If you or someone you know has been suffering from BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) there may have been mention of the prostate artery embolization technique. This minimally invasive procedure has become a game-changer for many men suffering from enlarged prostate glands. However, like any medical innovation there are plenty of myths and conceptions surrounding it.
Some folk believe the procedure is in an experimental stage, others believe it’s painful, and some assume it’s another form of surgery. But what’s the real story? In this article, we’re unraveling the most common myths about the prostate artery embolization technique and revealing the facts every man should know. Let’s get started …
Fact: The prostate artery embolization procedure has been used for over a decade with proven success.
While some people assume PAE to be in the early stages of development, it was first introduced in 2000 when a 76-year-old man was treated with transcatheter arterial embolization and has since gained recognition from worldwide medical institutions.
According to published data on PAE, 75-80% of men enjoyed significant improvement in their urinary symptoms within their first year following PAE with benefits lasting several years. With results like these, it’s clear that PAE is not an experimental procedure but a well-established alternative to traditional treatments.
Fact: PAE is minimally invasive with fewer complications than surgery.
Unlike traditional prostate surgery such as TURP, which trims away excess prostate tissue and has a high risk of side effects like erectile dysfunction or incontinence, the prostate artery embolization technique is a non-surgical, image-guided procedure performed by highly experienced interventional radiologists. Instead of removing prostate tissue, PAE works by blocking the blood supply to the enlarged prostate, causing it to shrink naturally over time.
Without the need for general anesthesia, hospital stay and a lower risk of complications, PAE has proved itself to be a safer option for many men, in particular for those who may not be eligible for more invasive surgery for various health reasons.
Fact: Most patients experience minimal discomfort and recover quickly.
One of the biggest advantages of PAE is the speed of recovery. Unlike traditional prostate surgeries that can take several weeks or months to recover from, most men who undergo PAE can resume normal activities within a week, if not sooner. The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, meaning patients stay awake but feel little to no pain.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort for a few days, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. In contrast, surgical options like TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) often require catheterization, longer hospital stays, and significant downtime.
Furthermore, prostate artery embolization is known for its high safety profile. According to the NIH, the risk of complications from PAE is as low as 1% making it safer than other traditional surgeries.
Fact: Prostate embolization is particularly effective for men with large prostates
Many men with overly large prostates worry that PAE may not prove as effective as traditional surgeries because of its minimally invasive nature. However, research says otherwise. PAE shrinks the volume of the prostate by blocking the blood flow in the artery supplying blood to the gland. Over time, this causes the prostate to shrink and alleviates symptoms like frequent and urgent need to urinate, weak urine flow, and difficulty starting and stopping urination.
One specific study highlights that the prostate artery embolization technique is a safe and effective treatment for patients with significantly enlarged prostates who are experiencing urinary retention and rely on a catheter. This procedure has proven particularly beneficial for those who were previously deemed ineligible for surgery. According to the same study, 92.1% of patients were able to urinate freely within one month of catheter removal following PAE. More importantly, of these patients, 90.3% were still free from catheterization a year after the procedure.
Fact: PAE can be of benefit to men of all ages
While it’s true that BPH is more prolific in older men, affecting around 80% of men over the age of 70, estimates suggest that around half of all men aged between 51 and 60 also develop the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate. The good news is that PAE is suitable for men of all ages looking for a safe and effective alternative to surgery.
Men who are constantly on the go, have demanding jobs, or want to avoid surgery and the relevant downtime often find that PAE is the best way of handling their symptoms without disrupting their lifestyle.
Fact: Many insurance providers now cover PAE and it can be more cost-effective than surgery.
Although coverage depends on your insurer, most insurance plans now recognize PAE as a viable BPH treatment. The good news is that Medicare also covers 80% of the cost of the outpatient treatment leaving the remaining 20% to be shared between Medigap and the patient with the insurance plan covering the majority.
Furthermore, because PAE is a minimally invasive procedure and has a shorter recovery time, it can often be more cost-effective in the long term compared to conventional surgeries, when taking into account anaesthesia, hospital stays and other post-operative costs.
If you’re unsure whether your insurance covers PAE, it’s worth contacting them before discussing your options with a specialist.
By now, it’s clear that the prostate artery embolization technique is a well-established, minimally invasive, and highly effective treatment for men struggling with an enlarged prostate. It offers an alternative to surgery with fewer risks, less downtime, and impressive success rates.
If you’ve been dealing with frequent urination, weak flow, or interrupted sleep due to BPH, it’s time to explore your options. Don’t let myths and misconceptions keep you from a treatment that could improve your quality of life.
Interested in learning more about whether PAE is right for you? Contact our expert team at Mint STL today! We specialize in minimally invasive treatments designed to help men regain control of their health without the need for major surgery.
