Enlarged Prostate Treatment Means Hospitalization for King Charles

While Princess Kate recovers from stomach surgery, King Charles is heading into hospital for benign prostate hyperplasia treatment. This condition is also called BPH, or an enlarged prostate. King Charles eagerly shared his health updates with the public, in the name of transparency. But his announcement left us pondering why the King of England would choose a procedure that requires hospitalization when you can treat BPH without staying overnight in the hospital by choosing minimally invasive Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)!

Causes of an enlarged prostate

Men develop BPH due to accelerated prostate cell growth that leads to an increase in gland size. When that happens, your prostate starts to press on the urethra, and that leads to painful and unpleasant urinary tract symptoms.

Now, no one knows exactly why the growth of prostate cells accelerates. But there appears to be a link to increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. With age, men's DHT levels rise, making BPH a common problem after your turn 60. And, clocking in at 75, King Charles is in the prime age group for seeking enlarged prostate treatment.

What are the Options for Enlarged Prostate Treatment?

When they aren't severe, you can manage BPH symptoms with lifestyle changes or medication. But if you don't find relief with these options, you have two choices: surgery or PAE. Today, many men prefer to choose PAE, the less invasive option, because it offers similar relief, but causes fewer side effects, and allows you to avoid general anesthesia and overnight hospital stays!

PAE in Georgia

Using catheter-based technology, PAE involves making a small incision in the groin or wrist; in contrast, surgical removal of your prostate involves a larger incision. Also, rather than remove your gland, PAE simply blocks blood flow to the prostate, allowing it to shrink and relieve your urinary tract symptoms.

The result? PAE offers a less traumatic enlarged prostate treatment option, with a reduced risk for sexual side effects and a shorter recovery period. Ready to see if you're a candidate for PAE? Click here to request an appointment[/ga-app-link] at the Georgia Prostate Institute.