Urology experts estimate that in Spain some 3 million men have prostate health problems. But due to taboos or shame, only about 900,000 have consulted with their doctor and receive treatment.
Specifically, a survey carried out by the , shows that 69.5% of men state that they have suffered some of the symptoms associated with the prostate, but only 31.8% have visited the urologist
That is why the date that we celebrate every September 15, the European Day of Prostate Health, is so important. Because these dates are intended to make men aware of an important reality and help them go to the doctor for early detection.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
It is the most prevalent disease among men. It is what is commonly called “prostate problems”.
It consists of a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects 50% of men over 50 years of age and 90% of those between 70 and 80 years of age, according to data provided by the Dr. Mauricio Lopezof the Urology Service of the .
And as he explains Dr Carlos Lanciegohead of the Interventional Radiology Unit of the same hospital
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“As the gland grows, it can slow or stop the flow of urine from the bladder and produce lower urinary tract symptoms.
Symptoms that prostate problems begin
Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia They are varied. They may be related to bladder filling, emptying, or discomfort after urination.
The most common are:
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Interruptions in the flow of urine.
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Difficulty initiating urination.
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Dribbling after urination.
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Urgent need to urinate.
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Weak urine stream.
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Feeling that the bladder is still full after urinating.
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Urinating frequently, especially at night.
And in case of any of these symptoms, consult a specialist in urology It is essential so that prostate problems do not get complicated and cause other pathologies as
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urinary incontinence
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bladder stones
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urine infections
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Even kidney failure.
Dr. Mauricio López indicates that some BPH risk factors are:
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age or aging
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Family history of prostate health problems
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The obesity
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Chronic diseases like diabetes
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heart disease
TUR, innovative treatment that maintains sexual function
The usual treatment when the symptoms are moderate is oral medication. But in some cases the drugs are not enough and the inflammation of the gland persists.
In these cases, experts can consider the surgical approach through transurethral resection (TUR). It is performed through the urethra, cutting the prostate into fragments and extracting them.
This type of technique is effective in up to 70% of patients.
However, in up to 20% of cases it presents complications such as bleeding, incontinence and affectation of sexual function.
Today, Interventional Radiology specialists can provide innovative, minimally invasive treatment to those who need an alternative:
Prostatic artery embolization (PAD).
It is a technique with less risk, and as indicated by the Dr. Ignacio Dominguezmember of the Interventional Vascular Radiology Unit of the Virgen de la Salud University Hospital.
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«It consists of accessing the vasculature of the patient through a catheter inserted in the femoral, radial artery, etc., until reaching the arteries that irrigate the gland affected by inflammation and selecting those that are going to be covered (embolized) by means of devices called microspheres.
In this way, the interventional radiologist treats the inflamed area by blocking the flow of blood to the prostate, which decreases its size, restores the flow of urine, and makes the clinical symptoms disappear in the days after treatment.
For his part, Dr. Lanciego affirms that, “in our experience of more than 60 cases treated over the last 10 years, we have obtained very good results and with a high degree of satisfaction, which makes us feel very proud of this frank collaboration with the Urology Service, directed by the head of service, the Doctor Antonio Gomez”.
Finally, ensure that the advantages of this technique versus traditional surgery are:
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lower risk
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faster recovery time
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less pain
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Maintains sexual function
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Absence of urinary incontinence.
Prostatic artery embolization is a treatment option. safe and effective treatment for properly selected patients, so the experts reiterate the importance of always consulting a specialist, who will determine the best therapeutic option in each case.
How to relieve prostate symptoms
The discomfort derived from the inflammation of this male gland can have an impact on the quality of life of the patient.
For this reason, in addition to seeing a medical professional to confirm the diagnosis and seek treatment, the Spanish Association of Urology proposes a series of changes in the patient’s lifestyle to reduce prostate discomfort:
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So that the need to go to the bathroom does not prevent rest, the ideal is to limit the consumption of liquids in the last hours of the day or before going to bed. If the patient is going on a trip, he too should drink less in the hours before departure.
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