--- title: "PAE vs TURP: Which Is the Better Option for Treating Prostate Symptoms?" description: Explore the differences between Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE) and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) to determine the best treatment for enlarged prostate symptoms. image: https://blog.nbir.com.au/hubfs/PAE%20v%20TURP.png --- [![headerLogo-001-4](https://blog.nbir.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/headerLogo-001-4.png?width=400&height=83&name=headerLogo-001-4.png "headerLogo-001-4")](https://blog.nbir.com.au/) - About NBIR - [What is an Interventional Radiologist?](https://www.nbir.com.au/interventional-radiology) - [What is Embolisation?](https://blog.nbir.com.au/what-is-embolisation) - [About Dr Shaun Quigley](https://www.nbir.com.au/dr-shaun-quigley) - [Fees](https://www.nbir.com.au/fees) - [Practice Location](https://www.nbir.com.au/our-practice) - [Conditions](https://www.nbir.com.au/conditions) - [Adenomyosis](https://www.nbir.com.au/adenomyosis) - [Fibroids](https://www.nbir.com.au/fibroids) - [Knee Osteoarthritis](https://www.nbir.com.au/knee-osteoarthritis) - [Pelvic Congestion Syndrome](https://www.nbir.com.au/pelvic-congestion-syndrome) - [Prostate Conditions](https://www.nbir.com.au/prostate) - [Tumour Treatment](https://www.nbir.com.au/tumour-ablation) - [Varicocele](https://www.nbir.com.au/varicocele) - [Treatments](https://www.nbir.com.au/treatments) - [Aneurysm Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/aneurysm-embolisation) - [Genicular Artery Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/genicular-artery-embolisation) - [Ovarian Vein Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/ovarian-vein-embolisation) - [Pleurx Drain Insertion](https://www.nbir.com.au/pleurx-drain-insertion) - [Portacath Insertion](https://www.nbir.com.au/portacath-insertion) - [Prostate Artery Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/prostate/prostatic-artery-embolisation) - [Tumour Ablation](https://www.nbir.com.au/tumour-ablation) - [Uterine Fibroid Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/fibroids/uterine-fibroid-embolisation) - [Uterine Artery Embolisation for Adenomyosis](https://www.nbir.com.au/adenomyosis/uterine-artery-embolisation) - [Varicocele Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/varicocele/varicocele-embolisation) - [Vertebroplasty](https://www.nbir.com.au/vertebroplasty) - [Blog and News](https://blog.nbir.com.au) [Referrals](https://www.nbir.com.au/for-referrers) [Book a Consultation](https://www.nbir.com.au/book-a-consultation) # PAE vs TURP: Which Is the Better Option for Treating Prostate Symptoms? ## A Comparison of Two Common Treatments for Enlarged Prostate If you're experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of an enlarged prostate — like frequent urination, a weak stream, or waking up several times a night — you're not alone. These symptoms are typically caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous growth of the prostate that affects most men as they age. Two of the most common treatment options for BPH are: - [Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE)](https://www.nbir.com.au/prostate/prostatic-artery-embolisation) – a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure performed by an interventional radiologist - Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – a surgical procedure performed by a urologist Both can offer significant relief — but they differ in approach, recovery, and side effects. So which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.   ## What is TURP? TURP is often considered the “gold standard” for treating BPH. It involves inserting a scope through the urethra and surgically removing part of the prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. TURP Pros: - Proven long-term results - Immediate symptom relief for many patients - Widely available through urologists TURP Cons: - Requires general or spinal anaesthesia - Typically involves a hospital stay and catheterisation - Recovery time is usually 4–6 weeks - Higher risk of complications such as: - Bleeding - Infection - Retrograde ejaculation (semen goes into the bladder) - Erectile dysfunction in some cases   [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20028993/e111c909-6bbc-4056-8fe3-0349a20627bd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20028993/e111c909-6bbc-4056-8fe3-0349a20627bd) ## What is PAE? PAE is a **non-surgical** procedure performed by an [interventional radiologist](https://www.nbir.com.au/interventional-radiology). It involves inserting a tiny catheter into the arteries that supply the prostate and injecting microscopic particles to reduce blood flow, causing the prostate to shrink over time. **PAE Pros:** - Minimally invasive (no cutting, no scope through the urethra) - Performed under local anaesthetic - Typically a same-day procedure - Shorter recovery (most men resume light activity within a few days) - Low risk of sexual side effects - Suitable for men who are not candidates for surgery **PAE Cons:** - Slightly slower symptom relief (gradual improvement over several weeks) - Not suitable for everyone — depends on prostate anatomy and size - May not be as effective in extremely large prostates - Still considered an emerging treatment in some centres (less availability)   [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20028993/d4ab87af-9413-4939-9b1b-d69be2900bbe.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20028993/d4ab87af-9413-4939-9b1b-d69be2900bbe) ## How Do the Results Compare?   | Feature | TURP | PAE | | --- | --- | --- | | **Invasiveness** | Surgical | Minimally invasive | | **Anaesthesia** | General or spinal | Local | | **Hospital stay** | 1–2 nights | Usually none (day procedure) | | **Catheter required?** | Yes (2–3 days) | Sometimes (short-term) | | **Recovery time** | 4–6 weeks | Few days to 1 week | | **Symptom relief** | Fast | Gradual over several weeks | | **Sexual side effects** | More common | Rare | | **Repeat procedure needed?** | Less common | Possible in future |   ## Who is a Good Candidate for Each? TURP may be better for: - Men with severely enlarged prostates - Those needing fast relief from significant symptoms - Individuals with urinary retention or complications from BPH PAE may be better for: - Men wanting to avoid surgery or general anaesthetic - Those who are not fit for surgery due to other health conditions - Men who are concerned about preserving sexual function - Patients with moderate to severe symptoms looking for a lower-risk option   ### So… Which One is Better? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both PAE and TURP can offer excellent outcomes — it depends on your specific health, symptoms, preferences, and goals. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, speak with both a **urologist and an interventional radiologist**. Together, we can assess your prostate health, review imaging, and guide you toward the safest and most effective treatment for your needs. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20028993/5c73d637-59de-4e6f-8b75-6a55c1404c93.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20028993/5c73d637-59de-4e6f-8b75-6a55c1404c93)   Tags: [Prostate](https://blog.nbir.com.au/tag/prostate) [Conditions](https://blog.nbir.com.au/tag/conditions) [Treatments](https://blog.nbir.com.au/tag/treatments) - - - ![share](https://blog.nbir.com.au/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Northern_Beaches_Theme_2021/images/share_icon.svg) ![search](https://blog.nbir.com.au/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Northern_Beaches_Theme_2021/images/search.svg) ###### Author ![Shaun Quigley](https://blog.nbir.com.au/hubfs/Shaun%20Quigley%20author%20headsho.png) [Shaun Quigley](https://blog.nbir.com.au/author/shaun-quigley) Dr Shaun Quigley operates Northern Beaches Interventional Radiology, and specialises in minimally invasive treatment options for a range of conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), fibroids, adenomyosis and varicocele. ###### Recent Posts July 2, 2026 ## [What is Embolisation?](https://blog.nbir.com.au/what-is-embolisation) June 23, 2025 ## [The Role of Interventional Radiology in Modern Prostate Care](https://blog.nbir.com.au/the-role-of-interventional-radiology-in-modern-prostate-care) June 9, 2025 ## [PAE vs TURP: Which Is the Better Option for Treating Prostate Symptoms?](https://blog.nbir.com.au/pae-vs-turp) ![footerLogo](https://blog.nbir.com.au/hubfs/footerLogo-001.png "footerLogo") [Referrals](https://www.nbir.com.au/for-referrers) [Book a Consultation](https://www.nbir.com.au/book-a-consultation) - [About NBIR](https://www.nbir.com.au/dr-shaun-quigley) - [Conditions](https://www.nbir.com.au/conditions) - [Treatment](https://www.nbir.com.au/treatments) - [Blog and News](https://blog.nbir.com.au) © All Rights Reserved. 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