Enlarged Prostate Treatments: Exploring Your Options (And a Modern Alternative You May Not Know About)

If you’re a man over 50, chances are you’ve heard the term BPH—Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. It’s the medical name for an enlarged prostate, and it’s incredibly common. In fact, nearly 50% of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men over 80 will experience some degree of prostate enlargement.

But just because it’s common doesn’t mean you have to live with it. If you’re tired of frequent bathroom trips, weak urine flow, or interrupted sleep, it might be time to explore your treatment options.

What Causes an Enlarged Prostate?

As men age, the prostate—a small gland about the size of a walnut—naturally grows. This growth can press on the urethra and cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, including:

• Frequent urination, especially at night

• Difficulty starting urination

• Weak or interrupted urine stream

• A constant feeling that your bladder isn’t empty

• Sudden urges to urinate without relief

These symptoms can have a real impact on quality of life—but the good news is there are a number of effective treatment options.

Common Treatments for Enlarged Prostate

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating BPH. The right treatment depends on your symptoms, health history, and goals. Here’s an overview of the most common options.

Watchful Waiting

For men with mild symptoms, sometimes the first step is simply keeping an eye on things. This conservative approach often includes:

• Reducing caffeine and alcohol

• Urinating on a schedule

• Avoiding fluids before bedtime

While this might help early on, symptoms often worsen over time—and eventually, most men seek something more effective.

Medications

Medications are often the first line of active treatment. Common options include:

• Alpha-blockers (like tamsulosin): Relax the muscles of the bladder and prostate.

• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (like finasteride): Help shrink the prostate over time.

• Combination therapy: Sometimes both drugs are used together.

While medications can help, they’re not without downsides. Relief can take weeks or months, and some men experience sexual side effects such as reduced libido or changes in ejaculation. Plus, they’re usually taken long-term.

Traditional Surgery (TURP)

TURP, or Transurethral Resection of the Prostate, is the most common surgery for BPH. A urologist inserts an instrument through the urethra to remove prostate tissue and relieve pressure.

This option can be effective, especially in severe cases, but it comes with risks. TURP usually requires general anesthesia, a hospital stay, and a longer recovery. There can be bleeding, infection, or complications with sexual function. Many men prefer to avoid surgery if possible.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MISTs)

In recent years, several newer techniques have been developed to treat BPH with less downtime. These include:

• UroLift® – Physically lifts prostate tissue away from the urethra.

• Rezūm™ – Uses steam to destroy excess prostate tissue.

• Laser ablation – Vaporizes tissue with high-intensity light.

These are typically outpatient procedures and may be helpful for some men, but results vary and they may not be ideal for larger prostates or more complex cases.

469-458-9800

What About Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?

At MTVIR in Dallas, we offer a different kind of solution: Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)—a non-surgical, image-guided procedure performed in our private, fully equipped Angiosuite.

With PAE, there’s no hospital stay, no general anesthesia, and no cutting. Instead, a tiny catheter is inserted into an artery (usually in your wrist or groin), and small particles are delivered to block blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink naturally over time.

Why PAE?

• Minimally invasive

• Performed entirely outpatient

• Lower risk of sexual side effects

• Fast recovery—most men return to normal activities within a few days

• Covered by many insurance providers

At MTVIR, Dr. Travis Van Meter, a board-certified interventional radiologist, has helped countless men find relief from BPH without surgery. The entire procedure is done in-house, which means no crowded hospitals, no long check-in times, and no waiting weeks for operating room availability.

We’ve designed our clinic in North Dallas to offer a comfortable, patient-first experience from the moment you walk through the door—because we believe modern care should be as stress-free as possible.

Why Dallas Men Are Choosing PAE at MTVIR

Many men come to MTVIR after trying medications or being told surgery was their only option. We’re proud to offer a safe, effective alternative that can help you avoid lifelong meds and invasive operations.

What sets us apart:

• Personalized consultations with Dr. Van Meter

• A state-of-the-art operating suite for all procedures

• On-site imaging and diagnostics

• Dedicated support before, during, and after your procedure

• Convenient location in North Dallas, serving Plano, Frisco, Garland, Irving, Richardson, and surrounding communities

Looking for a prostate clinic in Dallas?

Look no further. We have a state-of-the-art center in North Dallas, where we can perform not only consultations but also surgeries.

Find us at:

9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75225
Call (469) 458-9800
Or contact us here to schedule a consultation.