Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

An enlarged prostate can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis, prostate specific antigen test, or ultrasound.

There are several risk factors that may contribute to the likelihood of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as:

• Age. BPH is more common in men as they age, specifically past age 60.
  Family History. A family history of BPH or prostate problems increased the risk of developing BPH. If a close family member, such as a brother or father suffers from BPH, the risk is greater.
• Hormonal Changes. Hormonal imbalances, especially those related to testosterone and estrogen, may play a role in the development of BPH.
  Obesity. Excess weight and body fat may alter hormone levels and contribute to BPH.
• Ethnicity. BPH is more common in certain ethnic groups, such as Black men, who may experience BPH at an earlier age, and experience more severe symptoms.
• Lifestyle Factors. Certain lifestyle factors may increase the risk of BPH, including a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) offers innumerable benefits, is considered safe, and is associated with a low rate of complications. Like any medical procedure, however, there are inherent risks involved. Potential minor complications of PAE include urinary tract infection, urinary retention, and blood in the urine. Most of these are temporary and can be easily managed. Major risks, which are extremely rare but can occur, include bladder or rectal injury.

If you are considering prostate artery embolization (PAE), there are alternative methods of procedure that you may consider:

Alternative 1 » No Procedure. If the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are mild and not significantly affecting quality of life, a “watchful waiting” approach may be recommended. This involves regular monitoring of symptoms and prostate size without active procedure.

Alternative 2 » Medications. There are several medications available to treat BPH, which can relax the prostate and improve urine flow.

Alternative 3 » Minimally Invasive Procedures.There are multiple transurethral procedures for BPH, including microwave thermography, needle ablation, and laser therapy.

Alternative 4 » Surgery. In severe cases of BPH, surgical intervention may be necessary, such as transurethral resection, in which excess prostate tissue is removed, enucleation of the prostate and open prostatectomy.

The choice of procedure depends on various factors and should be discussed with your healthcare provider, who can provide guidance based on individual circumstances and preferences.

Insurance coverage for prostate artery embolization (PAE) can vary depending on the specific insurance plan and the policies of the insurance provider. Before undergoing PAE, Clarity Care’s knowledgeable staff can work with you and your insurance company to review coverage details, including preauthorization requirements, necessary documentation, and potential out of pocket costs. Clarity Care also offers financing options that you can learn about here.

Clarity Care Imaging & Specialty Care is at 9040 Quivira Road in Lenexa, Kansas. Our center is conveniently located just north of Oak Park Mall with easy access from much of the Kansas City area including Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Merriam, Mission, Leawood and Prairie Village.

Clarity Care’s subspecialized physicians are board-certified with years of experience in image-guided minimally invasive procedures, offering innovative solutions to a list of conditions and diseases that today can be managed in a convenient, more affordable setting.