Men's Health in Los Angeles

Conditions

Men's Health Interventions

• Varicocele Embolization
• Prostate

VARICOCELE

Varicocele is an enlarged bundle of veins in the scrotum. They are similar to varicose veins. Scrotal pain, swelling, and low fertility are the main symptoms of varicocele. The scrotum may appear enlarged. Varicocele is diagnosed during a physical exam and confirmed by ultrasound imaging.

PROSTATE GLAND ENLARGEMENT / BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is noncancerous prostate enlargement. It is the most common benign tumor in males. An estimated one in four men older than 55 have the condition. An enlarged prostate does not require treatment unless symptoms are present including difficulty or pain while urinating, loss of bladder control, bladder enlargement due to urine retention.

MALE INFERTILITY

If a couple has trouble conceiving, 50% of the time the male reproductive system is faulty. Male fertility has many causes. Diagnosing infertility takes time. A complete medical history, physical exam, semen analysis, and imaging can detect fertility issues. Varicocele, prostate enlargement, and benign tumors can prevent sperm from being released. If a blockage or tumor is suspected, a primary physician may request radiological imaging. Scrotal ultrasound is the most common technique.

Procedures

VARICOCELE EMBOLIZATION

Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive technique performed by an interventional radiologist. Small coils or embolic drugs are introduced into the gonadal veins. With blood flow reduced, the varicocele decreases in size. This relieves pressure in the scrotum so sperm can be released normally. If an enlarged prostate is causing symptoms, prostatic artery embolization is performed in a similar manner.

Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is passed through the skin into the femoral vein at the groin. Image guidance helps to guide the catheter. Coils or embolic drugs are delivered. Blood flow to the varicocele is reduced. The catheter is withdrawn, and the skin is bandaged. Varicocele shrinkage occurs over the next few months.

PROSTATIC ARTERY EMBOLIZATION (PAE)

Benign enlargement of the prostate gland can occur in older men, causing symptoms of bladder irritability and frequent urination. Embolic agents are injected into the prostate arteries, which reduces blood flow to the prostate. The prostate shrinks as a result. This is an alternative to surgery.

Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is passed through the skin into the femoral artery at the wrist or groin. Image guidance helps to guide the catheter. Coils or embolic drugs are delivered to the arteries that supply blood to the prostate gland. Blood flow to the prostate is reduced. The catheter is withdrawn, and the skin is bandaged. It takes one to two months for the prostate to shrink to normal size.

FAQ

How common is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in older men. Nearly one in four men aged 55+ have the condition. An estimated 90% of men ages 85+ have BPH.

What are the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia?

BPH symptoms include difficulty urinating, loss of bladder control, bladder enlargement due to urine retention, and pain while urinating.

Does BPH always require treatment?

BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) prostate enlargement. Treatment is not required unless BPH symptoms adversely affect a patient's quality of life.

How effective is prostate artery embolization?

PAE is highly effective. An estimated 90% of patients who undergo prostate artery embolization see an improvement in symptoms.

How long does PAE take to work?

BPH is a one-time treatment. It takes time for prostatic artery embolization to work. Most patients begin to notice symptom relief in one to two months. Improvement continues for up to six months after the BPH treatment.

How is scrotal varicocele treated?

Surgery and varicocele embolization are the two best treatments. Both have similar success rates. The recovery time is usually faster with embolization and general anesthesia is not needed.