Prostate Artery Embolization

ADVANCED NON-INVASIVE CARE FOR VASCULAR HEALTH, OFFERING RELIEF WITH ENLARGED PROSTATE TREATMENT

Expert Prostate Care at Swift Vein and Vascular

Enlarged prostate (BPH) often causes urinary problems that interfere with daily life and gradually worsen over time. If surgery is not an option for you, or if medications have not provided enough relief, there is another solution. Dr. Pradeep Goyal, double board-certified interventional radiologist and Medical Director of Swift Vein and Vascular, offers prostate artery embolization (PAE). This advanced, minimally invasive procedure helps shrink the prostate, improve urinary symptoms, and restore quality of life. To learn if PAE is right for you, contact Swift Vein and Vascular today to schedule your consultation.

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a common condition that affects aging men and can significantly interfere with daily life. As the prostate grows, it presses against the urethra and bladder, leading to troublesome urinary symptoms. Beyond the mechanical obstruction, it’s now recognized that increased blood flow and abnormal blood vessel development in the prostate contribute to inflammation and tissue enlargement, further aggravating symptoms.

This vascular component makes urinary symptoms more persistent and difficult to manage with conventional medications alone. Recognizing this mechanism is important, as it opens the door to targeted, minimally invasive treatments like Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) offered at Swift Vein and Vascular, which directly address the underlying vascular changes driving prostate enlargement.

Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Men with an enlarged prostate often experience symptoms that gradually worsen over time. When the vascular contribution to prostate growth is significant, these symptoms may persist despite lifestyle changes or medications. Common signs include:

Frequent urination: A need to urinate often, especially during the night (nocturia).
Urgency: A sudden, strong urge to urinate that can be difficult to control.
Weak urine stream: Reduced force of urination due to obstruction at the bladder outlet.
Difficulty starting urination: Hesitancy or straining when trying to pass urine.
Incomplete emptying: A feeling that the bladder hasn’t fully emptied after urination.
Interruption of sleep and daily activities: Constant trips to the bathroom can affect rest and overall quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors

The prostate enlargement treated with Prostate Artery Embolization develops from both structural and vascular changes. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing BPH and related symptoms include:

Age: Risk rises significantly in men over 50, as prostate tissue continues to grow.
Hormonal changes: Shifts in testosterone and estrogen balance can stimulate prostate enlargement.
Abnormal blood vessel growth: The prostate often develops an increased number of small, fragile blood vessels that feed the enlarging tissue and worsen symptoms.
Chronic inflammation: Ongoing irritation within the prostate promotes further vascular and tissue growth.
Family history: Men with close relatives who have BPH are at higher risk.
Obesity and lifestyle factors: Excess weight, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can worsen both prostate enlargement and urinary issues.

What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?

PAE is a minimally invasive procedure where a specialist blocks the blood supply to specific areas of the prostate, causing it to shrink and relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH).

Who is a good candidate for PAE?

Men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate, especially those who do not want surgery or cannot tolerate medications, may be good candidates for PAE.

How is PAE different from surgery?

Unlike surgery, PAE does not require cutting or removal of prostate tissue. It is performed through a tiny catheter inserted in the groin or wrist artery, leading to shorter recovery time, fewer complications, and preservation of sexual function in most cases.

How soon can I expect results after PAE?

Many patients begin to notice symptom relief within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months as the prostate gradually shrinks.

Is PAE safe, and what are the possible side effects?

PAE is considered safe when performed by an experienced interventional radiologist. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as slight pelvic discomfort, urinary frequency, or blood in urine/semen for a few days after the procedure. Serious complications are rare.

What imaging tests are required before undergoing PAE?

Usually, an MRI or CT scan along with angiography is done to map the prostate arteries.

Can PAE be done if I am on blood-thinning medications?

In many cases, yes. Your doctor will evaluate your medicines and guide adjustments if needed.

Are the results of PAE permanent, or can symptoms return?

PAE offers long-lasting relief, but in some men, symptoms may come back over time.

Is prostate artery embolisation suitable for men with very large prostates?

Yes, PAE works well even for men with enlarged prostates that are too big for surgery.

Can PAE help if I have already had prostate surgery before?

Yes, in many cases PAE can still be effective even if you’ve undergone surgery earlier.