If you’re dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms of an enlarged prostate — waking up several times a night, rushing to the bathroom, or feeling like your bladder never fully empties — you’re not alone. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) affects around half of all men over the age of 50. The good news? Surgery isn’t your only option.
Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It works by reducing blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink and relieving symptoms — often with faster recovery and fewer complications than traditional surgery.
But is PAE the right choice for you?
Below is a checklist to help you decide whether you might be a good candidate for this treatment.
PAE is designed specifically for non-cancerous prostate enlargement. If your symptoms stem from BPH and have been confirmed through imaging or clinical assessment, PAE may be a suitable option.
Typical symptoms that PAE can help with include:
Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
Weak or slow urinary stream
Difficulty starting urination
A feeling that you haven’t fully emptied your bladder
Urgency and occasional leakage
Many men choose PAE because they prefer to avoid surgery and its associated risks, such as general anaesthesia, hospital stays, and longer recovery times. PAE is done under local anaesthetic, usually as a day procedure.
Medications for BPH can cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction. If you’ve experienced these or don’t want long-term medication, PAE offers a drug-free alternative.
Compared to surgery (such as TURP), PAE is associated with a much lower risk of retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction — making it a more appealing choice for many men.
If you have heart disease, are on blood thinners, or have other conditions that increase surgical risk, PAE may be a safer option that avoids general anaesthesia.
PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist — a specialist who uses medical imaging to carry out targeted treatments. You’ll need to undergo imaging and a consultation to confirm that your anatomy and symptom profile are suitable.
If you have prostate cancer or suspicion of cancer (you’ll need a full assessment first)
If your prostate is severely enlarged beyond treatable range
If your symptoms are very mild and don’t yet affect your quality of life
If you’re not medically fit for even minor procedures
If you checked off most of the boxes above, it’s worth exploring whether PAE is right for you. A consultation with an interventional radiologist can help you understand your options, review scans, and determine the best course of action based on your individual needs.