Size Doesn’t Always Matter, But in the Case of Your Prostate…
Let’s face it: when we think of the word “enlarged,” we’re usually talking about something that’s more of a good thing—like a big backyard, larger-than-life slices of pizza, or an oversized SUV. But when it comes to your prostate? Not so much. An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), isn’t exactly the kind of growth you’re hoping for, especially when it starts causing discomfort and disrupting your daily life.
If you’re a man in the East Bay and you’re noticing frequent trips to the bathroom (especially at night), feeling like you just can’t empty your bladder, or dealing with that uncomfortable urgency to pee, it might be time to talk to a specialist. Don’t wait for things to get worse—medical diagnosis and urgent care could be your best bet to getting back on track.
At Prospero Vascular, we understand that enlarged prostate can be more than just an inconvenience. The good news is that there are effective treatment options that can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. In this post, we’ll dive into the details of what causes BPH, the fears it often brings, and the proven treatment options available to get you back to doing what you love—without the constant interruptions.
Understanding an Enlarged Prostate: The Unwanted Growth
Your prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut, and it plays a role in producing the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. However, as men age, this little guy can begin to grow, sometimes causing a whole host of annoying symptoms. When your prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body), leading to all sorts of frustrating issues with urination.
While the exact cause of BPH isn’t entirely understood, it’s thought to be related to changes in hormone levels as men age. If you’re in your 40s or beyond, it’s entirely possible that you’ll experience some prostate growth. The question is: When does it go from a minor annoyance to a full-blown problem?
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate: Time to Pay Attention to What’s Going On Down There
So, how can you tell if your prostate has become an unwanted guest in your life? The symptoms are pretty clear—if you’re experiencing any of the following, it might be time to get a medical diagnosis and explore treatment options:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (known as nocturia)
- Difficulty starting urination or weak urine flow
- Feeling like you can’t completely empty your bladder
- Urgency to urinate (feeling like you have to go, right now!)
- Interruption of your sleep due to needing to get up and pee
- Dribbling after urination
These symptoms can lead to more than just physical discomfort—they can start to affect your daily life, work, and even your social life. The constant need to run to the bathroom or the anxiety of not making it in time can make even a simple trip to the store feel like an ordeal.
The Fears of Enlarged Prostate: Not Just About Peeing
When you’re dealing with BPH, there are fears beyond just those midnight bathroom runs. One of the biggest concerns is the impact on quality of life. The embarrassment of needing to plan every activity around bathroom breaks or the frustration of disrupted sleep can start to wear on you.
Another major fear is that BPH might eventually interfere with sexual function. While an enlarged prostate doesn’t directly cause erectile dysfunction, some treatments can have sexual side effects. However, the truth is that modern treatments are effective, and side effects are becoming less common as technology and methods improve.
And let’s not forget the fear of surgery. Nobody wants to think about that, but the good news is that invasive surgery isn’t always necessary to manage enlarged prostate symptoms. In fact, most treatment options are minimally invasive, so you won’t have to put your life on hold.
Treatment is Key: Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, rarely improves on its own—and ignoring it can lead to complications such as urinary retention, frequent infections, and even kidney damage. Early treatment is essential to prevent symptoms from worsening and avoid more invasive procedures down the road.
Acting early gives you access to a broader range of options, including advanced, minimally invasive solutions like Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE), which can significantly improve symptoms with fewer risks and less downtime.
PAE for Enlarged Prostate at Prospero Vascular: A Modern Approach to Relief
At Prospero Vascular, we specialize in cutting-edge, image-guided procedures like Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)—a minimally invasive, highly effective treatment for BPH. PAE works by blocking blood flow to specific areas of the prostate, causing it to shrink over time and relieving pressure on the urethra.
Why Choose PAE?
PAE offers many benefits compared to traditional surgical options:
- ✅ No general anesthesia required
- ✅ Performed through a tiny incision in the wrist or groin
- ✅ Minimal risk of sexual side effects
- ✅ No hospital stay—most patients go home the same day
- ✅ Shorter recovery time with long-term symptom relief
PAE is ideal for men who want to avoid surgery or who may not be good candidates for traditional procedures due to other health conditions. It’s also a great option if medications aren’t providing enough relief or are causing unwanted side effects.
Other Treatment Options for BPH
While PAE is a standout treatment at Prospero Vascular, we also offer other proven options based on your needs and goals:
1. Medications
Often the first step, medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can reduce symptoms by relaxing muscles or shrinking the prostate. However, they may take weeks to work and can cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction.
2. Traditional Minimally Invasive Procedures
If medication isn’t enough, other procedures include:
- TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) – Considered a gold standard but more invasive than PAE
- Laser Therapy – Destroys excess tissue but may require anesthesia
- Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) – Places implants to hold back prostate tissue without removal
3. Surgical Options
In more severe cases, surgery may be needed, such as a simple or laser prostatectomy. While effective, these options usually involve longer recovery and higher risks.
PAE offers a safe, effective alternative to traditional surgery with fewer side effects and a faster recovery. If you’re dealing with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with the Prospero Vascular team today and explore whether PAE is right for you.
Why Choose Prospero Vascular?
At Prospero Vascular, we specialize in providing minimally invasive treatments for conditions like BPH, and we take a personalized approach to your care. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Expert Doctors: Our medical team has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating enlarged prostate symptoms with the latest techniques and therapies.
- Comprehensive Treatment Options: From medications to minimally invasive procedures, we offer a full spectrum of solutions tailored to your needs.
- Convenient Locations: With clinics throughout the East Bay, you can find the care you need without the hassle.
- Compassionate Care: We understand how sensitive and uncomfortable BPH can be, which is why we’re committed to providing respectful, personalized care every step of the way.
Don’t Let an Enlarged Prostate Interrupt Your Life
An enlarged prostate doesn’t have to be a constant source of frustration. With the right treatment and expert care from Prospero Vascular, you can get back to living life without the frequent bathroom breaks and sleep disruptions. Don’t wait for the condition to worsen—get urgent care and schedule a consultation with our team today.
Ready to take control of your prostate health? Call us at 510•977•8466 to schedule your consultation. We’ll help you get back to a life of comfort, freedom, and fewer trips to the bathroom.
