Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Avoiding Sexual Side Effects Through PAE

Surgical treatments for benign prostate hyperplasia, such as TURP can result in significant adverse sexual effects, while prostate artery embolization, does not carry this same risk.

TURP can result in a condition known as retrograde ejaculation.

Some research studies have estimated that 65-75% of men have retrograde ejaculation post-TURP. While other studies, such as this one, estimate that as many as 70-90% of men experience this condition.

Though typically retrograde ejaculation isn’t harmful per se, it is a condition that can result in decreased sexual pleasure and fertility issues.

Prostate Artery Embolization, on the other hand, is associated with little to no sexual side effects.

In fact, some studies have found statistically significant data showing that PAE can actually lead to an improvement in erectile function, such as this one which found an overall improvement in sexual function by 34 percent for the patients, within the first-month post-PAE.

Another study, which was published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine also sought to uncover the impact that prostate artery embolization can have on erectile function.

In the study, researchers looked at 167 patients that underwent PAE and collected data including the Sexual Health Inventory, and other health measurements. The patients were followed up with post-PAE at 3, 6, and 12 months.

What they found was that prostate artery embolization had no adverse effect on erectile function in the majority of patients at 3 months after the procedure, and the number continued to go down at 6 and 12 months.

Though there were still cases of ED, in some of the patients, this was not purported to be directly caused by the procedure and could be due to other complications including preexisting conditions and complications from other procedures such as TURP.

There are also several studies that found Prostate artery embolization to be associated with statistically significant improvement in erectile function.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of these studies.

In the meantime, if you are suffering from the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia, and are worried about treatments that could have a negative impact on your sexual health, there are options available.

To set up a consultation in order to find out if prostate artery embolization could benefit you, please call us today at 301-622-5360 or reach out to us through our website.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

TURP or PAE?

Today we will continue looking at a surgical method to treat benign prostate hyperplasia ( BPH) that has been around for a very long time called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

We will also compare some of the risks it carries with that of a more recent and extremely effective procedure for BPH called prostate artery embolization ( PAE).

So which is better TURP or PAE? What are the benefits? The side effects? And the risks?

One of the benefits of treating benign prostate hyperplasia through the surgical procedure, transurethral resection of the prostate( TURP), is that it has been around for a long time.

The procedure has stood the test of time, and the results of it have been known to have long-term outcomes, with its effects sometimes lasting as long as 15 years or more.

Another benefit of TURP is that like Prostate Artery Embolization, TURP doesn’t involve any incisions.

However, TURP is very different that PAE.

Prostate Artery Embolization is an outpatient procedure performed by an interventional radiologist.

PAE begins with the insertion of a tiny catheter that is threaded through the blood vessels until it reaches the artery that supplies blood to the prostate.

Once in place, tiny beads are sent through the catheter and are released into the artery. These particles then create a blockage that decreases the blood flow to the prostate in order to stop its growth.

While TURP, is also non-invasive in that it is not an open surgery, it is still a surgery nonetheless and is quite different than PAE.

TURP is a surgery that involves an instrument called a resectoscope, which is inserted through the tip of the penis and into the urethra. Then, using an electrical current, pieces of the prostate are removed.

Unlike PAE which is a same-day procedure, TURP usually involves a hospital stay and has a much longer recovery time.

Another key difference between the TURP procedure and PAE is the specific set of side effects and risks that come with either procedure.

One area in which they differ greatly is the effect that the procedure can have on erectile function.

While one method carries a risk of retrograde ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, the other carries no risk of retrograde ejaculation, and can actually improve erectile function.

In our next article, we will dive deeper into the effect that TURP and PAE have on erectile function or dysfunction.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Each Procedure

When it comes to seeking treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each treatment approach, as well as the benefits and risks.

Being aware of the benefits, as well as the potential risks and complications of each treatment or procedure, can be of great help when working with your doctor to determine which is best for you. Taking into account not only the benefits and risks but also looking at how each procedure fits with your individual lifestyle and prostate condition.

Today we will start by looking at the treatment method that for most of the 20th century, roughly from 1909 until the late 1990s, has been the premier treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. That treatment method is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

TURP became famous among the treatment methods for BPH when it became the first successful, minimally invasive surgical procedure of the modern era. And, to this day, it remains a standard therapy for obstructive prostatic hypertrophy and is often the surgical treatment of choice when other methods fail.

However, as more medications and non-invasive non-surgical procedures have become available, such as prostate artery embolization, the need for a surgical intervention like TURP has been reduced substantially.

That being said, TURP continues to be performed due to its effectiveness in treating and relieving the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. But as with all surgeries, it does come with its own set of possible risks and unwanted side effects that should be taken into consideration.

So let’s take a look at what those are.

A successful TURP procedure involves removing prostate tissue through the urethra, thus allowing urine and other bodily fluids to pass through more easily.

TURP is a serious surgery that involved anesthesia and the use of a catheter during and post-operation, as well as a recovery that includes a hospital stay.

The most common side effects experienced by men after the TURP procedures are:

Swelling in the urethra, penis, and lower abdominal area.

This swelling can cause these areas to be tender, red, and swollen for several weeks after the surgery, and can cause problems with urination.

Another common side effect is feeling weak and tired easily. This side effect can last for several weeks as the body recovers from the operation.

Other common side effects of TURP surgeries include but are not limited to:

  • bleeding after the operation – this usually reduces over time and should stop after four weeks
  • difficulty completely emptying the bladder
  • urinary incontinence or leakage
  • urinary urgency or the sudden urge to urinate
  • discomfort during urination
  • small dribbles or clots of blood in the urine, for up to 6 weeks

Another potential side effect of the TURP procedure is something called retrograde ejaculation, which is the result of semen flowing backward into the bladder during ejaculation.

Though retrograde ejaculation isn’t necessarily harmful, it can cause potential complications such as male infertility and can make the male orgasm less pleasurable.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of the rare, but possible risks associated with the TURP procedure, and then we will move on to looking at the benefits and risks of other popular procedures to treat a symptomatic enlarged prostate.

In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more about a state-of-the-art non-invasive treatment that could be an option for you, please contact our office today to set up a consultation and learn more about Prostate Artery Embolization.

 

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

TURP: The Procedure and The Recovery

Did you know that for around 100 years, transurethral resection of the prostate was the main treatment method for benign prostate hyperplasia?

That’s a long time. And, this procedure is still rather common today.

So what exactly is a transurethral resection of the prostate?

What does it entail?

And what does the recovery look like?

These are all great questions, so let’s get started answering them.

A transurethral resection of the prostate, also known as TURP is a surgery used to treat urinary problems that are caused by an enlarged prostate.

The TURP procedure begins with the use of general anesthesia, followed by the insertion of a resectoscope – a tool that we covered the history and development of in previous articles.

A resectoscope is a thin metal tube that is about 12 inches long and .5 inches in diameter that is inserted into the end of the penis where it is guided into the urethra.

The instrument contains a light, a camera, and a wire loop which is then heated with an electric current. The electrical current running through the wire loops is used to cut tissue and seal blood vessels, while the surgeon removes the tissue that is blocking the urethra one piece at a time.

Once the tissue is removed, a catheter is then inserted into the urethra to pump fluid into the bladder and flush away pieces of the prostate that have been cut.

Following a TURP procedure, most men need to stay in the hospital for one or two days or until there is no significant amount of post-op blood in their urine or other post-op issues.

TURP remains a very common surgery for BPH, with some estimations pointing at upwards of 150,000 men in the United States having TURP each year.

Transurethral resection of the prostate is a treatment that in the past, many men have opted for because it does not remove the entire prostate, and it doesn’t involve any incisions. It is also well-known to have long-term outcomes, with the effects of treatment sometimes lasting 15 years or more.

However, this method of treating BPH is not without its own set of side effects and risks. Therefore more and more men are opting for a non-invasive prostate procedure called Prostate Artery Embolization.

In our next article, we will take a look at the side effects and risks of TURP and compare them to that of Prostate Artery Embolization.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Treating BPH with Prostate Artery Embolization

From minimally invasive to more extensive surgeries, there are several procedures that can treat benign prostate hyperplasia.

In recent years many men suffering from the uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms of an enlarged prostate, have been finding relief through a non-invasive procedure called Prostate Artery Embolization.

Prostate Artery Embolization is a procedure performed here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional by our Interventional Radiologist.

The procedure begins with a small incision in the wrist or groin, followed by the insertion of a tiny catheter.

Using advanced X-Ray technology, the doctor will then guide the catheter through the blood vessels until it reaches the arteries that are feeding blood to the prostate gland.

Once the catheter has reached the proper location, it releases tiny microscopic beads. These beads then travel to the prostatic arteries, where they create a blockage, which blocks the blood flow that is causing the prostate gland’s enlargement.

Maybe this sounds a little like science fiction, or even too good to be true- but rest assured, it’s not.

Though Prostate Artery Embolization is a relatively new outpatient procedure, it’s nothing to be afraid of.

In fact, PAE has one of the highest rates of success. Not only do over 90% of men treated with PAE experience relief from their symptoms in the first year, but relief can continue on for years after that.

This means relief from BPH symptoms like:

  • Dribbling when you finish
  • A hard time getting started
  • A weak stream or you pee in stops and starts
  • Feeling like you still have to pee even after you just went
  • Having to go too often — eight or more times a day
  • Incontinence (when you don’t have control over when you pee)
  • An urgent need to pee, all of a sudden
  • You wake up several times a night to pee
  • Urinary tract infections, bleeding, bladder damage, and bladder stones

It is estimated that about 8 out of 10 men will eventually experience some or all of the above symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

Unfortunately, it is also estimated that only around 30% will actually seek medical treatment for BPH. This is highly problematic, especially for men over 40 because although BPH is quite common and usually not life-threatening, if left untreated it can get worse.

Untreated BPH can cause a slew of health problems such as frequent urinary tract infections, bleeding, bladder stones, and potential bladder and/or kidney damage.

The good news is, you can avoid experiencing these more severe issues that can come from untreated BPH by making an appointment with your doctor, or calling us here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

Together, we can determine the right course of action, which could be taking medicine, PAE, making lifestyle changes, or a combination of these.

Treatment is available, so please call us and set up a consultation today.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

An Enlarged Prostate: Signs and Symptoms

Getting up several times to urinate throughout the night, could be a symptom of benign prostate hyperplasia. Which is also known as an enlarged prostate.

An enlarged prostate? What does that mean?

Well, before we get into that, let’s take a look at exactly what the prostate is.

The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system.

It is responsible for aiding in the production of fluid that carries sperm from the testicles and helps to push semen through the urethra during ejaculation.

The prostate is located below the bladder, in front of the rectum,  and surrounds part of the urethra.

Typically the prostate is about the size and shape of a walnut, however, as a man ages, the prostate can become larger.

Though it is normal for the prostate to grow, sometimes this growth can be problematic and become Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.

BPH occurs when the prostate grows large enough that it begins to pinch the urethra, causing troubling symptoms such as:

  • a weak flow when you urinate
  • a feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied properly
  • difficulty starting to urinate
  • dribbling urine after you finish urinating
  • needing to urinate more often, especially at night
  • a sudden urge to urinate

The prostate’s squeezing of the urethra also causes the bladder to have to work even harder to pass urine. This over time, can cause the bladder muscles to become weak, making it harder for it to be emptied. This can also lead to:

  • Feeling like you still have to pee even after you just went
  • Having to go too often — eight or more times a day
  • Incontinence (when you don’t have control over when you pee)
  • An urgent need to pee, all of a sudden
  • You wake up several times a night to pee
  • Urinary tract infections, bleeding, bladder damage, and bladder stones

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be dealing with the effects of an enlarged prostate and, you are not alone.

The urinary issues related to prostate size are so common, that on average about 8 out of 10 men will eventually experience it.

Though men with an enlarged prostate might not experience every one of the symptoms listed above, and the severity may vary, it’s still important to make an appointment with your doctor to identify or rule out any underlying causes.

If left untreated, urinary problems, especially those caused by an enlarged prostate, could lead to more serious problems such as frequent UTIs, an obstruction of the urinary tract, and serious bladder or kidney damage.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, it’s important to schedule a visit with your doctor.

If treatment is necessary, your doctor will work with you to find the best treatment for you. This could mean taking prescribed medication, or it could mean making some lifestyle changes to help control BPH symptoms.

If the symptoms are particularly bothersome, your doctor may recommend that the prostate be treated directly through surgery or a non-invasive procedure such as Prostatic Artery Embolization– which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Prostate Artery Embolization, or schedule a visit to find out if this treatment could benefit you, please do not hesitate to call us at 301-622-5360 to set up a consultation.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

BPH Medication: Combination Therapy

Of all of the medication-based treatments for an enlarged prostate, there is evidence to suggest that combination therapy of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, is the most effective.

Alpha-blockers are medicines that are used to relax muscle tissue thereby helping to relieve pressure and urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, such as tamsulosin (Flomax) or terazosin (Hytrin).

While 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors such as dutasteride (Avodart) and finasteride (Proscar), are medications that can shrink the prostate.

One study, in particular, found that the combination therapy of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors reduced the risk of urinary retention and the need for prostate surgery by 66% when compared to the impact of the alpha-blocker tamsulosin alone.

Using a combination of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors in the treatment of an enlarged prostate has shown promising results, however, it is not without its own set of side effects and risks.

According to a meta-analysis study published in the medical journal Aging Male, entitled “Impact of combination therapy 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) plus alpha-blockers (AB) on erectile dysfunction and decrease of libido in patients with LUTS/BPH: A systematic review with meta-analysis,” the overall prevalence of erectile dysfunction and reduced libido was found to be significantly greater for men treated with the combination therapy of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

In fact, they found that combination therapy not only increased the risk of erectile dysfunction significantly, compared to the prevalence of this side effect during monotherapy with just alpha blockers or 5-alpha inhibitors- but they also found that combination therapy resulted in more reported cases of reduced libido than monotherapy.

Other potential side effects of these medications are:

Dizziness, headache, and fatigue (most common)
Decrease in sex drive
Erectile dysfunction
Retrograde ejaculation
Decreased volume of ejaculate
Dry mouth, stuffy nose, and swelling of the ankles
Breast disorders (painful or enlarged breasts)
Low blood pressure

Both alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors have their side effects, as well as their benefits.

The primary benefit of alpha-blockers is that they offer quick relief from BPH symptoms – usually in days to weeks. Whereas with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, a benefit is that they can shrink the prostate and potentially avoid the need for prostate surgery, however, it can take anywhere from three to six months to experience any signs of improvement.

Even though combination therapy shows more promising results in the treatment of BPH, alpha-blockers are still the most commonly prescribed treatment. However, alpha-blockers are only effective in the short term, and symptoms will most likely return once the medication is stopped.

For men that wish to avoid taking medication for an enlarged prostate due to the risks and side effects of these drugs, they may wish to explore the option of a non-invasive surgical procedure that we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional called Prostate Artery Embolization.

In our next article, we will take a look at what the research says about the efficacy of Prostate Artery Embolization and compare it to the efficacy of medication therapy in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Prostate Artery Embolization: What the Research Says

In our last article, we took a look at a non-invasive outpatient procedure to treat an enlarged prostate called Prostate Artery Embolization, which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional. Today let’s take a look at what some of the research says about the efficacy of this procedure. 

A recent study published in the medical journal Interventional Radiology looked at 1,000 men treated with Prostate Artery Embolization between 2006 and 2017. The particpants of the study were followed up with for several years after the procedure, where they were evaluated for enlarged prostate symptoms. Specifically, the researchers measured the size of the prostate and evaluated the partipants regarding erectile dysfunction, and urinary issues.

Given that one of the primary symptoms of an enlarged prostate is its impact on urination, the study involved measuring not only the amount of urine retained in the bladder after urination, but researchers also measured the urinary flow rate.

Lastly, each participant’s prostate-specific antigen levels ( PSA) were checked, which is a test that is used to screen for prostate cancer.

Now the big question- What did they find?

The data from these measurements found that at the short-term mark, the Prostate Artery Embolization treatment had a cumulative success rate (measuring all of the variables listed above), of over 90%.

The cumulative success rate of the Prostate Artery Embolization treatment was then measured at the 3-year mark, at which point the researchers found there was an 82% success rate, and again every year after that, resulting in a cumulateive long term success rate of 79%.

The study also discovered that, unlike medication and surgeries which can have unwanted sexual side effects, men treated with Prostate Artery Embolization did not report any adverse effects on their sexual function.

This is just one of the research studies conducted on the effect of Prostate Artery Embolization on men experiencing adverse symptoms from an enlarged prostate. However, there are many more out there, and they all tell us one thing: Prostate Artery Embolization is an excellent option for men with BPH, because it works.

Here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, we are proud to offer Prostate Artery Embolization and would love to schedule a consultation to see if this procedure can benefit you. That being said, PAE is one of many treatment options that are available for an enlarged prostate, so it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine which treatment is best for your particular case.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of the other treatment options available, starting with medications that are used to treat an enlarged prostate. We will look at the pros and cons of each treatment, to help you to be as informed as possible when making these important decisions for your health.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Prostate Artery Embolization for an Enlarged Prostate

Here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, we are proud to offer a non-invasive state-of-the-art treatment for men that are experiencing symptoms due to an enlarged prostate. The treatment is Prostate Artery Embolization, and it is an outpatient procedure that has over a 90% success rate for patients with a symptomatic enlarged prostate.

Though it is normal for the prostate to continue to grow as a man ages, for some it can develop into Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH, also known as an enlarged prostate, occurs when the prostate grows large enough that it begins to pinch the urethra, causing troubling symptoms that affect the ability to urinate, such as:

  • Dribbling when you finish
  • A hard time getting started
  • A weak stream or you pee in stops and starts

The prostate’s squeezing of the urethra also causes the bladder to have to work even harder to pass urine. This over time, can cause the bladder muscles to become weak, making it harder for it to be emptied. This can lead to:

  • Feeling like you still have to pee even after you just went
  • Having to go too often — eight or more times a day
  • Incontinence (when you don’t have control over when you pee)
  • An urgent need to pee, all of a sudden
  • You wake up several times a night to pee
  • Urinary tract infections, bleeding, bladder damage, and bladder stones

Fortunately, many patients are finding relief from these symptoms through the work of our Interventional Radiologist Dr. Rishi R. Sood, who is an expert in performing Prostate Artery Embolization.

The procedure begins with a small incision in the wrist or groin, followed by the insertion of a tiny catheter. Using advanced X-Ray technology, the doctor will then guide the catheter through the blood vessels until it reaches the arteries that are feeding blood to the prostate gland. Once the catheter has reached the proper location, it releases tiny microscopic beads. These beads then travel to the prostatic arteries, where they create a blockage, which blocks the blood flow that is causing the prostate gland’s enlargement.

Maybe this sounds a little like science fiction, or even too good to be true- but rest assured, it’s not.

Though Prostate Artery Embolization is a relatively new outpatient procedure, it’s nothing to be afraid of. In fact, PAE has one of the highest rates of success. Not only do over 90% of men treated with PAE experience relief from their symptoms in the first year, but relief can continue on for years after that.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of the research backing the use of Prostate Artery Embolization as an effective treatment for BPH. In the meantime, please feel free to call us with any questions about PAE, or to set up a consultation to see if PAE is right for you.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Prostatitis and BPH

When it comes to experiencing prostate symptoms sometimes it’s hard to tell if the symptoms point to prostatitis or an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Though both conditions can share similar symptoms, there are certain differentiating factors including the cause and the treatment.

First of all, BPH is a normal part of aging for men. In fact, between the ages of 20 and 50 years old, it is estimated that the prostate nearly doubles in size. And by age 80, it is not uncommon for the prostate to double in size again.

Sometimes men with an enlarged prostate have very few symptoms and do not require treatment. While others with an enlarged prostate will experience pressure on the urethra causing a slew of urinary issues.

If the enlarged prostate is particularly troublesome, an excellent treatment option is Prostate Artery Embolization, which we perform regularly here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

However, if you are experiencing an enlarged prostate under the age of 50, chances are this is actually inflammation caused by prostatitis.

Prostatitis, which we covered more in-depth in a previous article, is usually caused by a bacterial infection. This infection causes the prostate to become tender, swollen, and enlarged. Unlike benign prostate hyperplasia, prostatitis is usually treated with antibiotics. Sometimes medications to relax the muscle in the upper part of the urethra are also administered to help relieve any pain associated with the infection.

Enlarged prostate and prostatitis are different diagnoses, however, when it comes to chronic bacterial prostatitis, there can be a connection between the two.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis is defined as an ongoing or recurring prostate infection, and one common culprit- an enlarged prostate.

Why is this?

The most common reason for this is that having benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause urinary problems which inhibit the ability to completely empty the bladder. As a result, the stagnant urine acts as a growth medium for bacteria.

Though the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and prostatitis can be similar, there are differences. First, let’s take a look at the symptoms of each.

Symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia:

  • An urgent, at times uncontrollable, need to urinate, which may lead to incontinence if the person can’t make it to the bathroom in time
  • Trouble urinating
  • Frequent urination
  • Urinary hesitancy, i.e. slow start till urine streams out
  • Weak flow of urine
  • Frequent need to urinate at night, known as nocturia
  • Intermittent flow, i.e. stopping and starting
  • Leaking or dribbling urine
  • Urinary retention

Symptoms of Prostatitis

  • Hematuria (blood in the urine) or blood in semen
  • Pain in the penis and testicles
  • Burning or painful sensation during urination
  • Painful or difficult ejaculation
  • Urethral discharge
  • Pain and/or pressure in the rectum
  • Painful defecation (painful bowel movements)
  • Discomfort and/or pain in the genitals, groin, lower back and/or lower abdomen
  • Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Sexual problems and loss of sex drive
  • Postcoital pain (pain after having sex)

As you can see, both an enlarged prostate and prostatitis are associated with similar urinary problems, however, prostatitis may also be associated with pain during ejaculation,  general abdominal pain, and the other symptoms listed above.

Another key difference is that since prostatitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, it can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, and a pus-like discharge. These symptoms are rarely associated with an enlarged prostate.

If you think you may have a case of prostatitis or an enlarged prostate, it is important that you reach out to your doctor right away, as ignoring the symptoms, will only make it worse. And by getting the proper diagnosis, you and your doctor can develop a treatment plan, and work to reduce your symptoms and potentially resolve the issue.