Prostate Specialist in Maryland Offering Artery Embolization Care
Get clarity, relief, and peace of mind with expert care for BPH and urinary symptoms. Men across Maryland now have access to trusted treatments like Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) — a minimally invasive option for managing enlarged prostate symptoms without surgery. Care starts with a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan built around your specific needs.
Practices In Maryland
Prostate and Urinary Symptom Care in Maryland
If you’re noticing frequent trips to the bathroom, a weak stream, or trouble fully emptying your bladder, you may be dealing with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — a very common condition in men over 50. It’s caused by an enlarged prostate gland pressing against the urethra and slowing down urine flow.
In Maryland, you now have access to advanced care that focuses on real, lasting relief. Our team treats common prostate and bladder conditions without major surgery.
We help with:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Urinary retention
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Bladder control problems and leakage
- Urinary incontinence
If these symptoms are disrupting your day or night, it’s time to explore your options.
Why Choose PAE for BPH Relief?
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a safe, image-guided treatment that reduces the size of the prostate gland by cutting off blood flow to the overgrown tissue. The result is less pressure on the bladder neck, better urine flow, and fewer urinary symptoms — all without major surgery.
Here’s why Maryland patients prefer PAE:
A Custom Approach to Your Anatomy
Before your procedure, your care team maps out the prostatic arteries using imaging. This allows us to treat only the areas causing symptoms while preserving healthy tissue.
Quick Recovery, No Hospital Stay
PAE is performed as an outpatient procedure. There’s no hospital stay, and most patients return to light activities within a few days. Compared to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and other surgical treatments, recovery is faster and more comfortable.
Less Invasive, More Targeted
The procedure is done through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin. A catheter is used to deliver small particles that block blood supply to the enlarged areas. Over time, the prostate shrinks, relieving pressure and improving flow.
Starting Prostate Care in Maryland – What to Expect
We create treatment plans based on your symptoms, age, medical history, and preferences. Every patient is different, and your care should reflect that.
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Get In Touch: Start with our free risk assessment to see if you might be a candidate for prostate artery embolization or other treatment options.
- Clinic Visit: If eligible, you’ll meet with our Maryland interventional radiologist for a detailed consultation. We’ll go over your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform any necessary tests or physical exams to better understand your condition. From there, we’ll help you choose the treatment option that’s right for you.
- Get Treated: If you choose PAE, the procedure will be performed by a skilled interventional radiologist using advanced imaging and precise technique. This approach targets benign prostatic hyperplasia effectively while helping you recover with minimal downtime.
FAQs About Enlarged Prostate, BPH Symptoms, and PAE
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and how does it affect the prostate?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a very common condition in older men where the prostate gland increases in size. This growth is not cancerous but can cause the prostate to press against the urethra—the tube that carries urine out of the body.
As a result, it can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, dribbling, or a frequent urge to urinate, especially at night. BPH tends to develop gradually, often beginning after age 50, and is one of the leading causes of urinary symptoms in aging men.
How do I know if my BPH symptoms are serious enough to see a doctor?
You should consult a doctor if BPH symptoms begin to disrupt your normal activities or sleep. Signs to watch for include waking up multiple times at night (nocturia), feeling like your bladder isn’t emptying completely, having a weak or interrupted stream, or experiencing sudden urgency.
More serious symptoms, such as urinary retention, blood in the urine, or recurrent infections can indicate complications and should be addressed promptly. Early evaluation can help prevent kidney damage and guide appropriate treatment options, including medications or procedures like prostate artery embolization (PAE).
What tests are done to diagnose BPH and rule out other conditions?
Doctors use several tools to assess your prostate and rule out conditions like prostate cancer or infections. These may include:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): To feel the size and shape of the prostate
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: To check for prostate cancer or inflammation
- Urinalysis: To detect signs of infection or blood
- Ultrasound (transrectal or abdominal): To measure prostate size
- Urodynamic studies: To evaluate bladder and urine flow function
- Cystoscopy: In select cases, to inspect the bladder and urethra
What is prostate artery embolization (PAE) and how does it treat BPH?
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It works by blocking the blood supply to the enlarged areas of the prostate gland. Tiny particles are injected into the prostatic arteries, causing those areas to shrink over time. This relieves pressure on the urethra and improves urine flow, offering symptom relief from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) without surgery.
Am I a good candidate for the PAE procedure?
You may be a good candidate for prostate artery embolization (PAE) if you have moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and are looking for a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. PAE is especially helpful for men who have an enlarged prostate gland, are at higher surgical risk due to age or medical history, or wish to avoid side effects linked to traditional procedures like transurethral resection.
To get started, take our free online assessment to help us understand your symptoms and medical history before your clinic visit.
Is PAE safe for men with very large prostates or other health concerns?
Yes. PAE is considered safe for men with significantly enlarged prostates or those with other health conditions that increase surgical risk. Because it’s done on an outpatient basis and doesn’t require general anesthesia, it’s a suitable alternative to transurethral resection or other surgical procedures for many high-risk patients.
What happens during the PAE procedure and how long does it take?
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to shrink the enlarged prostate gland by reducing its blood supply. It typically takes 1 to 2 hours and is performed by an interventional radiologist using advanced imaging for precision.
Here’s how the procedure works:
Access: A small puncture is made in the groin or wrist to insert a thin catheter into the artery.
Navigation: Using real-time imaging, the catheter is guided through the blood vessels to reach the prostatic arteries.
Embolization: Tiny particles are carefully injected to block blood flow to the areas of the prostate most affected by BPH.
Completion: The same steps are repeated on the opposite side through the same entry point.
As blood flow is reduced, the prostate tissue gradually shrinks, relieving pressure on the urethra and improving urine flow over time.
Will I be under general anesthesia for PAE?
No, general anesthesia is not required. PAE is typically done with local anesthesia and light sedation, also known as “twilight medication.” This allows you to remain awake but relaxed and comfortable throughout the outpatient procedure.
How soon will I feel relief from urinary symptoms after PAE?
Most patients begin to notice symptom relief within a few weeks. Maximum improvement in BPH symptoms, such as urinary frequency or weak flow, typically occurs between one to three months after the procedure as the prostate continues to shrink.
What is the typical recovery time after PAE?
Most patients recover quickly after prostate artery embolization. Mild pelvic discomfort or urinary symptoms may occur for a few days, but most return to normal activities within a week. Full symptom relief may take several weeks as the prostate gradually shrinks and urine flow improves.
Are there any risks or side effects I should know about with PAE?
PAE is considered a safe, minimally invasive procedure with fewer side effects than traditional surgical treatments like transurethral resection. Possible side effects include temporary urinary frequency, urgency, mild pain, or fatigue. Serious complications are rare but may include infection, blood vessel injury, or non-target embolization. The risk of erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation is significantly lower compared to surgery.
Will I need follow-up appointments or long-term monitoring after the procedure?
Yes. Follow-up care is important to monitor your progress and ensure long-term success. Your doctor may schedule imaging or a physical exam to evaluate prostate size and symptom improvement. Additional visits help track urinary symptoms and adjust treatment if needed.
Is prostate artery embolization covered by insurance?
Yes, PAE is covered by many insurance providers, but coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and provider guidelines. It’s best to contact your insurance company directly to confirm your benefits. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at info@myprostateclinic.com.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your specific health concerns.