50% of men over age 50 may experience symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). In this condition, the prostate gland becomes enlarged, constricting the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body, and pushes against the bladder.
This can result in trouble urinating, including straining, weak stream, starting and stopping, or dribbling. It can also increase urgency, frequency and result in blood in the urine (hematuria).
Left untreated, BPH can cause complications like urinary retention or bladder stones. It can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and damage the kidneys and bladder, which can weaken and stretch over time when the bladder isn’t able to empty completely.
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is an outpatient-based minimally invasive procedure to shrink the prostate and alleviate the symptoms of BPH.