Guide patient

Waking up several times at night to urinate: what can you do?

Nocturia affects many men over 50. When it disrupts sleep and quality of life, several options exist — including minimally invasive alternatives to prostate surgery performed by interventional radiologists.

Why do I wake up at night to urinate?

Urinating once or twice at night can be normal. However, when awakenings become frequent (3 times or more), fragment sleep or are accompanied by difficulty urinating, it is worth discussing with your doctor.

In men, one of the most common causes is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate surrounds the urethra and enlarges with age, compressing urine flow — leading to frequent urges, weak stream, incomplete emptying and night-time awakenings.

  • Nocturia: waking to urinate at night
  • Pollakiuria: frequent daytime urges
  • Dysuria: difficulty or discomfort urinating
  • Weak stream or interrupted flow

Good to know: these signs do not automatically mean surgery is needed. A medical assessment first rules out other causes (bladder, neurological, medications…) and measures real impact on daily life.

Prostate surgery: when to consider an alternative?

When symptoms remain bothersome despite medical treatment, classic surgery (TURP, laser…) is often discussed. It can be effective but involves heavier anaesthesia, sometimes a urinary catheter, and variable recovery.

Many men seek an alternative to BPH surgery, especially when they want a minimally invasive method without incision and faster recovery.

Prostatic artery embolization

Interventional radiology technique: arteries supplying the prostate are blocked via a catheter inserted at the wrist or groin under precise radiological guidance. The prostate gradually shrinks, relieving urinary symptoms.

Day case

Usually performed as a day procedure under local anaesthesia, without systematic bladder catheterisation.

Function preservation

Embolization is particularly studied for preserving erectile function and limiting urinary side effects compared with some surgeries.

Recognised scientific expertise

Our interventional radiology team in Bordeaux has practised prostate embolization for many years and actively contributes to research on this technique.

Research & innovation: we published a scientific study on NBCA glue (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) in prostatic embolization (Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol, 2022). This approach significantly reduces procedure time (approx. 81 vs 112 min) and radiation exposure, with simpler recovery and comparable efficacy to microspheres.

This scientific approach ensures your care is based on proven protocols, continuously improved through publications and clinical experience.

What does your care pathway look like?

  1. First contact: you share your situation (symptoms, existing tests).
  2. Case review: our team assesses whether embolization may be suitable for you.
  3. Specialist consultation: further work-up if needed (MRI, PSA, urology opinion).
  4. Shared decision: the therapeutic choice is yours, after discussion with your urologist and our team.

Frequently asked questions

After how many night-time awakenings should I see a doctor?

There is no absolute number. If night-time urination disrupts sleep, concentration or quality of life — especially with other urinary symptoms — medical advice is justified.

Does embolization replace prostate surgery?

Embolization is offered as an alternative to surgery in selected patients with similar symptomatic criteria (IPSS score). It is not suitable for all profiles: active prostate cancer requiring curative treatment, for example, requires a different approach.

What results can be expected for nocturia?

Studies show significant improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms, including nocturia, in the weeks following embolization. Results vary with prostate size and patient profile.

How long does the procedure take?

Embolization generally takes 1–2 hours. Patients go home the same day or after brief observation.

Can I send my file before booking?

Yes. Use our contact form describing your symptoms and existing tests. We will respond to guide you.

Would you like to understand the proposed treatment in detail?

Learn more about prostate embolization

Your situation deserves a personalised review

Send us your file: our interventional radiology team assesses your case and indicates whether embolization may be a suitable alternative to surgery.

Request a case review

Data is processed in accordance with GDPR.