It starts with a stir. Then a glance at the clock. 2:14 a.m. Again.
If you’re waking up night after night to go to the bathroom, you’re not alone. Millions of men over 50 experience nocturia, one of the most frustrating symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH). But there’s a minimally invasive solution that can finally help you sleep through the night—Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE).
Let’s dive into how PAE breaks the cycle of sleep disruption and gives your nights back.
As the prostate grows, it can press on the urethra and irritate the bladder, triggering frequent urges—especially at night. The result? You’re up multiple times, losing out on crucial deep sleep.
And it’s not just about inconvenience. Chronic sleep disruption has been linked to:
Poor concentration and memory
Mood changes and irritability
Higher risk for heart disease and diabetes
PAE is a nonsurgical procedure that blocks blood flow to specific areas of the prostate, causing it to shrink. Unlike traditional surgery, there’s:
No cutting or general anesthesia
No hospital stay
No catheter afterward in most cases
And most importantly? Patients report significant reduction in nighttime bathroom trips.
“I used to wake up five times a night. Now? Maybe once, and that’s only if I drink too much water before bed,” says Mike, a 67-year-old who underwent PAE at MTVIR. “I didn’t realize how badly sleep deprivation was affecting my life until I finally got a full night’s rest.”
If you’re tired of being tired, it may be time to explore PAE. At MTVIR, our experienced interventional radiologists specialize in helping men reclaim their health—and their sleep—without surgery.
Nighttime urination isn’t just annoying—it’s exhausting. PAE offers a simple, outpatient solution that gets to the root of the problem. Sleep better. Live better.
Interested in learning more or scheduling a consultation? Contact MTVIR today and take back control of your health—without compromising your quality of life.
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) has quickly become a go-to, minimally invasive solution for men struggling with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). But with any treatment involving the prostate, one question often rises to the top: “How will this affect my sexual health?”
Let’s take a closer look at the facts—and the fiction—around PAE and sexual function.
PAE works by blocking the blood supply to parts of the prostate, causing it to shrink and relieving pressure on the bladder and urethra. This helps reduce symptoms like frequent urination, weak stream, and interrupted sleep due to nighttime bathroom trips.
What makes PAE stand out is that it avoids cutting, general anesthesia, and a hospital stay, making it a highly attractive option for many men. But how does it affect the part of life that’s just as important—sexual health?
Several studies have shown that PAE does not negatively impact sexual function. In fact, many men report improvement in their overall quality of life, including sexual wellness, once their BPH symptoms are reduced. Here’s why:
Less Anxiety, More Confidence: Chronic urinary symptoms can take a toll on confidence, intimacy, and emotional wellbeing. Relief from these issues often helps restore sexual confidence.
No Damage to Surrounding Structures: Because PAE is targeted and precise, it avoids the nerves and tissues that control sexual function—unlike some surgical treatments that may carry a higher risk of sexual side effects.
Improved Sleep = Improved Libido: Better sleep can lead to better energy, hormone balance, and mood, all of which support a healthy sex drive.
In a clinical study published in Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, researchers found that sexual function was preserved or even improved in many men following PAE. In contrast, traditional surgeries like TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) have a much higher chance of leading to complications such as retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.
Every patient is different. If sexual function is a top concern, don’t hesitate to talk openly with your interventional radiologist. A good provider will explain the procedure in detail and discuss all potential outcomes.
PAE is not only a powerful treatment for BPH—it’s also a procedure that respects and protects your sexual health. For men seeking relief without sacrifice, PAE may be the ideal solution.
Interested in learning more or scheduling a consultation? Contact MTVIR today and take back control of your health—without compromising your quality of life.
Let’s be real—waking up multiple times a night to pee is exhausting. But it’s not just your sleep that suffers. That frustrating nightly routine could be a sign of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. And left untreated, the ripple effects can impact your entire well-being, from your mental focus to your heart health.
BPH affects nearly 50% of men over 50 and up to 90% over 80. While it’s non-cancerous, it’s anything but harmless. As the prostate enlarges, it begins to squeeze the urethra, making it harder to fully empty the bladder. The result? Constant urges, weak urine flow, difficulty starting, and yes—frequent nighttime urination (aka nocturia).
But here’s the kicker: all those interruptions are doing more than just disturbing your sleep—they’re throwing off your entire health balance.
Studies have shown that frequent sleep interruptions are linked to:
Impaired memory and concentration
Increased risk of depression and anxiety
Higher blood pressure and cardiovascular risk
Poor immune function
(Source: Cleveland Clinic)
When your prostate is in overdrive, your body never gets the chance to rest, reset, and recharge.
While lifestyle tweaks (limiting fluids before bed, cutting caffeine) can offer minor relief, they don’t solve the underlying problem. That’s where Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) comes in.
PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that works by shrinking the prostate. It’s done through a tiny catheter—no cutting, no hospital stay—and patients often experience dramatic improvement in just days.
Benefits include:
✔️ Fewer nighttime bathroom trips
✔️ Stronger, easier urine flow
✔️ Better sleep and sharper focus
✔️ No major surgery required
If your prostate is robbing you of sleep, it’s time to stop hitting snooze on your health. At MTVIR, we specialize in Prostate Artery Embolization, helping men take back control of their nights—and their lives.
Call us at (469) 458-9800 or visit our Contact page to schedule your consultation and find lasting relief from BPH.
Gentlemen, let’s talk about the walnut-sized gland that’s causing you to wake up more than your alarm clock: the prostate. As it enlarges—a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—it can lead to frequent urination, a weak stream, and the dreaded nighttime bathroom trips. But before you consider drastic measures, have you ever thought about putting your prostate on a plant-based regimen? Let’s explore how your diet can play a pivotal role in managing BPH.
Your prostate isn’t just along for the ride; it responds to what you feed it. Diets rich in red meat and high-fat dairy have been linked to an increased risk of BPH. On the flip side, incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help keep your prostate in check.
Tomatoes: Packed with lycopene, tomatoes may help reduce prostate size and lower PSA levels.
Berries: Antioxidant powerhouses like strawberries and blueberries combat oxidative stress, which can exacerbate BPH.
Nuts and Seeds: Particularly pumpkin seeds, which are rich in zinc—a mineral vital for prostate health.
Green Tea: Contains compounds that may inhibit the growth of prostate cells.
While a healthy diet is a formidable ally against BPH, sometimes it’s not enough. At MTVIR, we offer Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink and alleviating symptoms. Think of it as putting your prostate on a diet it can’t cheat on.
Combining dietary changes with advanced medical treatments like PAE can provide a comprehensive approach to managing BPH. Ready to take control of your prostate health? Contact MTVIR today to learn more about how we can help you achieve relief and improve your quality of life and if you want to learn more about PAE visit our page here.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is often discussed in terms of its physical symptoms, but its emotional and relational impact is just as significant. For many men, BPH takes a toll on their confidence, intimacy, and mental well-being. This article sheds light on these hidden struggles and highlights ways to regain control, rebuild relationships, and restore peace of mind.
BPH can affect more than just your body—it can disrupt your daily interactions and relationships. Common challenges include:
Risk factors for PAD are smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, diabetes, high cholesterol, and being above the age of 60. Both men and woman are equally affected by PAD. However, African Americans have a greater risk of PAD.
Living with BPH can lead to feelings of embarrassment, frustration, and anxiety. Men may worry about accidents in public or feel isolated because of their symptoms. Sleep disruptions from nocturia can also contribute to mood changes, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
The good news is that relief is possible. Treatments like PAE allow men to regain control of their symptoms without the risks or recovery associated with surgery. Many patients report feeling more energized, confident, and capable after addressing their BPH.
Open communication with loved ones is key to navigating the challenges of BPH. Here’s how to start the conversation:
BPH is more than a physical condition—it’s a challenge that can affect every aspect of life. By seeking effective treatment and opening up about your experiences, you can rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships, and enjoy a renewed sense of well-being. At MTVIR, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how prostate artery embolization (PAE) can help you reclaim your life. Call (469) 458-9800 or schedule your consultation right here.
Living with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can feel like a constant battle against frequent bathroom trips, disrupted sleep, and frustration. While treatments like prostate artery embolization (PAE) provide effective long-term relief, incorporating simple lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms day-to-day. This guide highlights practical tips to empower men with BPH to take control of their condition and improve their quality of life.
When it comes to managing BPH, timing is everything. Drinking too much liquid, especially in the evening, can lead to frequent nighttime urination (nocturia). To minimize disruptions:
Small changes can make a big impact! From adjusting hydration habits and eating a prostate-healthy diet to managing stress and staying active, you can take control of your condition today.
What you eat plays a crucial role in prostate health. Incorporate these foods into your diet:
At the same time, limit processed foods, excessive salt, and red meat, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Physical activity can alleviate BPH symptoms by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.
Stress can worsen urinary symptoms by affecting bladder control and exacerbating inflammation. Try incorporating relaxation techniques such as:
Keeping a symptom diary can help identify patterns and triggers. Document the frequency of urination, fluid intake, and any lifestyle changes you make. Share this information with your healthcare provider to guide treatment decisions.
Small lifestyle adjustments can lead to big improvements in managing BPH symptoms. For men seeking long-term relief, minimally invasive options like prostate artery embolization (PAE) can make a world of difference. At MTVIR, we’re here to help you take control of your health. Contact us today to learn more about PAE and other innovative treatments. Call (469) 458-9800 or schedule your consultation by emailing us here.
A natural problem that men experience as they age is prostate enlargement. A condition also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia
An enlarged prostate can cause symptoms such as urinary incontinence, increased urinary frequency, or pain when urinating. This sends many men searching for a remedy. While multiple treatment options for enlarged prostates exist, prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure offering easy prostate recovery and significant improvements to those unpleasant symptoms.
For those in the Dallas or Fort Worth area, MTV IR is the clear choice for receiving your PAE procedure.
Coming to MTV IR for your PAE procedure offers many benefits beyond our practice being one of very few that offer this treatment, This is because MTV IR is also one of the only practices that can perform the procedure in the office, non-hospital setting.
Ease of Scheduling
Most medical offices do not have the capability to perform the PAE procedure in-office. Instead, they use hospital facilities. The problem with this arises in attempting to schedule the procedure. Other medical offices may use the same hospital to perform procedures, which may result in limited time slot availability.
In comparison, MTV IR performs all PAE procedures in a non-hospital setting, allowing for greater ease of scheduling and you to experience relief from your symptoms faster.
Less Wait Time
Patients wait significantly less for their procedure when receiving it at an in-house medical office setting. Our volume is not as condensed, ensuring that each patient can be seen when they are scheduled. MTV IR honors your time, which is why it is our goal to be as efficient as possible to get you “in and out” quicker, without sacrificing exceptional care.
No Hospital Drama
MTV IR’s clinic is a welcome location for surgery as it has much fewer patients waiting for a procedure at the same time and no other emergencies that increase activity. This creates a more calming environment for patients before and after their procedure.
PAE & MTV IR: A solution for Enlarged Prostates
For those looking to address the cause of their prostate enlargement through PAE, MTVIR is a clinic proud to offer this effective minimally invasive procedure in-house. By having the facilities needed to perform the procedure at MTVIR, patients do not need to visit the hospital, creating greater ease of scheduling while reducing wait times and surrounding drama.
If you are ready to take action against your enlarged prostate at one of the only clinics offering PAE procedures in-house in the Dallas and Fort Worth area, reach out to MTVIR to schedule a consultation.
When it comes to an enlarged prostate, treatment helps to relieve symptoms and prevent the prostate from growing larger and causing complications.
These complications can include urinary incontinence and kidney problems, which can make you a frequent visitor to the bathroom. We’re talking eight or more visits to the bathroom each day, and each time you urgently feel like you need to go. This isn’t a serious problem, but it can undoubtedly be annoying.
There are many treatment options for an enlarged prostate, but some involve medication that must be taken regularly to continue seeing results. Other options include surgery, which is a highly invasive procedure with a painful and lengthy recovery time.
When it comes to a permanent solution for an enlarged prostate that has a painless and quick recovery, prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a clear choice.
With PAE, small circular particles are injected through a catheter (which is inserted through the urethra) into the vessels supplying blood to the prostate. With less blood flow, the prostate will begin to shrink.
Overall, this procedure offers many benefits, including:
PAE is a relatively quick procedure, taking anywhere from 1-4 hours depending on the size and location of the prostate arteries. Additionally, PAE is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so most people who receive PAE can return home the same day, not requiring a hospital stay.
Since it is a minimally invasive procedure, PAE itself is painless, and most patients only experience mild discomfort following the procedure. However, this discomfort only lasts a few days, with many patients feeling as though they are back to normal in just three days.
In comparison to surgical interventions involving incisions, PAE is also much less painful during recovery.
Compared to invasive surgical procedures requiring incisions, PAE’s recovery time is much faster. In fact, many men can resume their normal activities the next day.
Risk factors for PAD are smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, diabetes, high cholesterol, and being above the age of 60. Both men and woman are equally affected by PAD. However, African Americans have a greater risk of PAD.
Some of the other treatment options, such as some medications, may be able to stop the prostate from growing bigger but cannot undo the growth that has already occurred.
However, with PAE, the prostate begins to shrink immediately, and within a few days, you will notice an improvement in symptoms.
Since PAE is a minimally invasive procedure, there are fewer potential complications than there are with invasive surgical procedures. This results in a safer procedure that is not as stressful as other treatments.
Additionally, PAE offers a lower risk of sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, that may occur with invasive surgeries. In fact, some men may find that their sexual function improves after the PAE procedure.
For those looking for a quick and painless treatment for an enlarged prostate that does not require remembering medication every day, PAE is a top contender. With the short recovery time and fewer complications from the procedure, PAE offers to bring normalcy back to a man’s life as it reverses prostate enlargement and relieves symptoms.
If you are ready to take back control of your life (and make bathroom breaks less frequent), reach out to MTV IR about prostate artery embolization.
References
Pisco, J., Bilhim, T., Pinheiro, L., Fernandes, L., Pereira, J., & Costa, N. et al. (2016). Medium- and Long-Term Outcome of Prostate Artery Embolization for Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Results in 630 Patients. Journal Of Vascular And Interventional Radiology, 27(8), 1115-1122. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2016.04.001
Abt, D., Hechelhammer, L., Müllhaupt, G., Markart, S., Güsewell, S., & Kessler, T. et al. (2018). Comparison of prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) versus transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia: randomised, open label, non-inferiority trial. BMJ, k2338. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k2338
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MTV IR is a leading interventional radiologist in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. With decades of experience Dr. Travis Van Meter has developed one of the most advanced IR clinics in Texas with leading edge technology. Specializing in Women’s Health, Men’s Health, and Liver Cancer Therapies, you can feel safe with the most trusted and knowledgeable physicians in DFW.
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