Enlarged Prostate Symptoms, Medications, and an Alternative in Dallas

If you’re a man over 50, you’ve likely heard of BPH—Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate. It’s one of the most common conditions men face as they age. And while medications are often the first line of treatment, many men are now turning to a cutting-edge, non-surgical option that’s changing the game: Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE).

In this article, we’ll walk through:

• Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate

• Common medications (and their pros & cons)

• How MTVIR in Dallas, TX offers an advanced alternative with PAE

Understanding Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

The prostate is a small gland that surrounds part of the urethra—the tube that carries urine out of the body. As the prostate grows (which it often does with age), it can squeeze the urethra and cause urinary symptoms.

Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH) include:

• Frequent urination (especially at night)

• Weak or interrupted urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

• Urgency to urinate

• Dribbling at the end of urination

These symptoms can range from mildly annoying to downright disruptive. Some men struggle with sleep, work, and travel due to the need to be near a bathroom at all times.

What Are the Common Drugs for Enlarged Prostate?

For many, the first step in treatment is medication. There are two main categories of drugs used to treat BPH:

1. Alpha Blockers (e.g., Tamsulosin / Flomax)

These medications relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow.

Pros:

• Can provide quick relief

• Easy to take daily

Cons:

• Doesn’t reduce the size of the prostate

• Side effects may include dizziness, fatigue, or retrograde ejaculation

2. 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors (e.g., Finasteride / Dutasteride)

These work by shrinking the prostate over time.

Pros:

• Can reduce prostate size

• Improves symptoms long-term

Cons:

• Takes several months to work

• Can affect libido and sexual function

In many cases, men are prescribed both medications together. While this can improve symptoms, side effects can add up. Plus, some men simply don’t want to be on lifelong medications.

So what if there was a non-surgical, outpatient treatment with minimal downtime?

The Breakthrough Alternative: PAE (Prostate Artery Embolization)

At MTVIR in Dallas, we specialize in Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)—a revolutionary, image-guided procedure that treats BPH without surgery, cutting, or long recovery.

How does PAE work?

• A small catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin

• Using advanced imaging, Dr. Travis Van Meter guides the catheter to the arteries that feed the prostate

• Tiny particles are injected to block blood flow, causing the prostate to shrink naturally

Benefits of PAE:

• No hospital stay

• No general anesthesia

• No catheter post-procedure for most patients

• Preserves sexual function

• Quick return to daily activities (often within a few days)

For men who are frustrated with side effects from prostate medications—or simply want long-term relief without surgery—PAE may be the perfect solution.

469-458-9800

Why Men in Dallas Choose MTVIR for PAE

At MTVIR, we bring advanced technology and personalized care together in one convenient location. Unlike other practices that send patients to hospitals for procedures, we perform PAE in-house, right here in our state-of-the-art operating suite in North Dallas.

That means:

• No waiting for hospital OR time

• No navigating a big hospital system

• Everything from consultation to procedure to follow-up is handled in one place

Our patients appreciate the privacy, comfort, and efficiency of our outpatient experience—and the fact that they’re working directly with Dr. Van Meter, one of the region’s most trusted interventional radiologists.

When to Consider PAE Over Medications

If medications aren’t working—or if you’re tired of dealing with side effects—PAE is worth exploring.

You may be a good candidate for PAE if:

• You’ve been diagnosed with BPH

• You have moderate to severe urinary symptoms

• You want to avoid surgery or long-term medications

• You’re looking for a minimally invasive option with fast recovery

Every case is unique, and at MTVIR, we take the time to listen, review your imaging, and help you decide what’s best for your body and lifestyle.

What to Expect at Your PAE Consultation

Your first step is a personal consultation with Dr. Van Meter. We’ll go over your medical history, symptoms, and imaging. If you haven’t had a recent MRI or CT scan, we can handle that too—right here in the clinic.

You’ll have the chance to ask questions, learn how PAE compares to traditional options like TURP, and understand exactly what recovery looks like.

If PAE is the right fit, we’ll coordinate your insurance, schedule your procedure, and get you on the path to relief—fast.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re tired of frequent trips to the bathroom, side effects from medications, or feeling like surgery is your only option, Prostate Artery Embolization at MTVIR may be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

Located in North Dallas and proudly serving Plano, Frisco, Garland, Richardson, Irving, and beyond, MTVIR is your go-to center for minimally invasive prostate care.

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.