If you’re one of the many men waking up multiple times a night to use the bathroom—and losing sleep over the idea of prostate surgery—there’s a minimally invasive option that offers hope and relief. It’s called Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), and it’s changing the way benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is treated. PAE is an innovative outpatient procedure that doesn’t require any incisions. Instead of removing prostate tissue, it works by reducing blood flow to the enlarged area, causing the tissue to shrink gradually. This non-surgical approach could be a game-changer for men looking to avoid the risks and recovery of surgery, providing reassurance and peace of mind.Let’s explore how it works, who it’s for, and why more men choose this approach.
Understanding BPH: When a Walnut-Sized Gland Causes Big Trouble
The prostate may be small—about the size of a walnut—but its location matters. Sitting just below the bladder and wrapping around the urethra, an enlarged prostate can press on the urethra and make urination difficult.Most men will experience some level of prostate enlargement as they age. In fact, by age 60, about half of all men have BPH. That number jumps to 90% by age 85.The condition is not cancerous, but it directly impacts a man’s quality of life and possibly causes complications such as urinary tract infections or bladder damage if left untreated.
Common symptoms include:
A frequent or a sense of urgency to urinate, especially at night (nocturia)
Trouble starting urination or needing to strain
A weak or interrupted urine stream
Feeling like the bladder isn’t fully emptying
Occasional leakage
If these symptoms persist, it’s worth speaking with a urologist. Early evaluation can help you explore the best treatment options, including non-surgical ones like PAE.
Traditional Treatments vs. PAE: What Makes This Option Stand Out?
In many cases, mild BPH symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes or medications that relax the prostate and bladder muscles or shrink the gland. But when those approaches stop working—or aren’t well tolerated—men may be advised to consider procedures that remove or destroy excess tissue.Some of these options, like laser therapy or TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate), are effective but come with potential side effects such as bleeding, incontinence, or sexual dysfunction.PAE, by contrast, offers an incision-free, non-surgical path to relief. It’s especially appealing to men who want to avoid hospital stays or procedures involving the urethra.
What to Expect During a PAE Procedure
PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist in an outpatient setting, usually under light sedation or twilight anesthesia.
Here’s how it works:
A small incision will be made in the upper thigh as a tiny catheter is inserted and guided through the arteries to reach the prostate.
Using real-time imaging, the physician injects microscopic beads into the arteries that supply blood to the enlarged portion of the prostate.
These beads block the blood flow, causing the tissue to shrink over time.
The entire procedure typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. After the procedure, you’ll spend a short time in a recovery area. Most patients can go home the same day. You may experience mild soreness in the groin, but serious side effects are rare. Most men see a noticeable improvement in their urinary symptoms within three weeks.Like any medical procedure, the potential for risks and complications associated with PAE may be possible. While serious side effects are rare, you may experience mild soreness in the groin. Bring up your concerns asking your healthcare provider about these risks to make an informed decision.
How Effective Is PAE? The Results Speak for Themselves
Studies show that 85–90% of men experience significant relief from BPH symptoms after undergoing PAE, providing a high level of confidence and security in the effectiveness of this treatment.One large review published by the National Library of Medicine found:
85% success within the first year
82% success up to three years
Over 76% success up to 6.5 years post-procedure
Even more encouraging, PAE carries fewer sexual side effects than many surgical options. Compared to more invasive procedures, men who undergo PAE are less likely to experience erectile dysfunction or ejaculation issues.Cost-wise, PAE also tends to be more affordable than other minimally invasive treatments—and most insurance plans cover it.
Could PAE Be Right for You?
If medications aren’t helping—or you’re simply looking for an alternative to surgery—PAE could be a great option. Your urologist will evaluate your symptoms and run a few tests to assess your bladder function, urine flow, and overall health to determine if you’re a good candidate.The good news? You don’t have to live with BPH. And you don’t necessarily have to go under the knife, either.If the idea of a less invasive, lower-risk procedure with promising results sounds appealing, ask your doctor about prostate artery embolization. You might finally get a good night’s sleep—and the peace of mind that comes with taking control of your health.Dr. David Samadiis the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
