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What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate gland grows in size, which can obstruct the flow of urine and sperm passing through your urethra. BPH is the most common growth found in men, and it is noncancerous, or “benign.”  While the enlargement may be of little concern, the symptoms you experience can be uncomfortable or difficult to manage, and negatively affect a person’s quality of life.

In its normal state, the prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below your bladder, surrounding part of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that empties the urine from the bladder. When the prostate grows in size, it can squeeze against the urethra, limiting or even stopping the flow of urine. This can lead to difficulty or increased need for urination during the day and/or night, and discomfort. BPH is the most common prostate problem for men between the ages of 45-90+.

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Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia can lead to a variety of urinary symptoms, as well as bladder, urinary tract infections, or kidney problems. The severity of symptoms in people with an enlarged prostate gland varies, but they tend to worsen gradually over time and can become very uncomfortable.

Common Symptoms

  • Bladder Pressure (causing the sensation of needing to urinate)
  • Frequent Urination (day and/or night)
  • Weak Urine Stream/Straining to Urinate
  • Urinary Retention
  • Frequent Night Urination
  • Urinary Urgency
  • Intermittent Urination (urine stream starts/stops while trying to urinate)

Risk Factors of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

BPH affects men as they age. Prostate gland enlargement symptoms are rarely evident in men younger than age 40. Approximately 50% of men by age 50 have BPH, which increases to 70% of men by age 70, and about 80% of men over 80. Many men have none of these risk factors, and can still have an enlarged prostate, as it is associated with the normal aging process in men. While some men may have little to no symptoms, others may have bothersome symptoms that unnecessarily affect their good quality of life and be more at risk. Risk factors for men include:

BPH Risk Factors

  • Men over 50
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Obesity
  • Family History
  • Diet high in meat and dairy

Enlarged Prostate Causes

Enlargement of the prostate is a normal process as men age. The actual cause of an enlarged prostate is unknown, but it is widely speculated that hormonal changes may be the cause. There are studies that show a connection between enlarged prostate glands and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the blood. High levels of estrogen have also been linked to enlarged prostates. As men get older and produce less testosterone in their blood, it creates a larger portion of estrogen. The research on the causes of BPH is ongoing.

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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Diagnosis

If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask detailed questions about your symptoms. Medical history should include questions about over-the-counter and prescription medications being taken.  A thorough diagnosis has to be developed before proceeding with any action or seeing a prostate specialist.

BPH Diagnostic Tests & Exams

  • Checking the lower abdomen for a mass
  • Digital rectal exam (DRE)
  • Urinalysis/Urine culture
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test
  • Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

Prostate Artery Embolization

Prostate Artery Embolization, or PAE, is a safe and effective treatment option for men with BPH.   Using a small catheter, tiny particles are injected into the arteries supplying blood to the prostate. By decreasing the blood flow to the prostate, it shrinks. Like other minimally invasive procedures, it offers several advantages over traditional surgery. The good news is, it is performed as an outpatient procedure, requiring no hospital stay and providing a shorter recovery time. You will experience virtually no blood loss with minimal pain or discomfort.  There is a much lower risk compared to traditional procedures, with less than 1% major complication risk and virtually no sexual side effects or risk of incontinence. Results can be experienced within a few days.

PAE vs TURP

TURP, or transurethral resection of the prostate is another type of prostate surgery.  Although TURP may be considered minimally invasive, it is still a form of surgery. A resectoscope is inserted into the tip of the penis, through the urethra, and the doctor removes the tissue. You can experience heavy bleeding, infection, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and difficulty urinating. You will usually need a catheter in the penis and bladder for a number of weeks or more after the procedure, while you are recovering. PAE is less invasive and lowers the risk of complications.

PAE vs UroLift

Another alternative to PAE is a procedure called UroLift, where a doctor inserts very small implants in the urethra, to lift and hold the prostate out of the way, so it no longer blocks the flow of urine.  However, this procedure is only available for men with smaller prostate glands and is not recommended if you have a large prostate volume, or a urinary tract infection. With PAE, there is no limit on the prostate size for treatment.

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What to Expect from Your Prostate Artery Embolization

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Less Invasive
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Lower Risk of Complications
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Same Day Procedure
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No Hospital Stay Required
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No Catheter Required

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia FAQ

What is the role of the prostate gland?

The prostate gland has several roles. Its main role is to produce seminal fluid, to nourish and lubricate the urethra. This allows for the natural and easy transport of urine and sperm out of the penis. This fluid is a component of semen.  The prostate gland is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The urethra is the tube in which urine flows from the bladder.  When the prostate becomes enlarged, it can obstruct the flow of urine and result in painful and uncomfortable symptoms.

How serious is an enlarged prostate?

An enlarged prostate isn’t always serious. A prostate is usually enlarged for one of two reasons. The most common reason is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) which happens normally as men age. Although much less common, a second cause of prostate enlargement can be cancer. Prostate health is important for men and any changes in urination should always start with a visit to a urologist to ensure the body’s health and safety. When diagnosed with BPH, a non-cancerous enlarged prostate, you should schedule a  proper follow-up with a prostate specialist. It is only as serious as the symptoms you’re bothered by. Our prostate specialists can offer you treatment without surgery.

What are the long-term risks of BPH?

If BPH is left untreated, complications can arise. The obstructed urethra can cause an irritable bladder, which can thicken and have a reduced capacity for urine. If the bladder is not completely empty, residual urine can remain, causing germs to settle on the bladder wall. This can cause infections, which can encourage the formation of bladder stones. If left untreated, a severe infection can damage the bladder and kidneys or even spread to the bloodstream leading to sepsis.

Our Prostate Specialists

David Mobley, MD, is our affiliated prostate specialist at American Prostate Centers. Dr. Mobley is double board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology and Vascular and Interventional Radiology. He has more than 10 years of experience performing minimally invasive image-guided endovascular treatments and is one of the small group of physicians in the nation who can expertly perform PAE.

Our Prostate Center in NY

Centrally located in Astoria, Queens, American Prostate Centers raises the bar for minimally invasive-image guided prostate care. Our Joint Commission-accredited outpatient center offers a full range of same-day procedures, including PAE, to get you the treatment you need to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Queens, NY
28-18 31st Street
Queens, NY 11102
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What Our Patients Are Saying

I felt very comfortable with him. Excellent bedside manner, proper teaching , and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him!
Jamel Jackson
Jamel Jackson
14:07 27 Feb 24
The absolute BEST Dr!! Detailed, caring & kind! The best medical procedure I’ve ever had from consultation to post procedure, perfect! 10s all around 👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽 many thank yous🙏🏾
Josi W
Josi W
22:04 12 Jan 24
Excellent service and staff i’ll let you feel relaxing and comfortable
kadine campbell
kadine campbell
21:01 23 Oct 23
Really like this doctor, talks in your language, just over all regular nice person.
Linda Thoomey
Linda Thoomey
22:03 21 Jul 23
I’m very satisfied of my visit for the first time, everyone was concerned about me, and Dr David was very patient to listen to my long health stories, after that He gave me good explanation for my problem, that was great 👍
Claude Jean Pierre
Claude Jean Pierre
22:38 18 Jul 23
Follow up to a procedure. Dr Mobley and his staff are great and always helpful
DanLiza Diehl
DanLiza Diehl
21:25 10 Jul 23
David monkey,MD and the grupo are excellent very kind and helpful.i will return to them.the attention.its very satisfied.thank u ..
Luis Sarria
Luis Sarria
12:16 29 Jun 23
I had a good experience with my procedure and Dr. Mobley’s follow-up calls are great. I’ve never had a doctor who has been so concerned about following up after a procedure to see how I’m doing and if there are any post-procedure problems I may have experienced (which there aren’t). I’d highly recommend Dr. Mobley.
Hey Beej
Hey Beej
16:42 23 Jun 23
Dr Mobley was so helpful, informative and made me feel secure in making my future medical plan. Supportive and kind. Highly recommended.
Amanda L Browder
Amanda L Browder
15:57 23 Jun 23
Doctor was very thorough. Explaining what the procedure is all about. Tell me what I could realistically expect. Couldn’t have asked for a better consultation. Highly recommended if you have a prostate issue
John Buric
John Buric
16:26 15 Jun 23
I was very pleased and satisfied on how Dr. David Mobley examined me and explained everything on what I need to know regarding my condition. He’s very professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of his profession. I would highly recommend him to my other friends!
Celine Parcon
Celine Parcon
23:16 07 Jun 23
He puts his patients before himself, returning calls and e-mails quickly. Not only is he kind and considerate, he is an excellent physician. I had to have a procedure that requires me to be awake, and he talked me through it and kept me at ease. If I could give him more stars, I would.
Super friendly, tentative, once in the procedure rm the sx staff made you feel comfortable, easy,+ answered all questions. David mobley, MD answered all my questions, very informative, caring. I felt confident in his care
Thais Bini
Thais Bini
21:22 30 May 23
Great doctor. Everyone is so kind and caring. Great place to go
Joan Jurica
Joan Jurica
14:46 30 May 23
The best in Astoria I recommend Dr mobley and staff 100 percent
michaela1951
michaela1951
21:25 30 Mar 23
Knowledgeable , experienced, great bed side manners
mohamed hamed
mohamed hamed
10:09 30 Mar 23
The doctor was very nice and professional. He explained the tests that I need and why I need them.
Judith AndersonNeal
Judith AndersonNeal
22:12 27 Mar 23
This was the best experience I have had in such a long time and I have had quite a few procedures in the past both in patient and out including the procedure I was currently present for. No other surgeon has been so kind, transparent, and gentle. Not only did he personally come out beforehand to provide me with education on my procedure, but he talked me through every step of the way and made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. Not to mention his amazing staff! Despite being extremely nervous they kept me smiling and laughing throughout the whole process. 10/10 would recommend. Thank you so much guys!!
Riah L.
Riah L.
13:49 22 Mar 23
Excellent bedside manners and the procedure was a breeze.
sen-pei hsia
sen-pei hsia
18:26 20 Mar 23
Los mejores/ the best💖🙏
Ruthy Ochoa
Ruthy Ochoa
04:17 03 Mar 23
I went with my mom who just had a hip surgery. The whole team was very caring, nice and very professional. I did appreciate that the surgeon took the time to explain to me what was wrong with my mom’s arm and what he did to fix it.
mouna khalyat
mouna khalyat
14:37 24 Feb 23
Although I didn’t meet with the doctor, the receptionist, assistant and nurse were great.
Theresa Gaines
Theresa Gaines
13:25 13 Feb 23
Every thing and the process are being done properly ..Terissa you are very Carey ..thank you so much every body are very polite and very professional.. Thank you so much to Dr.Mobley..God blessed you all .🙏🙏🙏👍
Remigio Ruda
Remigio Ruda
03:28 31 Jan 23
Very knowledgeable, personable and professional. I came to Dr. Mobley to correct another surgeons work and I was pleased with the outcome. There is a Hispanic woman that runs things in the O.R.She is great! The whole staff is wonderful and caring.Highly recommend
Lakesha Kingdom
Lakesha Kingdom
15:57 17 Jan 23
I had a wonderful PA take care of me, & the nurses were very sweet. I was happy with my visit
Aurora Anello
Aurora Anello
19:20 10 Jan 23
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Request an Appointment

Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Prostate affiliated center.