Treating BPH with Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement, is one of the most common conditions affecting men as they age. More than half of men over the age of 50 experience urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, and the impact on daily life can be significant—frequent trips to the bathroom, weak stream, incomplete emptying, and waking up multiple times at night.

At Advanced Urology, we are proud to be one of the nation’s highest-volume centers for Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE), a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure that relieves symptoms of BPH without surgery. Our talented interventional radiology (IR) specialists perform PAE in our state-of-the-art facilities, giving men a safe, effective, and comfortable alternative to traditional treatments.

What Is PAE?

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats BPH by reducing blood flow to the prostate.

Under image guidance, an interventional radiologist inserts a thin catheter into an artery in the wrist or groin.
The catheter is guided to the arteries supplying the prostate.
Tiny particles are injected to block these arteries selectively.
With less blood supply, the prostate shrinks over time, relieving pressure on the urethra and improving urinary flow.

Unlike surgery, there are no cuts, no incisions, and no need for a Foley catheter in most cases. Patients typically go home the same day.

Why PAE Is the Best Choice for Many Men

PAE offers several important advantages compared to traditional BPH surgeries like TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) or laser procedures:

No Foley catheter: One of the biggest fears men have is waking up with a catheter after prostate surgery. With PAE, most patients avoid this completely.
No cuts, no incisions: The entire procedure is done through a tiny pinhole in the wrist or groin artery.
Excellent outcomes: Studies and our own experience show significant improvement in urinary symptoms, quality of life, and flow rate after PAE.
Minimal downtime: Most men return to normal activity within a day or two.
Preservation of sexual function: Unlike some surgical treatments, PAE has a very low risk of affecting erections or ejaculation.
Durability: Results are long-lasting, with many patients experiencing years of relief.

For men who want effective treatment without surgery, hospitalization, or recovery from incisions, PAE is a game-changer.

Why Choose Advanced Urology?

Not all centers offer PAE—and among those that do, few have the experience, volume, and technology that we provide.

High-volume expertise: Advanced Urology is among the highest-volume PAE centers in the United States. This means our IR doctors have performed hundreds of procedures, translating into safer care and better results.
Talented interventional radiologists: Our IR team is fellowship-trained, highly skilled, and exclusively focused on advanced image-guided treatments.
State-of-the-art facilities: We perform PAE in modern, specialized facilities designed for patient safety and comfort. With advanced imaging equipment and the latest embolization tools, we deliver precision care in an outpatient setting.
Comprehensive BPH care: Our multidisciplinary team—including urologists and IR specialists—works together to ensure each patient receives the treatment that best fits their anatomy, health, and lifestyle goals.

What to Expect During and After PAE

During the procedure: Patients receive light sedation for comfort. A catheter is guided through the artery, and embolization is performed. The procedure usually takes 1–2 hours.
After the procedure: Patients go home the same day. Mild pelvic discomfort or urinary frequency may occur for a few days, but this typically resolves quickly.
Results: Over the following weeks, as the prostate shrinks, symptoms steadily improve. Most men notice a stronger stream, fewer trips to the bathroom, and more restful nights within 2–4 weeks.

Conclusion

For men struggling with the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) represents one of the most effective, least invasive treatments available today. With no Foley catheter, no cuts, and excellent outcomes, PAE offers a safer, more comfortable alternative to traditional surgery.

At Advanced Urology, our experienced IR specialists perform PAE in state-of-the-art facilities, making us one of the nation’s leading centers for this revolutionary procedure. If you are ready to take control of your urinary health without the downsides of surgery, Advanced Urology is here with the expertise and technology to help.