Do You Need Prostatic Artery Embolization?

If you wake up several times at night to urinate, or find yourself planning outings around restroom access, daily life can start to feel limited and exhausting. Many men chalk these changes up to “just getting older,” but frequent urination, urgency, and weak flow are often signs of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — a very common condition where the prostate enlarges and presses on the urinary passage.

Metabolic and lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are common in India, leading to worsened urinary symptoms and sleep disruption, making men feel drained, less focused, and less productive during the day. Yet many continue tolerating these changes quietly for months or even years, thinking nothing can be done beyond pills or major surgery.

The good news is that modern care for BPH has evolved. Today, treatment is not limited to long-term medications or traditional surgery with extended recovery time. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is one such advanced option.

PAE is a minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists. Using high-precision imaging, it works by reducing blood supply to the prostate, allowing it to gradually shrink. Men often consider PAE when medications are no longer effective or cause side effects, or when they wish to avoid surgery and maintain sexual function.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the common symptoms of BPH. Understanding early signs and available choices can help you take informed steps toward improved comfort, sleep, and quality of life.

Understanding how Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia affects your health

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. As the prostate increases in size, it squeezes the urethra, slowing or interrupting urine flow. The bladder works harder to push urine out and eventually becomes tired and less efficient.

The condition develops slowly. Some men notice only mild symptoms at first, such as a slightly weaker urinary stream. Others struggle with urgency, interrupted sleep, and repeated trips to the restroom through the day and night. If symptoms begin affecting routine activities, attention is necessary. Waiting too long risks bladder strain, infections, and kidney issues.

• BPH is very common—over half of men above 50 experience symptoms
• It is not prostate cancer, but symptoms can overlap, so evaluation is important
• Symptoms develop gradually and worsen over time
• If untreated, BPH can impact the bladder and kidneys

Early treatment helps prevent permanent bladder damage and improves daily comfort.

Key symptoms that indicate you might need Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)

Frequent urination at night

Getting up once at night happens to many men after middle age. Repeated interruptions leading to lack of deep sleep result in mood changes, daytime sleepiness, and poor focus. By reducing prostate size and pressure on the bladder outlet, PAE may help decrease nighttime bathroom trips and improve sleep quality for many patients.

Weak or slow urine flow

You may notice:

• Thin stream
• Stop-and-start flow
• Feeling like the bladder isn’t emptying

This happens because the enlarged prostate narrows the urinary passage. PAE improves urinary flow in many men by shrinking the prostate, allowing urine to pass more freely.

Sudden urgency and leakage

A sudden strong urge to urinate that’s hard to control may lead to leakage or the need to stay near toilets. By easing pressure on the bladder, PAE can help reduce urgency and the social stress that comes with it.

Trouble starting urination

Standing for long periods waiting for urine to start is one of the earliest signs of obstruction. Men often dismiss it as age-related, but persistent hesitancy needs investigation. Reducing prostate-related obstruction can make it easier to initiate urination after PAE.

Straining to urinate

If you need to push or strain to pass urine, it increases pressure inside the abdomen. Over time, this may cause:

• Hernias
• Hemorrhoids

By lowering outlet resistance, PAE may reduce the need to strain and lessen pressure on abdominal structures.

Recurring urinary tract infections

Incomplete bladder emptying can cause urine to stagnate, allowing bacteria to grow. Recurrent UTIs in men should always be taken seriously and evaluated. Better bladder emptying after PAE may help reduce episodes of stagnation-related infections.

Blood in the urine

Sometimes, enlarged prostate glands develop dilated blood vessels that can bleed. Any episode of blood in urine needs urgent medical review. By reducing blood supply to enlarged prostate tissue, PAE can help decrease bleeding episodes related to the prostate in select patients.

Episodes of urinary retention

This is when you suddenly cannot pass urine despite feeling full. It is painful and an emergency requiring immediate care. Men with repeated retention episodes often benefit significantly from PAE. For men with recurrent retention due to prostate enlargement, PAE can help reduce episodes and improve comfort and urinary flow.

If you notice three or more of these symptoms consistently, you should consider an evaluation with a urologist or interventional radiologist.

Which candidates benefit most from Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)

You may be a suitable candidate for Prostate Artery Embolization if you:

• Have moderate to severe BPH symptoms
• Have tried medications without adequate relief
• Experience medicine-related side effects like dizziness or sexual dysfunction
• Want to avoid traditional surgery such as TURP
• Prefer a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment
• Want to preserve sexual function
• Have health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease that make surgery riskier

Many men who travel frequently, work long hours, or want quick recovery prefer Prostatic Artery Embolization due to its convenience and minimal downtime.

How Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) works

Prostate Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist.

Process in brief:

• A tiny catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin artery
• Small particles are injected into the prostate’s blood vessels
• This reduces blood supply to the prostate
• The gland gradually shrinks over weeks to months

As the prostate shrinks, pressure on the urethra decreases and urinary symptoms improve.

Benefits:

• No surgical incision
• No general anesthesia
• Low risk of sexual side effects
• Short hospital stay — often a day-care procedure
• Durable improvement in symptoms

Recovery timelines and expected progress

• Same day
  • Discharge home
  • Mild urinary symptoms may persist
  • Light activity advised
• 1–2 weeks
  • Noticeable improvement in frequency and urgency
  • Better sleep with fewer night-time bathroom trips
• 1–3 months
  • Maximum symptom relief as the prostate continues to shrink
• Long-term
  • Improved urine flow
  • Reduced urgency and night-time urination
  • Better bladder emptying
  • Enhanced overall quality of life

Most men return to normal work within 2–3 days.

When to seek urgent help

Contact a doctor urgently if you experience:

• Complete inability to urinate
• Blood clots in urine
• Fever or severe pain after urination

These may indicate infection or urinary obstruction needing prompt care.

Why timely action matters

Unchecked BPH can lead to:

• Bladder muscle damage
• Permanent urinary dysfunction
• Kidney damage due to back-pressure
• Recurrent urinary infections
• Stone formation
• Emergency urinary retention

Addressing symptoms early helps avoid complications and maintain independence and quality of life.

Why consider Prostatic Artery Embolization at RIVEA?

Hyderabad has grown into a strong centre for minimally invasive care. Patients here can access advanced image-guided treatments, including Prostatic Artery Embolization, without leaving the city. RIVEA brings modern technology, careful planning, and a calm clinical experience to men seeking relief from BPH.

Advantages include:

• Advanced 3D imaging cath-lab facilities
• Skilled interventional radiologists trained in complex vascular procedures

At RIVEA you will find 3D imaging cath-lab facilities, precise navigation tools, and a team experienced in complex vascular procedures. The interventional radiology team is led by Dr Arjun Reddy, recognised as one of the leading IR specialists in South India. Men often choose RIVEA because they prefer expert care close to home and value being surrounded by family support during recovery.

A consultation at RIVEA includes assessment of prostate size, symptom severity, and overall health. The team explains results in clear language and outlines the treatment plan and recovery expectations. Follow-up is structured and practical, so men can return to daily routines with guidance and reassurance.

PAE at RIVEA offers relief without major surgery, shorter downtime, and strong long-term outcomes. Many patients report steadier sleep, fewer bathroom trips, and more relaxed mornings once healing progresses.

If urinary symptoms are shaping your days and nights, consider early evaluation. Protect bladder function, maintain kidney health, and take steps toward steady comfort. Schedule a consultation at RIVEA Vascular Institute to learn whether PAE suits your needs and begin a plan built around your health and lifestyle.