Prostate Artery Embolization for Male Urinary Dysfunction

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that can help men with urinary dysfunction caused by an enlarged prostate regain control and improve their quality of life. At NYU Langone, our interventional radiologists use advanced imaging to provide this treatment as an alternative to surgery or long-term medication.

Speak with a specialist about PAE.

When PAE Can Be Used to Treat Male Urinary Dysfunction

PAE may be recommended for men whose urinary dysfunction is caused by symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), meaning an enlarged noncancerous prostate gland. As the prostate grows, it may compress the urethra and disrupt normal urinary flow, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, weak stream, or difficulty fully emptying the bladder.

PAE is often considered as a treatment under these circumstances:

• BPH causes moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms.
• Symptoms significantly affect sleep, work, or daily routines.
• Medications do not provide enough relief or cause troublesome side effects.
• Patients want a minimally invasive option that avoids surgery and preserves sexual function.

How PAE Improves Urinary Symptoms

During PAE, imaging guidance is used to guide a catheter into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate, and tiny particles are released to slowly block blood flow. As the prostate gradually shrinks, pressure on the urethra decreases. This reduces urinary frequency, improves stream strength, and allows the bladder to empty more fully once again.

Most men treated with PAE report significant improvement in their urinary symptoms and in quality of life after undergoing the procedure. They get better sleep, have greater confidence when leaving the house, and have fewer interruptions to work and travel.

Find out if you’re a candidate for PAE.

How PAE Compares to Other Treatments

Unlike surgical approaches to male urinary dysfunction, PAE does not require general anesthesia, incisions, or hospitalization. In addition, surgery often involves the use of a Foley catheter during recovery, but only a small percentage of patients need to use a catheter after PAE.

Medications can also help some men manage urinary symptoms, but they may cause side effects such as dizziness or sexual dysfunction, and relief may decrease over time. In most cases, PAE offers a longer-term solution without these common drawbacks, making it an appealing choice for many patients.

What to Expect After a PAE Procedure

Understanding what happens after the procedure can help you set realistic expectations and feel confident about your recovery from PAE.

Recovery and Side Effects

Patients return home the same day as their procedure and can resume light activity within 24 hours. Some patients notice temporary pelvic discomfort or increased urinary frequency for a few days, but these side effects usually go away quickly. Complications from PAE are rare, and long-term rates of symptom recurrence are similar to those of other procedures to treat an enlarged prostate. Additionally, research shows that PAE is more likely to preserve erectile and ejaculatory function than other BPH procedures.

How Long Do Symptoms Take to Improve

Many men experience better sleep and fewer urgent trips to the bathroom soon after the procedure. Most also notice improvement within weeks, with urinary symptoms continuing to ease as the prostate shrinks over the following months.

Degree of Prostate Shrinkage Needed for Symptom Improvement

While most patients can expect a 30 to 40 percent reduction in prostate size within three months, even a modest reduction can lead to meaningful symptom relief. Because urinary symptoms are caused by pressure on the urethra, lessening that pressure often translates into better flow and more control.