasia is not a life-threatening condition, neglecting treatment can affect daily life and may lead to complications. If you begin to experience urinary symptoms, seeing a doctor for proper evaluation and appropriate treatment is the most important step.
For more information, please contact
Urology and Men’s Health Center, Vejthani International Hospital.
Call: (+66)2-734-0000 ext. 4901
English Hotline: (+66)85-223-8888
Learn about Vejthani International Hospital
service@vejthani.com
Medically Reviewed by
Readers’ Rating
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 2 reviews)
