Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for selected patients with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — designed to relieve urinary symptoms without traditional prostate surgery.
- Treats
- Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in selected patients
- Common symptoms
- Frequent urination, weak stream, nighttime urination, urgency, incomplete emptying
- Typical setting
- Outpatient — most patients return home the same day
- Recovery
- Many patients return to light activity within days; symptom improvement is gradual
- Candidates
- Determined after physician evaluation, imaging, and urology coordination as needed
About this condition
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause urinary symptoms — often beginning in middle age and becoming more common with time.
Symptoms may include frequent urination, a weak stream, nighttime urination, urgency, hesitancy, or a sense of incomplete emptying.
Many patients have tried medications. Others have been offered surgical options such as TURP or other prostate procedures.
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive option performed by an interventional radiologist for selected candidates.
How Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) works
During PAE, a thin catheter is guided through a small access point — often in the wrist or upper thigh — to the arteries that supply the prostate.
Tiny embolic particles are released to reduce blood flow to the prostate. Over time, the prostate often shrinks and urinary symptoms may improve.
PAE does not remove prostate tissue and is performed without a urethral incision.
Benefits and tradeoffs
No procedure is right for every patient. Below are general benefits and considerations to discuss with your physician.
- Minimally invasivePerformed through a small access point in the wrist or thigh.
- OutpatientMost patients return home the same day.
- No urethral incisionPAE does not cut or remove tissue through the urethra.
- Often well-toleratedPerformed under conscious sedation.
- ConsiderationsSymptom improvement is gradual and varies. PAE is not appropriate for every patient and requires physician evaluation.
Who may be a candidate?
The list below is general — it is not a diagnosis. A Beacon IR Clinic physician will review your history and imaging during a consultation.
- Symptoms of BPH that have not responded to medication or that the patient prefers to manage without long-term medication
- Patients seeking a minimally invasive alternative to surgical prostate treatments
- Selected patients after physician evaluation, imaging, and coordination with urology where appropriate
Take the next step
Tell us about your symptoms and we will help schedule an appropriate consultation.
Schedule ConsultationBefore, during, after, and recovery
A general guide. Your physician will share the plan specific to your case.
Before
- Initial consultation, in person or virtually
- Imaging review and discussion of symptoms
- Coordination with urology where appropriate
During
- Performed in an outpatient setting under conscious sedation
- Image-guided catheter through a small access point
- Targeted embolization of prostatic arteries
After
- Short observation period
- Discharge home the same day for most patients
- Written post-procedure instructions and follow-up plan
Recovery
- Some pelvic or urinary discomfort is common in the first days
- Symptom improvement is gradual over weeks to months
- Follow-up to assess response
Frequently asked questions
What is prostate artery embolization?
PAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that reduces blood flow to the prostate, which can shrink the gland and relieve urinary symptoms of BPH.
Is PAE an alternative to prostate surgery?
For appropriate candidates, PAE can offer a minimally invasive alternative to surgical prostate treatments. Whether it is the right option depends on your individual case.
Who is a candidate for PAE?
Patients with BPH symptoms that have not responded to medication, or who prefer a minimally invasive option, after physician evaluation and any needed coordination with urology.
How long does it take to notice symptom improvement?
Symptom improvement is gradual. Many patients begin to notice changes over weeks to months.
What are possible sexual side effects?
Compared with some surgical options, PAE has been associated with different side-effect profiles. Your physician will discuss potential considerations specific to your case.
How is PAE different from medication?
Medication aims to manage symptoms ongoing. PAE is a one-time procedure designed to shrink the prostate and relieve symptoms. Each approach has benefits and limitations.
Related conditions & treatments
Varicocele Embolization
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for varicoceles — enlarged veins in the scrotum that can cause discomfort and may be associated with fertility concerns.
Digestive HealthHemorrhoidal Artery Embolization
Hemorrhoidal artery embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment option for selected patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids — designed to reduce bleeding and discomfort without traditional hemorrhoid surgery.
Helpful resources
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) guide
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