The Truth About PAE Side Effects: A Patient’s Guide

Prostate Artery Embolization is a safe and effective treatment for an enlarged prostate, a condition medically referred to as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH for short. While no medical procedure is risk-free, the potential side effects of PAE are minor, but it’s important to understand them, nevertheless, to help you make an informed decision about your health. This article breaks down what you can expect after the PAE procedure, how to manage PAE side effects, and tips to speed up your recovery. Let’s dive into the facts – no sugarcoating.

What is prostate artery embolization?

Before we delve into the side effects, let’s quickly review what’s involved in the procedure. PAE is a minimally invasive procedure designed to shrink an enlarged prostate and relieve the uncomfortable urinary symptoms associated with it, such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and reduced urine flow.

During the procedure, an interventional radiologist injects tiny embolic particles into the arteries supplying blood to the prostate. By starving the prostate of blood, its volume gradually decreases, relieving pressure on the urethra and easing problematic urinary symptoms.

So, now that we’re all clear on the procedure, let’s jump ahead to the side effects.

Common PAE Side Effects

While the PAE procedure is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects, including:

Pelvic discomfort

Abdominal or pelvic pain is one of the most common side effects post-PAE.  Fortunately, it can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Any discomfort should resolve in a few days, but if it becomes more persistent or painful, you should contact your doctor.

What to expect: Patients describe discomfort as feeling like a dull ache in the pelvic region.

Blood in urine

Don’t be alarmed if you notice a small amount of blood in your urine. This is the result of tiny blood vessels in the prostate shrinking or rupturing due to the embolization process.

What to expect: Signs of blood in the urine may last for a few days, but if the spots become more than just spots or continue for longer, it’s important to contact your doctor.

Urinary symptoms

As the PAE process reduces the supply of blood to the prostate, patients often find it temporarily affects their urinary habits. Some find it difficult to urinate immediately after the procedure, whereas others experience increased urgency or frequency. Once your body has adjusted to the changes within a few days, the symptoms should resolve.

What to expect:  It’s common to feel an urgent need to dash to the bathroom following the PAE procedure; you may also experience slight difficulty in emptying your bladder completely.

Post embolization syndrome

This is characterized by fatigue, nausea and fever and generally occurs within 48 hours after the procedure. Fortunately, these flu-like symptoms are mild and usually resolve within a few days.

What to expect: Post-embolization syndrome can be managed with OTC painkillers, but if the problem persists, you should contact your doctor.

Retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm)

This condition occurs when rather than leaving the body through the penis following orgasm, semen is pushed back into the bladder where urine is stored. Fortunately, retrograde ejaculation occurs significantly less frequently with PAE than with more invasive surgeries such as TURP, and while it doesn’t pose a health risk, there can be a threat to fertility.

What to expect: You may not notice that you have retrograde ejaculation but signs that you do, include:

• Very little, if any, semen is produced when you orgasm
• Your urine is cloudy following orgasm
• You’re struggling with fertility issues

More serious PAE side effects

While the above side effects are relatively common, there are also some rare but more serious complications to be aware of. These include:

Non-target embolization

On very rare occasions, surrounding tissues or pelvic organs may be accidentally damaged by embolic agents traveling to unintended places. This can happen when blood vessels that supply the prostate have different branching patterns. Choosing a highly experienced interventional radiologist can minimize the chances of this happening.

Contrast dye reaction

Another side effect estimated to occur in less than 1% of people who receive contrast dye is a reaction that can affect the skin or cause trouble with breathing. In some cases, the dye can also affect kidney function. Typically, patients with kidney problems are not eligible for the PAE procedure. Furthermore, if you know you have an allergy to contrast dye, you must mention this before commencing treatment, and your surgeon will find an alternative.

Bleeding

There is also a tiny risk of bleeding from the needle site in your groin area. Usually, any bleeding can be stemmed by applying direct pressure to the spot for a few minutes. In extremely rare cases, excessive bleeding may require additional medical treatment.

So, now you know about PAE side effects, let’s look at ways of making your recovery more comfortable and timely.

Tips for a speedy recovery

Here are some handy tips to ensure a smooth recovery and help speed up healing:

• Rest-up for the first few days immediately after the PAE procedure, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Eat fiber-rich foods to avoid constipation, which could place extra pressure on the prostate area.
• Manage any discomfort with prescribed or OTC pain relief.
• Avoid strenuous exercises and heavy lifting while your body heals.
• Engage in light walks to help improve circulation and speed up your recovery.
• Monitor your urinary habits so you can report worsening symptoms or anything unusual to your doctor.
• Attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any problems in their early stages.

Is PAE right for you?

Everyone is different, and while PAE may be right for your best friend, it may not be right for you. The only way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Mint STL. We will discuss your medical history, overall health and any medications you may be taking to assess your case and eligibility.

At MINT STL, we specialize in minimally invasive treatments for BPH and other prostate issues. Our expert team will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your comfort and providing personalized care to help you recover quickly and safely.

If you’re considering PAE, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at MINT STL for more information and a consultation. We’re here to help you live a better, more comfortable life!