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Looking for relief from BPH without surgery? Our Michigan-based specialists offer prostate artery embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive treatment that targets the root cause of symptoms like weak urine flow, urgency, and frequent trips to the bathroom. Get expert care, faster recovery, and lasting results from trusted providers near you.
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Specialized BPH Treatment Without Surgery in Michigan
If you are in Michigan and dealing with frequent urination, weak urine flow, or other urinary symptoms, help is available. Our services are built around improving prostate and bladder health using safe, proven approaches, without the need for traditional surgical treatments. Through minimally invasive procedures like prostatic artery embolization, we help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life with fewer complications.
Common conditions we address include:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Enlarged prostate
- Bladder control issues
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary frequency and urgency
- Urinary retention
- Weak or slow urine flow
If these symptoms are interfering with your daily life, now is the time to take action.
Why Choose PAE for Enlarged Prostate Treatment in Michigan
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) offers a less invasive option for managing BPH symptoms. This procedure improves urine flow, reduces pressure on the bladder, and helps relieve urinary frequency—all without the need for general anesthesia or a long hospital stay.
Targeted, Non-Surgical Relief
PAE uses advanced imaging to locate the exact blood vessels that feed the enlarged prostate gland. By blocking these vessels with tiny particles, blood supply is reduced, and the prostate gradually shrinks, relieving pressure on the urethra and improving flow.
Shorter Recovery Time
Since it is an outpatient procedure, most patients are able to go home the same day. There are no large incisions, and most experience less discomfort than traditional surgical treatments like TURP. Many are back to light activity within a few days.
Precise, Image-Guided Care
PAE is performed by experts in interventional radiology who use real-time imaging to target only the problem areas of the prostate. This helps avoid unnecessary damage and lowers the risk of side effects like retrograde ejaculation or urinary incontinence.
Personalized Treatment Approach
Every prostate is different. PAE allows for a custom approach based on your medical history, anatomy, and overall health. It is often recommended for individuals with larger prostates or for those who prefer a non-surgical alternative.
What to Expect from PAE for Enlarged Prostate Symptoms in Michigan
Our approach begins with understanding your needs and building a care plan that fits your situation. We offer a seamless process from assessment to recovery, all handled by professionals experienced in BPH treatment and artery embolization.
Here is what to expect:
- Initial Screening: Complete a free risk assessment to determine eligibility for prostatic artery embolization.
- Clinic Visit: Your symptoms, imaging, and medical background will help guide a personalized treatment plan.
- Procedure Day: You will undergo a precise, image-guided procedure designed to relieve pressure, restore urine flow, and improve overall urinary health.
If you are seeking expert care for BPH or urinary symptoms in Michigan, we are here to help you take the next step toward relief without surgery.
BPH Treatment with PAE: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and how does it affect urination?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that often develops in men as they get older. As the prostate grows, it puts pressure on the urethra, which can disrupt normal urine flow. This can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, weak stream, urgency, or difficulty emptying the bladder. If left untreated, BPH may lead to complications like acute urinary retention or bladder infections.
How is BPH different from prostate cancer?
Although both conditions involve the prostate gland, BPH is not cancer and does not increase the risk of developing it. BPH causes urinary symptoms due to gland enlargement, while prostate cancer involves abnormal cell growth that can spread. Diagnosis often includes a PSA test, imaging, and a physical exam to distinguish between the two.
What are the common symptoms of an enlarged prostate?
Men with an enlarged prostate may experience:
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Feeling like the bladder is not fully empty
- In severe cases, urinary retention or blood in the urine (hematuria)
What treatment options are available for BPH?
Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia depends on the severity of the symptoms and overall health. Options include lifestyle changes, medications to relax or shrink the prostate, and procedures to improve urine flow. For men who want to avoid surgery, minimally invasive treatments like prostate artery embolization (PAE) offer effective relief with a quicker recovery and fewer risks.
What is prostate artery embolization (PAE)?
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats an enlarged prostate without surgery. It is performed by an interventional radiologist through a small puncture in the wrist or groin. Using imaging guidance, a catheter is used to reach the arteries supplying the prostate gland. Tiny particles are then injected to reduce blood flow, which helps shrink the prostate and relieve symptoms.
How does PAE work to relieve BPH symptoms?
PAE reduces the blood supply to the areas of the prostate affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia. This causes those areas to shrink over time. As the prostate becomes smaller, pressure on the urethra is reduced, allowing for better urine flow and fewer urinary symptoms. Most patients experience gradual improvement over a few weeks, with continued relief as the body reabsorbs the treated tissue.
Is PAE a safe and effective alternative to surgery like TURP?
Yes. PAE is considered a safe and effective alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), especially for patients who want a less invasive option. PAE avoids cutting or removing prostate tissue, and it does not require general anesthesia. It offers fewer risks of complications such as urinary incontinence or retrograde ejaculation. Many patients experience significant improvement in urine flow, frequency, and bladder emptying after the procedure.
Am I a good candidate for the PAE procedure?
You may be a good candidate for PAE if you have moderate to severe urinary symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia and are looking for a non-surgical treatment. PAE is especially helpful for patients who are not eligible for surgery due to other health conditions or those who have a very large prostate gland. Your age, medical history, and the severity of your symptoms will help determine if this minimally invasive treatment is the right choice.
Who performs PAE, and what can I expect before the procedure?
To start, you can take our risk assessment test online. Based on your results, we will connect you with one of our experienced specialists in Michigan who will review your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will walk you through the entire process, explain how the procedure works, and make sure you understand what to expect. We are here to provide personalized care and support at every step.
What tests are needed before PAE?
Before undergoing prostate artery embolization, your doctor will perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis and make sure the procedure is right for you. These may include:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the size and health of the prostate gland
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to check for signs of prostate cancer or inflammation
- Urinalysis and urine culture to rule out infection or blood in the urine
- Ultrasound, often transrectal, to measure prostate size and structure
- Urodynamic tests to evaluate bladder function and urine flow
- Cystoscopy in some cases to visually examine the urethra and bladder
These tests help your care team develop a treatment plan that matches your condition and ensures that PAE is a safe option for you.
What can I expect during the PAE procedure?
During the prostate artery embolization procedure, our team will guide you through a well-organized and personalized experience. Here is what you can expect:
- You will receive light sedation through an IV to help you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Interventional radiologist will insert a small catheter through the wrist or groin area to access the arteries that supply blood to the prostate gland.
- Using advanced imaging tools, the doctor will carefully guide the catheter to the target arteries. Tiny particles will be injected to block the blood flow to the enlarged prostate, reducing pressure on the urethra. The process is then repeated on the other side of the prostate, often through the same entry point.
The entire procedure may take between one to four hours, depending on the anatomy and size of the arteries. Once completed, you will rest for a short time before going home the same day. This makes prostate artery embolization a convenient outpatient procedure with no overnight stay required.
Will I be awake or under anesthesia during PAE?
You will not be under general anesthesia during prostate artery embolization. Instead, you will receive light sedation, often called twilight sedation, to help you feel calm and pain-free while remaining awake. This approach reduces risks associated with general anesthesia and allows for a quicker recovery.
How long does it take to recover, and when will I notice symptom relief?
Recovery after PAE is typically quick. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days after the procedure. Mild discomfort, such as pelvic pressure or urinary symptoms, may occur but usually resolves within one to two weeks.
Symptom relief often begins within a few weeks. However, the full benefits of the procedure develop gradually. As the body reabsorbs the treated tissue and the prostate shrinks, most patients see continued improvement over two to three months, including better urine flow and reduced urinary frequency.
Will PAE affect my sexual function or cause urinary incontinence?
Prostate artery embolization is designed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia while minimizing the risk of side effects. One of the key benefits of PAE is that it has a lower risk of sexual complications compared to traditional surgical treatments like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
Most patients do not experience issues with erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation. The risk of urinary incontinence is also much lower with PAE than with more invasive procedures. During your consultation, we will review your medical history and discuss any potential risks based on your individual condition.
What kind of follow-up care is needed after the procedure?
After your PAE procedure, we will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and track your progress. These visits allow us to evaluate symptom improvement, check for any post-procedure concerns, and ensure that the prostate is responding as expected. Our team will stay in touch and remain available to answer any questions during your recovery.
Is prostate artery embolization covered by insurance?
Prostatic artery embolization is covered by many insurance providers, but coverage can vary depending on your individual plan. It is a good idea to contact your insurance provider directly to ask about coverage for this procedure, including any requirements for referrals or prior authorization.
If you have questions about what to ask or how to get started, we are here to help guide you through the process as part of your treatment plan. You can contact us at info@myprostateclinic.com.