Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate tissue in men abnormally enlarges with age, compressing the urethra and causing urinary dysfunction. It is a very common benign disease that occurs in about 50% of men over the age of 50 and in over 90% of men over the age of 80.

Typical symptoms include frequent urination (more than 8 times a day), nocturia (waking up more than 2 times during sleep), residual urine sensation (feeling that urine remains even after urination), weak stream (weak or interrupted urine stream), delayed urination (inability to urinate immediately), and urgency (sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to hold).

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a non-surgical interventional treatment that uses a catheter to selectively block the arteries supplying blood to the prostate, causing the prostate to contract naturally. It improves urinary symptoms while preserving the prostate without incision.

TURP is a method of directly resecting prostate tissue through the urethra that requires general or spinal anesthesia and carries a risk of retrograde ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. PAE preserves the prostate without incision, is performed under local or sedation anesthesia, has a relatively lower risk of sexual function-related side effects, and allows for rapid recovery.

Most patients can return home on the same day or after an overnight stay. You can return to your daily life within 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure, and symptom improvement typically occurs over 1 to 3 months. It is recommended to refrain from strenuous exercise for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.

Treatment is actively considered starting from an IPSS score of 8 or higher (moderate). For scores between 8 and 19, drug therapy is attempted first; if the medication is ineffective or the score is 20 or higher (severe), PAE or surgery is considered. A specialist makes the determination based on a comprehensive assessment of the score, symptoms, and prostate size.

PAE is suitable for patients with moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia, those who do not respond well to drug treatment, elderly patients at high risk of surgery, and those who wish to preserve sexual function. Since access may be difficult depending on the anatomical structure of the prostatic artery, suitability is evaluated using a prostate MRI scan prior to the procedure.

Since this treatment does not involve a complete resection of the prostate, the prostate may enlarge again over time even after PAE. In cases of recurrence, repeated PAE may be possible, and depending on the severity of symptoms, additional medication or a switch to surgery will be discussed. Regular follow-up is important.

If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, acute urinary retention (a condition where no urine is passed at all), hydronephrosis, and decreased kidney function. If symptoms appear, it is important to receive an early diagnosis from a specialist.

Prostate Artery Embolization has been recognized as a new medical technology and is currently covered by selective benefits; however, full coverage may vary depending on the patient's health insurance status and the hospital's circumstances. The exact cost will be provided after a medical examination and consultation.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition in which the prostate tissue itself enlarges due to aging, narrowing the urinary tract (urethra) and causing urinary dysfunction. On the other hand, prostatitis primarily occurs in young adults in their 20s to 40s and is characterized by inflammation of the prostate caused by bacterial infection, accompanied by stinging pain or perineal discomfort when urinating.

Early-stage prostate cancer has no distinct symptoms, making it nearly impossible for patients to distinguish it on their own from symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, such as frequent urination or a weak urine stream. Since hematuria or bone pain only appears when the cancer has progressed significantly, if you experience any urinary abnormalities, do not be complacent based on symptoms alone; you must confirm the presence of cancer through precise imaging tests. Regular checkups are recommended if you have a family history of prostate cancer.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer are distinct diseases with different causes and locations of occurrence. Since BPH involves enlargement inside the prostate (around the urethra) and cancer primarily develops on the outer edge (margins), severe BPH does not necessarily lead to the condition worsening into prostate cancer or increase the risk of developing it. However, there are cases where individuals are diagnosed with prostate cancer while undergoing examinations for BPH symptoms.

Mint Hospital performs only prostate MRI instead of painful transrectal ultrasounds or digital rectal examinations. High-resolution MRI is the optimal examination that not only accurately measures the volume of benign prostatic hyperplasia but also painlessly and clearly differentiates hidden prostate cancer and prostatitis, which are easily missed by ultrasound.

You should reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, and alcohol, which irritate the bladder and cause frequent urination, and limit fluid intake starting 2 to 3 hours before bedtime to prevent nocturia. Additionally, taking a sitz bath or half-body bath with warm water daily relaxes the muscles around the pelvis and improves blood circulation to the prostate, which is very helpful in alleviating symptoms.