Prostatic Artery Embolization: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Prostatic Artery Embolization?
A urologist treats enlarged prostate problems and decides whether this procedure makes sense. It is often performed by a urologist or an interventional radiologist, a doctor who uses imaging to guide instruments inside the body. A primary care doctor often makes the referral.
What it is
Prostatic artery embolization is a procedure that shrinks an enlarged prostate gland. A doctor plugs one or more of the arteries that send blood to the prostate. With less blood flow, the prostate slowly gets smaller, which often eases urinary problems.
Symptoms
Doctors use this procedure to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a noncancerous enlarged prostate. Symptoms mostly involve urination: a weak stream, trouble starting, a bladder that never fully empties, or frequent nighttime urges.
Causes and who gets it
The prostate grows naturally as men age and can press on the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, slowing or blocking flow. The condition is very common in older men and is not cancer.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor starts with questions about symptoms and a physical exam. Tests may include a urine test, a blood test, a urine flow test, and ultrasound to measure the prostate.
Treatment
Treatment often starts with medicines that relax or shrink the prostate. If those do not help enough, prostatic artery embolization is one option: the doctor threads a thin tube into the blood vessels and places small plugs in the arteries feeding the prostate. Men usually go home the same day, and recovery is often easier than with surgery. A urologist can explain all the options.
When to see a doctor
Any man with ongoing urinary problems should talk to a doctor. Go right away if you cannot urinate at all, see blood in your urine, have pain with urination, or have a fever. Early treatment can prevent problems such as bladder infections or stones.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can order tests, start medicines, and refer to a urologist if needed. Longer visits can make it easier to talk through treatment choices before seeing a specialist.
Common questions
Does prostatic artery embolization hurt?
Most men get medicine that keeps them comfortable during the procedure. Some soreness and burning with urination are common for a short time afterward. Doctors can suggest ways to manage it. Pain levels vary from person to person.
How long does recovery take?
Many men return to normal activities within a week or so. Each person heals at a different pace. Urinary symptoms usually improve gradually over weeks to months as the prostate shrinks. Some men notice little change.
Is the enlarged prostate cancer?
No. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a noncancerous growth. A doctor can still check for prostate cancer separately, since the two conditions can happen at the same time.
Will my sex life change?
Some treatments for an enlarged prostate can affect sexual function. This is worth asking about before choosing one. Studies of this procedure show varied results. A urologist can go over the known risks of each option.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
