A minimally invasive option for enlarged prostate
PAE is a nonsurgical, image-guided treatment that reduces blood flow to an enlarged prostate so it can gradually shrink, with the goal of improving urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Request a consultation
Frequent bathroom trips, interrupted sleep, and a weak urine stream can take a toll on everyday life. Prostate artery embolization offers a minimally invasive option for men with BPH whose symptoms are not well controlled by medication or who want to explore an alternative to surgery.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. As the gland grows, it can press on the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. BPH becomes more common with age; family history, excess weight, diabetes, and heart disease can also be relevant.
Your doctor may use a symptom questionnaire, an examination, urine and blood tests, and imaging to understand what is causing the problem. Repeated urinary tract infections, difficulty emptying the bladder, and symptoms that are getting worse deserve medical attention.
Mild symptoms may be monitored. Medicines, including alpha blockers and drugs that shrink the prostate, can help some men. PAE is an option to discuss when medicines have not helped enough or you want to explore an alternative to surgery. We also discuss sexual function and the differences between PAE and surgical treatments with you.
An interventional radiologist guides a thin catheter into the arteries feeding the prostate and delivers microscopic particles. Reducing its blood supply allows the enlarged gland to shrink gradually.
PAE is typically performed through a small puncture with local anesthetic and sedation rather than general anesthesia. Most patients return home the same day after observation.
The goal is easier urination and less disruption from BPH symptoms. Improvement develops over time; your team checks your response and coordinates care with urology when needed.
PAE is not a treatment for prostate cancer and it is not the right choice for every urinary problem. Before recommending it, the team reviews your BPH diagnosis, symptom severity, medication history, prostate imaging or measurements, urine testing, kidney function, and prostate-cancer screening status. Some patients need additional urologic evaluation before a decision can be made.
Your care pathway
We review symptoms, health history, prior treatment, and what matters most to you.
Imaging and clinical records help map the arteries and confirm that PAE is technically and medically appropriate.
A catheter is guided through an artery in the wrist or groin to deliver tiny particles into selected prostate arteries.
Symptoms are tracked over time because improvement is generally gradual rather than immediate.
Many patients return home the day of treatment. Temporary pelvic discomfort, urinary irritation, fatigue, or increased frequency can occur during early recovery. Your care team provides individualized medication, activity, hydration, and warning-sign instructions. Improvement often develops over weeks to months as the prostate responds.
Common questions
No. PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist through a small arterial access site. It reduces blood flow to selected prostate tissue rather than surgically removing tissue through an incision or the urethra.
PAE may be discussed for patients with bothersome urinary symptoms caused by confirmed BPH, especially when medication has not provided acceptable relief or when a patient wants to understand minimally invasive options. A full clinical evaluation is required.
PAE is not usually an instant change. Some patients notice improvement within the first several weeks, while continued change may occur over subsequent months. Individual response varies.
Coverage depends on the plan, medical necessity criteria, and documentation. Our team can help review benefits and any authorization requirements before treatment.
Related care
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) develops when fatty deposits narrow or block arteries and reduce blood flow, most often to the legs and feet. You may notice cramping when you walk, burning or aching in the feet and legs while at rest, or sores that take a long time to heal.
Varicocele embolization uses a small catheter to close abnormal gonadal veins that contribute to enlarged scrotal veins, allowing blood to reroute through healthier pathways.
Clinical education sources
Meet with our team to discuss your symptoms, review your records, and understand your treatment options.
