PAE vs. Prostate Surgery: Preserving Sexual Function Matters
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects half of men over 50, causing urinary woes and intimacy fears. Prostate artery embolization (PAE) offers incision-free relief while safeguarding sexual health unlike traditional surgery.
What Is BPH and Its Impact?
BPH enlarges the prostate, blocking urine flow and straining sex life. Studies show 50% of men over 50 face it, with symptoms like a weak urinary stream can interfere with your daily life. Patients hope for solutions balancing relief and vitality.
Traditional Prostate Surgery Explained
After traditional prostate surgery like TURP, patients typically spend a few days in the hospital with a catheter in place to help urine flow while healing begins.
Recovery at home takes 4-6 weeks, often involving pain management, rest, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity to prevent complications. Most notice steady symptom improvement, though some experience temporary discomfort like burning during urination or mild bleeding, with follow-up visits ensuring a smooth return to normal routines.
How PAE Works Gently
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) reduces prostate size by selectively blocking the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. The procedure is performed through a tiny needle puncture in the groin or wrist. Microscopic beads are then delivered through a catheter to reduce blood flow, causing the prostate to gradually shrink over time. Symptom improvement continues to develop over several months.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| FEATURE | TURP | PAE (Embolization) |
| Recovery | 4-6 weeks, catheter | 1-3 days, no catheter |
| Hospital Stay | 2-3 days | No hospital stay. Go home the same day |
| Symptom Relief | Good long term | Good, sustained long-term |
| Complications | Higher incontinence risk, Heavy bleeding, infection | Minimal bruising |
Experience Excellence at South Florida Vascular Associates
At South Florida Vascular Associates, Dr. William Julien has over 30 years of experience in non surgical vascular care.
Dr. Julien has performed more than 40,000 vascular procedures across a 30-year career. Double board-certified in Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology, he is the co-founder and past president of the Outpatient Endovascular & Interventional Society, a national faculty speaker at SIR, TCT, VIVA, and the Southeastern Angiographic Society, and a published author. Named a Boca Magazine Top Doctor 2025.
