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) – 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.
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
PAE is a non-surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. 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)
| 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 |
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
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.