PAE Treatment for BPH Symptoms
BPH treatment option · Van Nuys + Tarzana + Irvine
Prostate artery embolization, without the sales pitch.
PAE is a catheter-based option for selected men with urinary symptoms attributed to an enlarged prostate. It may improve symptoms while avoiding surgery through the prostate—but it is not automatically the best option.
No prostate incisionOutpatient in many casesResults and recovery vary
The procedure in plain language
How PAE works
Using X-ray guidance, an interventional radiologist advances a small catheter—often from the wrist or groin—to arteries supplying the prostate. Tiny particles reduce selected blood flow. The treated tissue may shrink gradually, reducing pressure on the urethra.
- The prostate is not removed and there is no incision through it.
- Vascular anatomy differs, so pre-procedure imaging and careful mapping matter.
- Improvement, when it occurs, is usually gradual rather than immediate.
- Some men improve only partly or later need medication, repeat embolization, or another procedure.
Important first step
Urinary symptoms do not prove BPH.
Infection, bladder dysfunction, urethral narrowing, medication effects, prostate cancer, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms. A clinical evaluation should identify the likely cause before a procedure is considered. Review symptoms and warning signsIndividual selection
Who may—or may not—be a fit
Candidacy depends on symptom burden, prostate anatomy, prior treatment, blood-vessel anatomy, kidney function, medications, other diagnoses, and personal priorities.
PAE may be worth discussing when
- Bothersome symptoms are reasonably attributed to BPH.
- Medication has not helped enough, is poorly tolerated, or is not preferred.
- You want to compare a catheter procedure with urologic operations.
- A coordinated urology and interventional-radiology review supports candidacy.
Another path may be better when
- Symptoms are caused by another condition or need urgent evaluation.
- Anatomy or arterial disease makes safe, effective targeting unlikely.
- You prioritize the strongest possible improvement in urinary flow.
- Your medical history or imaging suggests a different therapy.
Shared decision-making matters. A urologist can help evaluate bladder and prostate causes and compare operations; an interventional radiologist can assess arterial anatomy, technical feasibility, and embolization-specific risks.
Treatment trade-offs
Compare the decision—not just the recovery.
The best option is the one that fits your diagnosis and priorities. This overview is intentionally general; specific medications and operations have different profiles.
| Option | Potential role | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Observation / lifestyle measures | Reasonable for some mild, stable symptoms with monitoring. | Does not reliably relieve more burdensome obstruction. |
| Medication | Often first-line; several drug classes may improve symptoms or reduce progression risk. | Side effects, daily use, and incomplete relief are possible. |
| PAE | Catheter-based treatment without removing prostate tissue; outpatient in many cases. | Response may be less than with some operations; repeat treatment can be needed. |
| Urologic procedures | Multiple minimally invasive and surgical choices; some provide stronger flow improvement. | Anesthesia, urinary, bleeding, sexual, or recovery trade-offs vary by procedure. |
Recovery and safety
What should be discussed before PAE
After the procedure
Discharge timing, activity restrictions, catheter-site care, and medication instructions depend on access site, sedation, medical history, and how the procedure went. Pelvic discomfort, urinary frequency or burning, fatigue, and a temporary symptom flare may occur. Improvement is usually assessed over weeks to months. Follow-up helps determine whether symptoms, urinary flow, and bladder emptying are moving in the right direction.Potential risks
- Bruising, bleeding, or artery injury at the access site
- Pelvic discomfort, urinary retention, or urinary-tract infection
- Contrast reaction or kidney injury
- Radiation exposure
- Rare non-target embolization affecting nearby tissue
- Limited improvement, recurrence, or later treatment
Sexual outcomes require nuance. PAE avoids cutting or removing prostate tissue, but no procedure can promise preservation of ejaculation, erections, or fertility. Discuss your priorities and baseline function directly with the treating team.
What current evidence says
Benefits are real for some men; comparisons still matter.
Randomized evidence supports symptom improvement from PAE, while longer-term comparative data show that transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can produce stronger objective urinary outcomes.
PAE versus TURP at five years
A randomized comparison found that both treatments improved symptoms, but PAE was less effective than TURP at five years; urinary flow and post-void residual favored TURP. Substantial follow-up loss is an important limitation. Read the five-year trial (PubMed)2026 professional guidance
The Society of Interventional Radiology released updated practice guidance for PAE in June 2026. Guidance supports structured patient selection and evidence-informed practice; it does not replace individual evaluation. Read the SIR announcementSelected references
- Abt D, et al. PAE versus sham for severe lower urinary tract symptoms. Eur Urol. 2020. PubMed
- Müllhaupt G, et al. PAE versus TURP: five-year randomized outcomes. Eur Urol. 2024. PubMed
- American Urological Association. Management of lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to BPH: 2023 amendment. Guideline PDF
- Society of Interventional Radiology. PAE practice guidance announcement, June 2026. SIR
Medical content reviewed July 2026. Individual outcomes vary. Educational information only.
Common questions
PAE FAQ
How soon might urinary symptoms improve?
Some men notice change within weeks, while others improve over several months as treated tissue responds. Early symptoms can temporarily worsen, and some patients have limited improvement.Does PAE prevent future prostate surgery?
No. PAE may provide durable relief for some patients, but medication, repeat embolization, or a urologic procedure may still be needed later.Is PAE appropriate for a very large prostate?
Prostate size is only one factor. Symptom cause, vascular anatomy, bladder function, medical history, prior treatment, and goals all influence candidacy.Will insurance cover PAE?
Coverage varies by plan and indication. The office can help verify benefits, but authorization is not a guarantee of payment.Is PAE the right trade-off for you?
Bring your symptom history, medication list, prior imaging, and urology records for an individualized review.How Prostate Enlargement Impacts Daily Urinary Function
The prostate surrounds part of the urethra. When the gland enlarges, it can narrow the urinary passage and interfere with bladder emptying.
Men may notice frequent urination, urgency, difficulty starting the stream, weak flow, straining, or the feeling that the bladder is not empty. These symptoms can affect sleep and daily activities, but they do not by themselves confirm BPH. A medical evaluation can help identify the cause and compare medication, PAE, surgery, and other options.
How Prostate Artery Embolization Works
Prostate artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood flow to selected areas of an enlarged prostate. The treated tissue may shrink gradually, which can reduce pressure on the urethra and improve urinary symptoms in appropriately selected patients.
Using image guidance, an interventional radiologist advances a small catheter through the blood vessels to the arteries supplying the prostate. Microscopic particles are delivered to reduce blood flow. Recovery, symptom improvement, and the amount of prostate shrinkage vary by patient.
Why Consider PAE?
PAE treats the blood supply to the enlarged prostate rather than removing prostate tissue. It generally avoids a surgical incision and may offer a shorter recovery for some patients. However, symptom improvement may be less than with certain surgical procedures, and repeat treatment may sometimes be needed.
The best option depends on symptom severity, prostate anatomy, other health conditions, medications, and personal priorities. A shared discussion with an interventional radiologist and, when appropriate, a urologist can help compare PAE with medication and surgical treatment.
Advanced Image-Guided Care for Prostate Health
Fluoroscopy, angiography, and—in selected cases—cone-beam CT help the physician identify the arteries supplying the prostate and plan particle delivery. Vascular anatomy differs from patient to patient, so careful imaging and technique are important.
PAE is performed through a small catheter rather than an incision in the prostate. Candidacy, technical complexity, recovery, and clinical outcomes vary. Your consultation should include a discussion of benefits, risks, alternatives, and the possibility of additional treatment.
Expertise and Experience of Dr Nathanael Sabbah
Dr. Nathanael Sabbah is board certified in Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, and Nuclear Medicine. His practice includes image-guided procedures such as prostate artery embolization in Van Nuys, Tarzana, and Irvine.
His approach emphasizes careful patient evaluation, clear communication, and individualized treatment planning. During consultation, patients can review their symptoms, imaging, treatment goals, expected recovery, risks, and alternatives.
Comprehensive Prostate Care at Socal Interventional
At SoCal Interventional, prostate care begins with a detailed evaluation and continues through follow-up monitoring. Recommendations are based on each patient’s symptoms, anatomy, health history, and goals.
Our evaluation may include:
- Review of urinary symptoms and prior treatment
- Review of prostate imaging and relevant laboratory results
- Discussion of PAE, medication, surgical options, and observation
- Individualized treatment planning
- Follow-up to assess recovery and symptom response
Who May Benefit from Prostate Artery Embolization?
PAE may be considered for men with bothersome urinary symptoms attributed to BPH, particularly when medication has not provided adequate relief or when a patient wants to compare minimally invasive and surgical options. It is not appropriate for every patient, and other causes of urinary symptoms should be evaluated.
Potential risks include bruising or bleeding at the catheter site, pelvic discomfort, temporary worsening of urinary symptoms, urinary tract infection, urinary retention, contrast-related complications, and rare non-target embolization. Your physician will review your individual risk profile and alternatives before treatment.
Expected Results and Symptom Improvement
Many appropriately selected patients report improvement in urinary symptoms after PAE, but the timing and degree of improvement vary. Some patients may have limited improvement or may need medication, repeat embolization, or another procedure later.
For professional guidance and supporting evidence, review the Society of Interventional Radiology multisociety statement and the American Urological Association BPH guideline. Individual results vary.
Schedule a Consultation
If urinary symptoms are affecting your sleep or daily activities, a consultation can help determine the cause and compare available treatments. SoCal Interventional evaluates patients for prostate artery embolization in Van Nuys, Tarzana, and Irvine.
Call (310) 929-0026 or use our contact form to request an appointment. A consultation does not guarantee that PAE will be recommended; candidacy depends on your medical history, symptoms, imaging, and treatment goals.
What Our Guests Say
Frequently Asked Questions
PAE is used to treat urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Symptom improvement typically occurs gradually over several weeks following treatment.
Yes. PAE has a strong safety record when performed by an experienced specialist.
PAE is designed to preserve normal prostate and sexual function.
Patients searching for Enlarged Prostate Treatment Near Me in Van Nuys, Tarzana & Irvine, CA can contact Socal Interventional for expert evaluation.
Areas We Serve:
People from Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and greater Los Angeles can begin with our Los Angeles PAE guide. For Encino, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, and the western San Fernando Valley, see PAE care in Tarzana. For Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Burbank, Glendale, Reseda, and the central San Fernando Valley, see PAE care in Van Nuys. Patients traveling from Ventura or outside the primary service area should call before traveling to confirm the appropriate office and required records. For Irvine, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Huntington Beach, and nearby Orange County communities, see PAE care in Irvine.
PAE Care in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley
Looking for prostate artery embolization near you in Los Angeles? Start with the Los Angeles PAE guide. SoCal Interventional serves people from Beverly Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Reseda, Woodland Hills and communities across the San Fernando Valley from the Van Nuys and Tarzana offices. Irvine remains available for Orange County.
- PAE in Van Nuys — Los Angeles
15211 Vanowen Street, Suite 305
Van Nuys, CA 91405 - PAE in Tarzana — San Fernando Valley
18370 Burbank Blvd, 5th Floor
Tarzana, CA 91356 - PAE in Irvine — Orange County
16100 Sand Canyon Avenue, Suite 130
Irvine, CA 92618
Call (310) 929-0026 to confirm the appropriate location and request a consultation.
Request Appointment
Contact Information
- 15211 Vanowen St, Suite 305, Van Nuys, CA 91405
- 18370 Burbank Blvd, 5th Floor, Tarzana, CA 91356
- 16100 Sand Canyon Ave, Suite 130 Irvine, CA 92618
- (310) 929-0026
- info@uroir.com
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM