What prostate problems can be treated with minimally invasive procedures?
David is 51. He’s active, athletic, and rarely skips a morning run. But lately, something has changed. He’s making more trips to the bathroom, and the steady, strong stream he took for granted isn’t quite the same anymore.
His friend Tom, 53, has a different story. He works long hours at his desk, carries extra weight, and has been feeling pressure and discomfort for months. He keeps telling himself it’s just “part of getting older,” or maybe because of his weight — but deep down, he knows something feels off.
Both David and Tom are experiencing symptoms that are incredibly common in men over 50. And while these changes can be frustrating — disrupting sleep, daily routines, and confidence — the good news is that many prostate-related issues can be treated with out-of-office, minimally invasive procedures that don’t require surgery.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the prostate problems most men face after 50 and highlight the ones that can be effectively treated with minimally invasive solutions.
The most common prostate problems in men over 50
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
What it is:
BPH is the gradual enlargement of the prostate — a very normal part of aging. As the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra, making urination more difficult.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Weak or slow urine flow
- Difficulty starting urination
- Feeling that the bladder doesn’t fully empty
How common it is:
By age 60, more than 50% of men have noticeable symptoms of BPH. That number continues to rise with age.
Why it matters:
BPH is not dangerous in itself, but it can seriously impact a man’s quality of life. Fortunately, it is also one of the conditions best treated with minimally invasive procedures, including Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE).
Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
This condition involves inflammation and persistent discomfort in the pelvic or urinary area, often without infection. Symptoms may include pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, burning or discomfort during urination, pain during or after ejaculation.
Prostatitis is not typically treated with embolization, but it is often evaluated alongside BPH symptoms. Identifying the correct cause ensures men get the most appropriate minimally invasive option.
Why these problems appear more often after 50
Age-Related Enlargement
Hormonal changes naturally encourage prostate growth with age. Even men who are fit, healthy, and active — like David — begin to notice symptoms.
Lifestyle Factors
Being overweight, sitting for long hours, high blood pressure, and metabolic issues can all accelerate prostate enlargement. This is the case for many men like Tom.
Circulation and Inflammation
Reduced blood flow to pelvic structures and chronic low-grade inflammation are also contributors to prostate-related symptoms.
The minimally invasive answer: Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
For men dealing with moderate to severe BPH symptoms, Prostate Artery Embolization offers a modern, effective, nonsurgical solution.
What is PAE?
PAE works by gently reducing blood flow to the enlarged prostate. This causes the prostate to shrink naturally, which relieves pressure on the urinary system.
Benefits of PAE include:
- No scalpel or large incisions
- No hospital stay — it’s outpatient
- Faster recovery compared to traditional surgery
- Lower risk of urinary effects
- No sexual side effects.
- Significant improvement in urinary symptoms
- Ideal for men who want to avoid invasive surgery
PAE treats the underlying cause of BPH symptoms without removing tissue or requiring general anesthesia.
Why men choose PAE at South Florida Vascular Associates
A Pioneer in the Field
Dr. William Julien is nationally recognized for his work in vascular and embolization procedures, with more than 30 years of experience.
He is one of Florida’s leaders in out-of-office, minimally invasive treatments.
A Spa-Like Patient Experience
Unlike a typical hospital setting, SFVA is designed to feel calm, private, and comfortable — reducing stress and making the experience easier for patients and families.
Faster, Smoother Recovery
Patients return to daily activities quickly, avoiding the downtime and risks associated with surgical treatments.
When to Talk to a Specialist
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to schedule an evaluation:
- Increased urination (day or night)
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Difficulty starting urination
- A bladder that never feels fully empty
- Pelvic pressure or urinary discomfort
- New changes in sexual function
These symptoms may indicate BPH — and PAE could be the solution for you.
Take control of your prostate health
You don’t have to accept urinary problems as “just part of getting older.”
With advanced, minimally invasive options like PAE, relief is closer than you think — without major surgery and without long recovery times.
CONTACT US TODAY to schedule your consultation with South Florida Vascular Associates.
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.
