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See a Prostate Specialist in Los Angeles

Male patient walking with wife after seeing an enlarged prostate Specialist

At ProVascularMD, we provide cutting edge treatment for non-cancerous prostate conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Browse our educational resources to learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of enlarged prostate.

When you’re ready to see a prostate specialist, we’re here to help. Dr. Michael Lalezarian is double-board certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist at ProVascularMD that specializes in enlarged prostate conditions and minimally invasive, non-surgical vein treatment. Dr. L is a committed partner in the battle against prostate conditions. He values spending quality physician time with his patients to address their needs and concerns, and assist them on their journey to better health.

More About Dr. L

“I was referred to Dr. Lalezarian from my orthopedic surgeon for varicose vein treatment options. From the second I walked into the office, I was at ease and felt very welcomed from Kimberly and the staff. Upon meeting the doctor, he was so kind and fully explained my options after the initial ultrasound on both legs. I decided to go with the sclerotherapy and am so happy that I did. The procedures were quick and virtually painless but the results are life changing for me. The pain suffered for so many years and countless sleepless nights are a thing of the past.”

Vickie W, March 2022

ProVascularMD credentials with UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

ProVascularMD credentials with American Medical Association

ProVascularMD credentials with American Board of Radiology

ProVascularMD credentials with Society of Interventional Radiology

ProVascularMD credentials with Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

What is an Enlarged Prostate?

Overview

The prostate is a muscular gland next to the bladder that surrounds part of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and sperm out of the body. It is responsible for the production of semen. When healthy, the prostate is roughly the size of a walnut. However, as men age, many develop an enlarged prostate. Due to its positioning near the bladder and around the urethra, an enlarged prostate can restrict urine flow or cause other significant urinary symptoms.

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Causes

Prostate enlargement can be caused by prostate cancer, but it’s much more common for an enlarged prostate to be a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The exact cause of BPH is yet to be determined, but we know for certain that the condition is closely tied to aging. Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects the majority of men as they get older, with some studies finding that as many as 90% of men have BPH by age 85.

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Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

Urinary symptoms can be indicative of prostate problems. For many men, enlarged prostate symptoms can cause a gerat deal of discomfort and seriously hinder everyday life. Fortunately, the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are often treatable with medications and/or interventional procedures, and men seeking treatment for BPH have quite a few options to choose from.

Common Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

Frequent need to pee
Urgency (sudden, overwhelming need to urinate)
Peeing more often at night (nocturia)
Difficulty starting to pee
Weak urine stream, or a stream that stops and starts
Dribbling at the end of urination
Not being able to fully empty bladder
Feeling like you still have to pee after peeing

Less Common Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Not being able to pee
Blood in the urine

Enlarged Prostate Diagnosis

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate are relatively straightforward to identify, but extensive testing may be required to confirm for certain that your enlarged prostate symptoms are indeed caused by BPH and not prostate cancer or some other urologic condition.

Medical History

Your physician will ask you a series of questions about your experiences, symptoms, and medical history.

Digital Rectal Exam

Your physician will briefly insert a finger into your rectum to see if your prostate is enlarged.

Urine Test

Used to rule out other urologic conditions that can cause the same symptoms as an enlarged prostate.

Blood Test

Used to rule out kidney problems that can cause the same symptoms as an enlarged prostate.

PSA Test

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels increase in the blood when the prostate becomes enlarged.

Urinary Flow Test

You pee into a container that is attached to a machine that measures how strong your urine flow is and how much urine you pass.

Postvoid Residual Volume Test

Ultrasound imaging or a catheter device are used to measure how much urine is left in the bladder after you pee.

24-Hour Voiding Diary

Ultrasound imaging or a catheter device are used to measure how much urine is left in the bladder after you pee.

Transrectal Ultrasound

A special ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to take images of the prostate.

Prostate Biopsy

A sample of prostate tissue is taken through the rectum to rule out prostate cancer.

Urodynamic & Pressure
Flow Studies

A catheter is inserted into the bladder via the urethra to measure bladder pressure.

Cystoscopy

Allows your physician to visualize inside the urethra and the bladder.

Enlarged Prostate Treatment

BPH treatment focuses on symptom relief. Many treatments are available for BPH, ranging from oral medications to minimally invasive procedures and invasive surgeries. The ideal treatment for you will, in part, be determined by your prostate and bladder anatomy, your age, your medical history, and your treatment preferences.

Alpha Blockers

(Medication)

Alpha blockers work by relaxing the smooth muscle of the bladder neck and the prostate, making it easier to pee.

5ARIs

(Medication)

5 alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) shrink the prostate by inhibiting the hormone changes that cause the prostate to grow.

Tadalafil

(Medication)

Tadalafil (Cialis) is an erectile dysfunction medication that may also be prescribed to treat prostate enlargement.

Prostatic Artery Embolization

(Minimally Invasive Procedure)

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) works by embolizing (blocking) the blood vessels that supply the prostate. This is accomplished by threading a catheter to the prostate artery through a tiny puncture in your arm or in your leg using real-time imaging. Once in position, microscopic beads are injected through the catheter into the prostate artery, blocking blood flow to the prostate. Following the procedure, the prostate shrinks, relieving BPH symptoms.

Patients often choose prostate artery embolization because it is less invasive than traditional surgery and less traumatic than other specialized interventions that target the prostate directly. Compared to other therapies, PAE provides minimal risk of sexual side effects, low risk of urinary incontinence, no hospital stay, quick recovery, and minimal downtime following the procedure.

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Vapor Ablation

(Procedure)

Steam is injected into the prostate through a device, destroying overgrown prostate tissue.

Laser Ablation

(Procedure)

A high-energy laser destroys or removes overgrown prostate tissue.

Microwave Ablation

(Procedure)

Microwave energy is delivered via catheter to destroy the inner portion of the prostate gland.

Aquablation

(Procedure)

Tiny, powerful jets of water are applied through a device to remove overgrown prostate tissue.

Prostate Lift (Urolift)

(Procedure)

Small devices are implanted to compress the the prostate, improving urine flow.

TURP

(Procedure)

A resectoscope is used to remove all but the outer part of the prostate.

TUIP

(Procedure)

A resectoscope is used to make one or two small cuts in the prostate gland.

Prostatectomy

(Procedure)

Surgical removal of prostate tissue.

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See a Prostate Specialist in Los Angeles