Prostate Myths vs Facts for Men Over 50 | Minimally Invasive Options at SFVA
Sam (52) and his cousin John (63) have officially joined the BPH club (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).
In simple terms, Sam is part of the 50% of men ages 51–60 whose prostate gets bigger with age, and John falls into the 60–69 group, where about 70% of men deal with the same condition.
They talk about it often, and they still find it a bit ironic that they ended up dealing with the same condition — especially because their lifestyles couldn’t be more different. Sam is very sedentary and the king of weekend barbecues at home, while John runs 30 km a week on the beach, eats clean, and stays in great shape for his age.
So… what’s actually true and what’s just a myth when it comes to the prostate?
In this blog, we’ll break down some of the most common myths so you can start thinking about what to do next and make a clear, well-informed decision.
Myth vs. Fact — the real prostate issues after 50
Myth 1 — “Going all the time is just part of being old.”
Fact: Frequent urination isn’t just “normal aging.” It can be a symptom of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), where the prostate grows and compresses the urethra, making it harder to urinate normally.
Myth 2 — “If it’s not painful, it’s not serious.”
Fact: Many prostate symptoms show up slowly and subtly. Issues like urinary urgency, waking up at night, or a weak stream may not hurt — but they can severely impact quality of life and should not be ignored.
These symptoms are exactly what minimally invasive procedures like Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) aim to treat.
Myth 3 — “Surgery is the only way to fix prostate problems.”
Fact: Not anymore. Traditional prostate surgeries such as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), involves a special instrument being passed through the penis (via the urethra) to shave away the overgrown part of the prostate; it is performed under general anesthesia, and it has a long recovery and sexual side effects. By contrast, PAE is minimally invasive, requires only a tiny needle puncture in the groin, and is done as an outpatient procedure without any sexual side effects.
Myth 4 — “Prostate growth happens only if you’re unhealthy.”
Fact: Aging is the main factor. Even men who live active, healthy lives (like John) can develop prostate enlargement simply due to hormonal and tissue changes over time.
Other risks — like obesity, metabolic disease, and poor circulation — do contribute. But PAE is effective regardless of lifestyle factors, because it targets blood flow directly.
When you should talk to a specialist
Consider a consultation if you’re experiencing:
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Weak or slow urine flow
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Waking up for bathroom trips several times at night
- Any new discomfort related to urination
Why choosing minimally invasive treatment makes sense at SFVA
Expert care, Tailored to you
Dr. William Julien is a leading interventional radiologist and vascular specialist with more than 30 years in vascular care and embolization procedures. His team specializes in prostate artery embolization, helping men get symptom relief without the disruption of surgery and without sexual side effects.
Comfort Comes First
At South Florida Vascular Associates, experience matters. The office has a calm, spa-like ambiance — everything is designed to make the patient feel relaxed and comfortable unlike entering a hospital.
SFVA can help you understand whether your symptoms are from BPH and if a minimally invasive treatment like PAE could be right for you.
Dr. Willian Julien
Dr. William Julien is a board-certified vascular interventional radiologist and the president of South Florida Vascular Associates. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures to treat conditions like PAD, BPH, uterine fibroids, varicose veins, and aortic aneurysms. Dr. Julien earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, followed by fellowship training at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute. He is certified by the American Board of Radiology with a subspecialty in interventional radiology. Dr. Julien is a member of RSNA and the American Heart Association’s CVRI Council and serves on the Society of Interventional Radiology’s Practice Affairs Committee. He is involved in national device trials and speaks regularly at endovascular conferences. His outpatient endovascular suite is one of the first of its kind in the U.S., allowing patients to receive advanced care outside the hospital.
