Waking up many times at night, having trouble starting to pee, or feeling like your bladder never empties can wear you down. These are symptoms of an enlarged prostate (commonly called BPH). They can affect your sleep, confidence, and daily life. Medications help some men, but for others, symptoms may slowly get worse.

If you’re looking for another option, PAE for BPH works in a different way. Instead of surgery through the urethra, this treatment helps shrink the prostate from the inside. This can help urine flow more easily without cutting or removing tissue.

Why Choose PAE for BPH?

PAE for BPH relief may be worth considering when medications are no longer enough or surgery feels like too big of a step. Here’s why:

1. PAE targets blood flow, not the urinary channel

Most BPH procedures focus on opening or reshaping the urethra to improve urine flow. PAE takes a different approach. It works by reducing blood flow to the enlarged areas of the prostate.

During the procedure, tiny particles are delivered into the arteries that supply the prostate. These particles partially block blood flow, causing the treated areas of the gland to shrink gradually.

As the prostate shrinks, it places less pressure on the urethra and bladder. This helps reduce blockage and makes PAE different from many surgical treatments.

2. It’s minimally invasive and doesn’t involve prostate surgery

PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist using real-time imaging. No surgical instruments are placed through the urethra.

After numbing the skin, a small puncture is made in an artery. This is typically done in the wrist or groin. A thin, flexible catheter is guided through the blood vessels and to the arteries supplying the prostate. Once positioned, microscopic particles are injected to reduce blood flow to targeted areas of the gland. The particles are designed to remain in place permanently and shrink the prostate over time.

The prostate itself is not cut, heated, or removed, and no incision is made. The entire procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours and is performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery is often shorter than with more invasive surgery, and many men avoid prolonged catheter use afterward.

3. PAE may help when medications no longer provide relief

BPH medications can be effective, but they don’t work for everyone. And medication side effects can limit long-term use, too. PAE offers an option that addresses the prostate enlargement itself. It’s an option for men who:

  • Have moderate to severe urinary symptoms
  • Have not experienced adequate relief from medications
  • Cannot tolerate medication side effects

4. It can be a valuable option for men with very large prostates

Some minimally invasive urethral procedures work best for smaller or moderately enlarged prostates. Very large prostates may not respond as well and sometimes require more invasive surgery.

Because PAE targets the blood supply rather than working through the urethra, prostate size can be less limiting. Men with larger prostates may be candidates for PAE when other minimally invasive options are not ideal.

Not all prostate blood vessels are the same. Imaging tests are needed to map the arteries and see if PAE can be done safely and work well.

5. PAE may reduce the risk of sexual side effects

Concerns about sexual function are common when considering BPH procedures. Some surgical treatments carry a higher risk of changes in ejaculation or erectile function.

Since PAE takes a different approach and doesn’t cut or remove tissue, it’s often appealing to men who want to be cautious about sexual side effects.

6. Recovery is generally quicker

Most men return home the same day after PAE. Light activity can often resume within 24 to 48 hours, while heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are avoided for a few days.

Temporary symptoms after a PAE procedure may include:

These effects are usually temporary.

Many men start to notice better urine flow within days or weeks. Symptoms often continue to improve over the next few months as the prostate slowly shrinks.

PAE is not right for every man with BPH, but it may be a helpful option for those whose symptoms do not improve with medication or who want to avoid surgery.

PAE for BPH: Is It Right for You?

If BPH symptoms are disrupting your sleep, comfort, and quality of life, it may be time to explore more advanced options. PAE for BPH can be a good choice for men who want symptom improvement without traditional prostate surgery.

Meeting with a specialist can give you answers and help you understand what options may work best for your health and lifestyle. If you’re looking for PAE for BPH near Charlotte, NC, schedule an appointment today.