Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions About Prostate Embolization

As men age their prostate continues to grow and in many cases, this leads to a common condition - a non-cancerous enlarged prostate - also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH for short. While the condition isn’t life-threatening, the enlarged gland puts pressure on the urethra, weakening the bladder and causing urinary problems which can have a significant impact on daily life.

It’s estimated that around 50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60 have BPH, and that number increases to 70% among men aged 60 to 69 and around 80% of men over 70 years of age.

According to CBS News, more men with enlarged prostates are turning to less invasive treatment with the forerunner being prostate embolization. Despite its growing popularity and success, many myths and misconceptions surround PAE. So let’s dive in and look at the most common misconceptions and separate the myths from facts.

Myth 1: Prostate Embolization Is an Experimental Procedure

Fact: Prostate Artery Embolization is not in an experimental stage. It has been extensively studied and is increasingly recognized as a safe and effective treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.

Surgeons have been performing PAE non-invasive surgery for more than a decade with thousands of successful cases reported worldwide. In fact, the American Urological Association (AUA) includes PAE in its guidelines as a potential treatment option for BPH, particularly for patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional surgery.

Myth 2: PAE Is Only for Men Who Can’t Undergo Surgery

Fact: While PAE is an excellent option for men unable to have surgery because of other health conditions, it’s well suited to those seeking a less invasive solution. Unlike traditional surgery that requires anesthesia and comes with associated risks, PAE is performed with local anesthesia with minimal recovery time.

Other benefits of PAE over more invasive treatments such as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) include:

• Preserves sexual function
• Fewer side effects
• Back to normal activities within a few days

Myth 3: Prostate Embolization Is Not Effective for Severe Cases of BPH

Fact: Prostate Artery Embolization is effective for a wide range of BPH cases, including severe ones. PAE works by blocking the blood flow to specific areas of the prostate, causing it to shrink. This reduction in prostate size alleviates symptoms like frequent urination, difficulty starting and stopping urination, and weak urine flow.

Clinical studies have shown that PAE can significantly reduce prostate volume and improve urinary symptoms even in men with large prostates. A study published by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) found that PAE resulted in a reduction of prostate volume of up to 39% and substantial symptom relief in most patients.

Myth 4: PAE Leads to Erectile Dysfunction and Other Sexual Problems

Fact: One of the most significant advantages of Prostate Embolization over traditional surgical treatments is that it doesn’t affect sexual function. Erectile dysfunction (ED) and other sexual problems are common concerns for men undergoing prostate treatment, particularly with surgical procedures like TURP or prostatectomy, which have higher risks of affecting sexual health.

In contrast, PAE has a lower risk of causing sexual dysfunction. Research indicates that most men experience no change in their sexual function after PAE and some even report improvements. A study published in The Lancet found that PAE improved sexual function and patient satisfaction.

Myth 5: PAE Is a Painful and Risky Procedure

Fact: Prostate Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure with a favorable safety profile. It’s performed under local anesthesia, and patients typically report only mild discomfort during the procedure. The most common side effects include tenderness in the pelvic area, mild flu-like symptoms or urinary frequency, all of which are temporary and resolve within a few days.

The risk of serious complications from PAE is low. According to the NIH, PAE has a complication rate of less than 1%, making it a safer option compared to more invasive surgical procedures. Additionally, because PAE is less invasive, the recovery time is shorter, with most patients returning to normal activities within a week.

Myth 6: PAE Is Not Covered by Insurance

Fact: Because BPH can lead to more serious conditions and affect quality of life, most health insurance plans include coverage for PAE.

Moreover, because PAE is a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time, it may actually be more cost-effective in the long run compared to traditional surgeries. This cost-effectiveness is another reason insurance companies are increasingly willing to cover the procedure.

Myth 7: PAE Is a New Procedure with Limited Long-Term Data

Fact: While PAE may be relatively new compared to some surgical treatments, it is by no means an untested or unproven procedure. The first successful PAE in humans with acute urinary retention was reported by Carnevale et al in 2010 and since then, numerous studies have documented its safety and efficacy. Long-term follow-up data are available, showing that the benefits of PAE are sustained for several years after the procedure.

Final Thoughts

Prostate Embolization is a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment option for men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Despite its growing popularity, myths and misconceptions about the procedure persist. By separating fact from fiction, it’s clear that PAE offers numerous advantages, including a lower risk of complications, preservation of sexual function, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgical options.

If you’re suffering from the symptoms of BPH, we’re here to help. Here at The Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy, we provide numerous minimally invasive procedures, including Prostate Artery Embolization, which enable our patients to receive the convenience of quick and comfortable treatments as an outpatient that allow them to get back to normal in double-quick time.

Are your BPH symptoms affecting your quality of life? If so, we can help. Why not call to schedule an appointment or use our online booking system?