Enlarged Prostate? A Minimally Invasive Option Available in Hanford and Tulare

If you’re a man over 50, you may have noticed changes in your urinary habits.

Maybe you’re waking up multiple times a night. Maybe your stream isn’t as strong as it used to be. Or maybe you constantly feel like you didn’t fully empty your bladder.

These symptoms are often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — commonly known as an enlarged prostate. While BPH is not cancer, it can significantly affect sleep, daily activities, and overall quality of life.

The good news? Adventist Health is offering an alternative treatment option.

At Adventist Health Hanford and Adventist Health Tulare, interventional radiologist Arthur Fontaine, MD, offers prostate artery embolization (PAE) — a minimally invasive treatment designed to relieve symptoms without traditional surgery.

What is prostate artery embolization (PAE)?

PAE is a non-surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist using advanced imaging guidance.

During the procedure:

• A small catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin.
• Tiny particles are delivered to block blood flow to the prostate.
• Over time, the prostate shrinks.
• Urinary symptoms gradually improve.

The procedure typically takes one to two hours, and most patients go home the same day.

Because there are no large incisions, recovery time is generally shorter than with traditional prostate surgery.

Why men are interested in PAE

One of the most common concerns men have about prostate treatment is the risk of sexual side effects.

Unlike some surgical procedures for BPH, PAE has a low risk of erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence. For many men, that makes it an appealing option.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved urinary flow
• Fewer nighttime trips to the bathroom
• Reduced urgency and frequency
• Minimal downtime
• No major surgery

For men who are not ideal surgical candidates — or who simply want a less invasive approach — PAE may offer meaningful relief.

Who is a candidate?

PAE is often appropriate for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms who:

• Have not found relief with medication
• Want to avoid traditional surgery
• Have medical conditions that increase surgical risk

Not every patient is a candidate, but many men are surprised to learn this option exists.

If urinary symptoms are affecting your sleep, travel, work, or confidence, it may be time to explore alternatives.

Bringing advanced care close to home

Interventional radiology uses imaging technology to treat conditions from inside the body through small access points — often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.

By offering PAE locally in Hanford and Tulare, Adventist Health is expanding access to advanced men’s health care close to home.

You don’t have to accept frequent bathroom trips as “just part of aging.”

Talk with your primary care provider or urologist about whether prostate artery embolization may be right for you.