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Take the next step toward relief with trusted, minimally invasive solutions for BPH and other urinary health concerns. If you’re in Virginia or surrounding areas, you have access to advanced care options like Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)—a non-surgical procedure that helps men manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. From diagnosis to treatment, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Practices In Virginia
Specialized Care for Enlarged Prostate and Urinary Symptoms in Virginia
Men in Northern Virginia experiencing urinary problems or BPH symptoms can get expert care focused on easing discomfort and improving quality of life. Our clinic provides evaluation and treatment for common conditions affecting the prostate gland and urinary tract using precise, minimally invasive procedures like PAE.
We help manage:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Enlarged prostate
- Urinary incontinence
- Bladder control problems
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Urinary retention
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, help is available!
Why Choose PAE for Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) offers a nonsurgical way to relieve symptoms of prostate enlargement by reducing blood flow to overgrown areas of the prostate tissue. This allows the gland to shrink gradually and naturally, relieving pressure on the bladder neck and improving urine flow.
A More Precise Approach to BPH Treatment
Before the procedure, we use detailed imaging to map the blood supply to the prostate. This allows your interventional radiologist in Virginia to focus only on the vessels contributing to your symptoms, helping to avoid damage to healthy tissue and surrounding structures.
Faster Recovery, Less Disruption
Compared to surgical options like transurethral resection (TURP), PAE offers a quicker return to daily activities, typically with less pain and no hospital stay. It’s performed on an outpatient basis, so most patients go home the same day.
Minimally Invasive, Targeted Care
Because the entire treatment is image-guided, it allows for accuracy and reduces risk. There are no large incisions, and the risk of complications like erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, or long-term catheter use—is much lower than with traditional surgery.
What to Expect When Starting BPH Care in Virginia
We tailor every treatment plan to your symptoms, prostate size, health history, and personal goals. Our clinic also offers support for related health concerns, including vascular conditions, chronic pain, and preventive screenings.
Here’s how the process works:
- Initial Step: Start by taking our free risk assessment to find out if you’re a candidate for nonsurgical management of your enlarged prostate.
- Consultation Visit: If you’re eligible, you’ll meet with a doctor for a full evaluation, including a review of your urinary symptoms, medical history, and possible diagnostic tests like a digital rectal exam or blood test.
- Procedure Day: Your doctor will perform the PAE procedure using advanced imaging and catheter-based technology. Most patients are back to light activity within a few days.
You’ll be matched with a trusted specialist in Virginia who focuses on BPH treatment and prostate artery embolization, helping you feel better without surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About BPH and PAE in Northern Virginia
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and how does it affect the prostate?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly affects men as they get older. The prostate surrounds the urethra, and when it enlarges, it can press against it—blocking or slowing the flow of urine. This pressure can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urinary stream, urgency, or difficulty fully emptying the bladder.
While BPH is not prostate cancer, it can cause similar urinary symptoms and may require treatment if symptoms get worse or begin to affect daily life.
When should I see a doctor about urinary problems or possible BPH?
You should consult a doctor if you’re experiencing urinary symptoms that interfere with your comfort, sleep, or daily activities. These include:
- Frequent or urgent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Trouble starting or stopping urine flow
- Weak or interrupted urinary stream
- Feeling like your bladder isn’t fully empty after urinating
- Urinary retention or dribbling after urination
- Blood in the urine
These symptoms may indicate an enlarged prostate, but they can also be signs of other conditions like urinary tract infections or, in rare cases, prostate cancer. Early evaluation helps rule out serious issues and identify the most effective BPH treatment options.
To start, you can take our free online assessment to review your symptoms. This quick step helps us understand your condition better and determine if further evaluation or treatment is needed.
What tests are done to diagnose BPH and rule out other conditions?
Diagnosing benign prostatic hyperplasia involves reviewing your medical history and performing tests to assess the prostate and rule out other possible causes of urinary symptoms. These may include:
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical exam where the doctor checks the size and shape of the prostate by gently feeling it through the rectal wall.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: Measures PSA levels in the blood. Elevated levels can suggest prostate enlargement, infection, or prostate cancer.
- Urinalysis: A test to check for blood, signs of infection, or other abnormalities in the urine.
- Ultrasound (Transrectal or Abdominal): Imaging to assess the prostate’s size and detect any irregularities.
- Urodynamic Studies: Tests that evaluate how well the bladder and urethra store and release urine, especially helpful for complex cases of lower urinary tract symptoms.
- Cystoscopy (in select cases): A small camera is inserted through the urethra to view the bladder and prostate, often used when other tests are inconclusive.
What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) and how does it treat BPH?
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a non-surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. The procedure works by reducing the blood supply to the prostate gland, which causes the enlarged prostate tissue to shrink over time.
As the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, its enlargement can block urine flow and cause lower urinary tract symptoms, such as frequent urination, urgency, or a weak stream. By targeting the blood vessels that feed the overgrown tissue, PAE helps relieve pressure on the bladder neck and ease urinary symptoms without the need to surgically remove prostate tissue.
How is PAE different from traditional prostate surgery like TURP?
The main difference between PAE and surgery like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is how the prostate is treated. TURP involves using surgical tools to physically remove prostate tissue that blocks urine flow. While effective, TURP is an invasive procedure and typically requires general anesthesia, hospital stay, and longer recovery time.
On the other hand, PAE is a nonsurgical treatment performed through a small puncture in the groin or wrist. It uses imaging guidance to reach the prostate’s blood vessels and block the blood supply that fuels prostate enlargement. The result is a gradual shrinkage of the prostate with a lower risk of side effects such as erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, or urinary incontinence.
PAE is typically done as an outpatient procedure and is well-suited for men who are not candidates for surgery or are looking for less invasive treatment options.
What happens during the PAE procedure? Is it painful or surgical?
PAE is not considered surgery and does not require general anesthesia or large incisions. It is performed by an interventional radiologist through a small puncture in the wrist or groin.
Using real-time imaging, a catheter is guided into the arteries supplying blood to the prostate. Once in position, tiny embolic particles are injected to block blood flow to the areas affected by BPH. This part of the procedure cannot be felt by the patient and is typically painless.
The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Patients are kept comfortable with local anesthesia and mild sedation, often referred to as “twilight medication.” Most people go home the same day and resume light activities within a few days.
What is the recovery process like after PAE?
Recovery after prostate artery embolization is generally quick. Most patients return to light activities within a few days and feel back to normal within one to two weeks. Follow-up care is important to monitor progress and ensure the prostate continues to shrink.
How soon can I expect relief from my BPH symptoms after the procedure?
Many patients notice improvement in urinary symptoms within a few weeks. Maximum relief from BPH symptoms, such as weak urine flow or frequent urination is typically seen around three months after the procedure.
Will PAE affect my sexual function or cause other long-term side effects?
Prostate artery embolization has a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to surgical procedures like transurethral resection. Most patients do not experience erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation after PAE. Since the procedure does not remove prostate tissue or damage the prostate gland directly, long-term complications are rare.
What kind of follow-up care is needed after PAE?
Follow-up care includes routine checkups to monitor symptom improvement and prostate size. Your doctor may schedule imaging tests, review urinary symptoms, and assess overall health to ensure the treatment plan is working. Continued care helps reduce the risk of urinary retention or return of BPH symptoms.
Will PAE affect my sexual function or cause other long-term side effects?
Prostate artery embolization has a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to surgical procedures like transurethral resection. Most patients do not experience erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation after PAE. Since the procedure does not remove prostate tissue or damage the prostate gland directly, long-term complications are rare.
What kind of follow-up care is needed after PAE?
Follow-up care includes routine checkups to monitor symptom improvement and prostate size. Your doctor may schedule imaging tests, review urinary symptoms, and assess overall health to ensure the treatment plan is working. Continued care helps reduce the risk of urinary retention or return of BPH symptoms.
What happens if BPH is left untreated? Can it lead to complications?
If benign prostatic hyperplasia is not treated, symptoms may gradually worsen and lead to serious complications. These include urinary retention, frequent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or even kidney damage due to prolonged pressure. Timely BPH treatment helps prevent long-term harm to the bladder and urinary tract.
Is Prostate Artery Embolization covered by insurance?
Coverage for prostate artery embolization (PAE) varies depending on your insurance provider and individual plan. We recommend checking directly with your insurer to confirm coverage details. If you need assistance, feel free to contact us at info@myprostateclinic.com.