The risks and side effects of Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is widely recognized as a safe and effective option for relieving the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Most men experience only mild, short-term side effects and return to normal activities quickly.
Still, every medical procedure carries some level of risk. Knowing what to expect and discussing any concerns with your interventional radiologist can help you prepare, recognize early warning signs, and enjoy the full benefits of treatment.
Is PAE safe?
When performed by an experienced, board-certified interventional radiologist, prostate artery embolization is considered a safe and effective treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The procedure is minimally invasive, typically requires only a small puncture site, and has a low rate of serious complications.
Your care team will review your health history and guide you through the process to keep risks as low as possible.
Possible side effects and complications of PAE
While PAE is generally well tolerated, it’s helpful to understand the side effects that can occur during recovery and how your care team addresses them.
Below are the most commonly reported side effects and rare complications associated with PAE, along with information on how each is typically managed.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a known complication of PAE, although they are generally considered rare, with reported UTI occurrences ranging from 2% to 8%. UTIs can be successfully resolved through the administration of antibiotics.
- Discomfort
One of PAE's more common side effects is abdominal or pelvic pain post-procedure. This pain can be managed successfully using drugstore pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, severe or persistent pain must be addressed by your doctor.
- Bleeding
Bleeding is a known side effect that may occur during or after the PAE procedure. While the incidence of bleeding varies, studies have reported rates ranging from 1% to 5% of patients experiencing bleeding complications.
- Non-targeted embolization
Non-targeted embolization, where embolic agents inadvertently travel to unintended areas, can cause potential complications. It can occur when the blood vessels supplying the prostate may have different origins or branching patterns. Additionally, collateral vessels may develop over time to compensate for reduced blood flow in the prostate arteries. However, having a highly experienced interventional radiologist can significantly mitigate the risk.
- Post-Embolization Syndrome (PES)
PES is a temporary condition characterized by a group of symptoms that occur following an embolization procedure. It often manifests approximately 48 hours post-procedure. Symptoms include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, nausea, and fatigue.
- Testicular inflammation and discomfort
Post-procedure testicular inflammation and discomfort are potential risks associated with PAE. However, the available research suggests it’s a rare occurrence. Discomfort can usually be managed with cold compresses or over-the-counter pain medication.
- Blood clotting
Although extremely rare, patients may experience blood clotting while undergoing PAE or shortly after.
- Allergic response
Some patients are allergic to the contrast medium used for the PAE image guidance. It is critically important to disclose any allergies during the initial consultation.
- Retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm)
In some patients, PAE causes retrograde ejaculation, where ejaculate fluid is rerouted to the bladder rather than exiting the body through the urethra. While this rare reaction does occur after PAE, it happens much more frequently after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), an invasive surgical procedure.
There have been rare reports of other side effects, including damage to blood vessels, injury to the bladder, and negative responses to anesthesia. The highly trained and experienced specialists at Texas Endovascular can help mitigate these risks and side effects.
This list of side effects and risks is not exhaustive, and individual patient responses may vary. Open and in-depth conversations with your doctor are essential for achieving optimal results.
Texas Endovascular: Our commitment to exceptional patient care
Texas Endovascular provides compassionate, effective, and minimally invasive treatments for men seeking relief from the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Our care always prioritizes comfort, safety, and lasting results.
Our board-certified interventional radiologists use state-of-the-art imaging technology and stay current with the latest advances in prostate care to deliver the highest standard of treatment.
Before any procedure, we conduct a thorough evaluation, including a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and detailed imaging, to identify potential risk factors and ensure that every patient is a suitable candidate for PAE.
Although all medical procedures carry some risk, prostate artery embolization remains one of the safest and most effective options for managing a symptomatic enlarged prostate.
If you’re considering PAE, find a Texas Endovascular location near you and contact our team to schedule a personalized consultation.
You can also explore our frequently asked questions for clear answers about the procedure, recovery, and what to expect before your visit.
