Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, commonly called an enlarged prostate or BPH, is a very common condition that affects many men as they age. The prostate surrounds the urethra, so when it grows, it can begin to press on or narrow the urinary channel, leading to changes in urination, bladder strain, and reduced quality of life. While BPH is not cancer, the symptoms can feel disruptive and often worsen over time without treatment.
At United Vein and Vascular Centers, our specialists provide advanced, minimally invasive solutions, including prostate artery embolization (PAE), to help relieve urinary symptoms and restore comfort.
Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate:
- Needing to urinate frequently, especially in the middle of the night
- Sudden urgent need to urinate
- A weak urine flow
- A feeling of still having to go
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Blood in the urine
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above or have been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, call United Vein and Vascular Centers to schedule your vascular consultation.
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What Causes Enlarged Prostate?
While the exact cause of an enlarged prostate is not fully understood yet, we do know that in most cases, age and hormones play a big part. However, there other risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing BPH.
Risk factors include:
- Age 40 years and older
- Family history of benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Black and Hispanic
- Medical conditions such as obesity, heart and circulatory disease, and type 2 diabetes
- Erectile dysfunction
- Obesity increases the risk of BPH, while exercise has been shown to lower your risk
If left untreated, BPH can lead to:
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Incontinence
- Kidney Stones
- Infection
- Inability to urinate with damage to the bladder
- Damage to the kidneys
How Enlarged Prostate (BPH) is Treated at UVVC
Treating an enlarged prostate can be life-changing for many men, improving fertility, sleep quality, and urination. At United Vein and Vascular Centers our board-certified vascular surgeons provide a minimally invasive vascular treatment option, called Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE). PAE is a safe and effective outpatient procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) does not usually directly cause erectile dysfunction.
The prostate is a gland, in males, that sits just under the bladder and surrounds the urethra. As men age, this gland can become enlarged and cause issues.
Yes, many men can live a normal life with the right treatment.
The side effects of an enlarged prostate include frequent or urgent need to urinate, trouble starting urination, and sometimes, blood in the urine. If left untreated, the side effects of an enlarged prostate can worsen over time and cause pain.
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