Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
A Minimally Invasive Solution for BPH Symptoms
If you are experiencing frequent urination, a weak stream, or waking up multiple times at night, you may be dealing with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that affects millions of men, especially after age 50.
There is a better option than living on medications or facing traditional surgery. Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that significantly reduces prostate size and alleviates symptoms — without cutting, without general anesthesia, and without anything ever being inserted through the penis.
Dr. Austin Bourgeois is the only interventional radiologist in Huntsville, Alabama offering PAE. Previously, men in North Alabama had to travel to Birmingham or Nashville for this procedure. Now you can receive the same advanced treatment right here in Huntsville.
What Is PAE?
PAE is performed under conscious sedation — similar to a colonoscopy. Dr. Bourgeois inserts a thin catheter through a small puncture in the wrist or groin and navigates it to the blood vessels feeding the prostate using real-time X-ray imaging. Tiny FDA-approved particles are injected to reduce blood flow, causing the prostate to shrink by 20 to 40 percent over the following months.
Over 90 percent of men experience significant symptom improvement, and up to 80 percent maintain relief for years. The entire procedure takes one to two hours, and you go home the same day.
Who is a Candidate?
PAE is ideal for:
Moderate to severe BPH symptoms — urgency, frequency, weak stream, incomplete emptying, or nighttime bathroom trips
Medical conditions that make general anesthesia risky
A desire to preserve sexual function — PAE has zero percent risk of new erectile dysfunction
A very large prostate (PAE has no upper size limit, unlike UroLift or Rezūm)
Tried medications like Flomax or finasteride without adequate relief or with unacceptable side effects
Benefits of Prostatic Artery Embolization
- No incisions, no catheterization of the urethra
- Preserves sexual function — 60% of men report improved erectile function
- Same-day outpatient procedure under conscious sedation
- Fast recovery — most men return to normal in 1 to 3 days
- Long-lasting symptom relief for years
- No prostate size limit — works on prostates over 100g and even over 200g
- Supported by 6 randomized controlled trials and 20+ published studies
Recovery & Results
Most patients go home the same day and return to work within three to seven days. You may experience mild pelvic discomfort and increased urinary frequency during the first few days — this is temporary and indicates the procedure is working.
Symptom improvement begins within two to four weeks, with continued progress over three to six months as the prostate shrinks. Studies show the average patient’s symptom score drops from severe (23 out of 35) to mild (6-7 out of 35) — a life-changing reduction. Results last for years, and the procedure can be repeated if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about PAE — with links to our in-depth guides for more detail.
Most patients return to work in 1 to 3 days and resume normal activities within a week. You go home the same day.
Read our detailed recovery timelineYes. PAE is covered by Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, TRICARE, and most commercial insurance plans. Our team handles prior authorization and verifies your coverage before scheduling.
See detailed cost and insurance informationPAE has faster recovery (1–3 days vs. 2–6 weeks), preserves sexual function (0% new erectile dysfunction vs. up to 10%), and requires no catheter or general anesthesia. TURP has slightly better long-term durability.
Read our full side-by-side comparisonNo. Unlike TURP, PAE preserves erectile function — and 60 percent of men actually report improved sexual function after the procedure. Retrograde ejaculation risk is 0 to 24 percent with PAE compared to 62 to 75 percent with TURP.
Learn more in our Complete PAE GuideOver 90 percent of patients experience significant symptom improvement at one year. At five years, 72 percent maintain their results. The largest study included over 1,000 patients.
See full success rate dataIf you have moderate to severe BPH symptoms and want to avoid surgery, preserve sexual function, or have a very large prostate, PAE may be ideal. There is no upper prostate size limit.
Schedule a consultation to find outWith insurance, most patients pay $1,000 to $2,500 out of pocket. Medicare patients with Medigap supplements often pay little to nothing beyond the annual deductible. PAE costs approximately 20 percent less than TURP.
See complete cost breakdownHave more questions? Dr. Bourgeois is happy to discuss your specific situation.
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