Prostate Restored
Photo by Nicola Barts Pexels Logo Photo: Nicola Barts

Can an enlarged prostate be reduced without surgery?

PAE is a nonsurgical procedure that decreases the blood supply to the prostate, thus reducing its size and symptoms. An interventional radiologist, who uses X-rays and other imaging techniques to see inside the body and treat conditions without surgery, performs PAE.

What will happen to the Earth in 2070?
What will happen to the Earth in 2070?

“By the 2070s, changes in global climate will likely include strong warming across the globe, up to 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit)...

Read More »
Can you take ginger and turmeric at the same time?
Can you take ginger and turmeric at the same time?

The benefits of turmeric and ginger are numerous. Ginger and turmeric work together synergistically to do more together than they could on their...

Read More »

If you’re a man over 50, you have a one in three chance of having benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the most common benign tumor found in men. BPH causes symptoms such as lack of bladder control, increased urinary frequency, and urgency and pain. For those with minor symptoms, medication or diet changes can help, but as symptoms increase, surgery is often the next step. But for men who are not candidates for surgery, or have a strong desire to avoid surgery, prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a new treatment option. Interventional radiologist Brian Holly, M.D. , explains what you should know about the prostatic artery embolization procedure and if it may be right for you.

What is PAE?

PAE is a nonsurgical procedure that decreases the blood supply to the prostate, thus reducing its size and symptoms. An interventional radiologist, who uses X-rays and other imaging techniques to see inside the body and treat conditions without surgery, performs PAE. At Johns Hopkins, our interventional radiologists are expertly trained and experienced in performing this technically challenging procedure.

Who is eligible for PAE?

The PAE procedure is best for candidates who are either ineligible due to pre-existing health conditions or not interested in traditional surgery. An exam with an interventional radiologist can determine if you are a candidate for PAE. At this appointment, you may be asked how often you have urinary symptoms of BPH, how severe they are, and how much they affect your quality of life. Men who have advanced heart diseases associated with smoking or diabetes may not be candidates for PAE.

What are the benefits to PAE?

PAE is less invasive then other procedures so patients can return to their normal lives sooner. The PAE procedure can also have a lower risk of urinary incontinence and sexual side effects (retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction), when compared with more invasive surgical procedures such as a TransUrethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP).

How effective is PAE?

PAE is a new and promising procedure. In a study published in 2016, 630 patients underwent a prostate artery embolization procedure. The study found that the procedure had a positive effect on urinary symptoms as well as overall quality of life. This positive effect lasted 1-3 years in 82% of the patients and lasted 3-7 years in 76% of the patients. Additionally, there was no urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction reported. With the high success rate of PAE, men ineligible for surgery are able improve their quality of life by eliminating or reducing uncomfortable BPH symptoms. Be sure to speak to your urologist to help determine the best approach for you.

What quickly increases testosterone?
What quickly increases testosterone?

It was found that just 15-20 minutes spent outdoors can increase testosterone levels by up to 120%. So make the most of your lunch break....

Read More »
What sleep aid can I take with an enlarged prostate?
What sleep aid can I take with an enlarged prostate?

Sleep Aids: The only safe and effective nonprescription sleep aids contain diphenhydramine (e.g., Sominex) or doxylamine (e.g., Unisom Sleep-Tabs)....

Read More »

How many rounds should a guy last in bed?

Answer. During sexual intercourse, most men ejaculate between 5-10 minutes and research has shown the average time to ejaculate after penetration is 5 1/2 minutes. Usually, ejaculation less than 1 to 1 1/2 minutes after penetration is regarded as premature ejaculation.

During sexual intercourse, most men ejaculate between 5-10 minutes and research has shown the average time to ejaculate after penetration is 5 1/2 minutes. Usually, ejaculation less than 1 to 1 1/2 minutes after penetration is regarded as premature ejaculation. But if this causes no distress to either partner, no treatment is necessarily required. The presence of distress in association with quick ejaculation often indicates the need for treatment. There are a few treatments including behavioural exercises, use of condoms and anaesthetic spray, as well as anti-depressant medication (also known as SSRI). This requires a doctor’s prescription and comes in two forms. SSRI medication is a very successful treatment for depression but it has a significant side effect of delaying ejaculation which is why it's sometimes prescribed for men with premature ejaculation. Want to learn more about premature ejaculation? Check out the information on our Premature Ejaculation page or browse through our resource library for fact sheets, information guides and videos on retrograde ejaculation and other ejaculation and erectile problems.

How does a man get a urinary tract infection?
How does a man get a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infection may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Sometimes a stone in the urinary tract blocks the flow of urine and causes...

Read More »
What does cinnamon do to man?
What does cinnamon do to man?

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Some research suggests that it may help support blood sugar control, protect...

Read More »
How painful is TURP surgery?
How painful is TURP surgery?

You shouldn't experience any severe pain, but there may be some discomfort and bladder spasms (contractions) from the catheter, which is left in...

Read More »
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »
What is the most common birthday?
What is the most common birthday?

According to real birth data compiled from 20 years of American births, mid-September is the most birthday-packed time of the year, with September...

Read More »