Your nose and ears are two parts of the anatomy that keep growing throughout your lifetime. However, for men, the prostate keeps on growing and growing also as they age. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. And the biggest issue most men are concerned about is the possibility of sexual dysfunction following surgical procedures to correct the problem.
A new procedure was introduced this week at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 36th Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago. It's called prostatic artery embolization, PAE. The new minimally-invasive, no scalpel method doesn't have the typical risks associated with surgery – sexual dysfunction as well as urinary incontinence, blood loss, and retrograde ejaculation.
It is common for the prostate gland to enlarge as men age. And this condition rarely causes problems before the age of 40. But by the time a man reaches the age of 60 to 70 years of age a majority of them experience the symptoms of BPH. The symptoms of BPH stem from obstruction of the urethra and gradual loss of bladder function which typically results in incomplete emptying of the bladder.
Common urinary symptoms include:
- A hesitant, interrupted, weak stream of urine
- Urgency and leaking of urine
- More frequent urination, especially at night
For more information on PAE
For more information on BPH by Michigan Institute of Urology
For a list of experts in the field of urology in Grand Rapids, MI
Get information on sexual health issues by clicking the subscribe button above and simply entering your email address for spam-free articles delivered straight to your inbox.
Comments