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Men’s Health Week Spotlight: Relief from BPH Is Possible—No Surgery Needed
Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and a Less Invasive Treatment Option at TRA Endovascular
As men age, some health changes are expected—gray hair, reading glasses, maybe a few more aches and pains. But one condition that often gets overlooked is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate.
BPH isn’t cancer, but it can significantly interfere with daily life. Many men over 50 start to notice they’re getting up multiple times at night to use the bathroom, having difficulty starting urination, or feeling like they can never fully empty their bladder. It’s frustrating, disruptive, and can start to affect sleep, work, and overall wellbeing.
The good news? You don’t have to live with these symptoms—and you don’t have to jump straight to surgery, either.
What Is BPH?
BPH is a common condition where the prostate gland gradually enlarges and begins pressing on the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This pressure can cause a range of urinary symptoms, including:
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Feeling that the bladder isn’t fully empty
- Increased urination at night (nocturia)
A Minimally Invasive Solution: Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
At TRA Endovascular, we offer Prostate Artery Embolization as a non-surgical treatment option for men with BPH. This outpatient procedure is performed by our fellowship-trained interventional radiologists. Using image guidance, they thread a tiny catheter through the blood vessels to block the arteries that supply the prostate, which causes it to shrink over time and relieves pressure on the urinary tract.
Why Men Are Choosing PAE
- Outpatient procedure—no hospital stay
- No general anesthesia required
- Minimal recovery time
- Lower risk of sexual side effects compared to surgery
- Effective symptom relief for many patients
Most men return to normal activities within a few days, and the results are long-lasting.
What to Do if You’re Interested in PAE
If you’re experiencing symptoms of BPH and want to learn more about PAE, the first step is to talk to your primary care provider or urologist. Ask about a referral for a consultation with the TRA Endovascular team. We’ll review your medical history, imaging, and symptoms to determine if you’re a candidate for this treatment.
Insurance and Coverage
Prostate Artery Embolization is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare, when certain criteria are met. These typically include:
- Documented urinary symptoms related to BPH
- A trial of medication that didn’t work or caused side effects
- Imaging showing an enlarged prostate
- Urologic evaluation ruling out other causes
Our team will work with your referring provider and insurance company to ensure all necessary documentation is submitted for coverage approval.
Take Charge of Your Health
Too often, men delay getting help for issues like BPH. This Men’s Health Week, we’re encouraging men to speak up and explore their options. You don’t have to live with discomfort, disrupted sleep, or embarrassment.
If you or a loved one is ready to learn more about Prostate Artery Embolization, reach out to your healthcare provider about scheduling a consultation with the TRA Endovascular team. Relief is possible—and it might be closer than you think.
Contact Us
Scheduling Team: 253-284-0841
Email: vein@tranow.com
Additional Resources:
- RadiologyInfo.org
- Enlarged Prostate/ Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
- Advancing Care for Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Non-Surgical Treatments at TRA Endovascular