PROCEDURE
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
Minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostate symptoms for men who are frustrated with medication, waking up at night, or concerned about surgery and side effects.
Symptom checklist
Do these sound like symptoms you're experiencing?
When BPH Medication Is Not Enough
Many men start with medication for enlarged prostate symptoms. But if medication is not providing enough relief, causing unwanted side effects, or becoming something you don't want to rely on long term, it may be time to discuss other options.
Why Patients Choose PAE ?
Men choose PAE because it's done locally at RVI, uses no catheter, preserves sexual and urinary function, and has a quick recovery.
How it’s Performed
A tiny tube (catheter) is inserted through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin and guided to the blood vessels that feed the prostate. Using X-ray guidance, tiny particles are injected to reduce blood flow, which causes the enlarged prostate to gradually shrink and improves urinary symptoms.
Symptoms PAE Treats
- Weak urinary stream
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Hesitancy, incomplete emptying
- Urgency and “stop-start” flow
Procedure:
PAE vs. TURP: What Should You Ask Before Prostate Surgery?
TURP may be the right treatment for some patients, but it is not the only option for every man with BPH. PAE may be worth discussing for men who want symptom relief while avoiding traditional prostate surgery.
PAE
TURP
Type of treatment
Minimally invasive — catheter through a pinhole
Surgery — scope through the urethra to remove tissue
Anesthesia required
Local with mild sedation
General or spinal anesthesia
Hospital stay
None — same-day
1–2 nights typically
Catheter afterward
No
Yes — 1–3 days
Recovery time
Return to normal activity in 2–5 days
2–4 weeks typical recovery
Sexual function
Preserved — very low risk of retrograde ejaculation or ED
~75% risk of retrograde ejaculation; some risk of ED
Urinary continence
Preserved
Small risk of incontinence
Symptom relief
75–90% report significant improvement
80–90% report significant improvement
Speed of relief
2–4 weeks to notice improvement
Faster — more immediate relief (TURP advantage)
BPH recurrence
Small risk over time
Low — tissue removal is permanent
Decision Checkpoint
Am I a Candidate for PAE?
PAE may be considered for some men with enlarged prostate symptoms, especially those who have not received enough relief from medication or who want to understand minimally invasive options before surgery. A consultation helps determine whether PAE is appropriate based on your symptoms, imaging, prostate size, medical history, and treatment goals.
Questions to Ask Before TURP or Prostate Surgery
1
Is medication still the best option for me?
2
Am I a candidate for PAE?
3
What are the risks and benefits of PAE vs. TURP?
5
What is the expected recovery time?
6
How soon might I experience symptom improvement?
7
Will this affect sexual function?
8
What happens if I delay treatment?
outcomes
Key Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions…
Do you need Prostate Artery Embolization?
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