How Long Does It Take to See Results After PAE?

If you’ve been living with the frustrating symptoms of an enlarged prostate — the urgency, the weak stream, the 2 a.m. bathroom shuffle — you’re probably looking for a fix that doesn’t involve surgery or catheters. That’s why more and more men are turning to Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE).

But once the procedure is done, one question rises to the top:

“How long will it take before I feel better?”

At MTVIR in Dallas, we hear this every day from men who’ve just had PAE or are considering it. So let’s break it down clearly and simply — no jargon, just real answers.

First: What Happens During PAE?

Before we get into timelines, a quick refresher:

PAE is a minimally invasive procedure where a skilled interventional radiologist (like Dr. Travis Van Meter here at MTVIR) inserts a microcatheter through the wrist or groin and guides it to the arteries that supply blood to the prostate.

By injecting tiny particles, blood flow is reduced to specific parts of the prostate, causing the tissue to shrink over time. That shrinkage leads to relief from urinary symptoms caused by BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).

No cutting. No removal. No hospital stay.

The Timeline: When You’ll Start Noticing Changes

Here’s what most men can expect after the PAE procedure:

Immediately After the Procedure (Days 1–3)

• Most men feel some mild discomfort or pelvic cramping — this is totally normal.

• You may notice little to no symptom relief yet (and that’s okay — it’s still early).

Pro Tip: Take it easy the first 48–72 hours. Walking is fine, but skip the heavy lifting.

The First Few Weeks (Weeks 1–3)

• The prostate begins to shrink gradually, but most of the early changes are internal.

• Many patients report slightly improved stream strength or fewer bathroom trips.

• Some feel like symptoms come and go — that’s also normal.

Noticeable Symptom Relief (Weeks 4–6)

• This is when most men start saying, “Wow, I actually feel better.”

• You may find:

  • Stronger urine flow

  • Less urgency

  • Sleeping longer without needing to get up and pee

  • Easier bladder emptying

Think of it like a slow deflation of a balloon. The pressure starts to lift.

Significant, Lasting Results (Months 2–3+)

• By 8–12 weeks, most men experience a dramatic reduction in BPH symptoms.

• Studies show:

  • Nighttime urination drops by 50–70%

  • Overall urinary flow improves significantly

  • Quality of life scores jump across the board

“At about the 6-week mark, I was only waking up once a night instead of four times. By three months, I wasn’t getting up at all.” – Robert, age 66, Dallas

Why Results Vary Slightly from Man to Man

PAE works with your body’s natural healing process. Some men see results faster based on:

• The size of their prostate

• Overall health and blood flow

• How long they’ve had symptoms

• Hormonal balance

But the success rate remains high across the board — up to 85–90% of men see significant symptom relief after PAE.

469-458-9800

Dr. Travis Van Meter’s Take on PAE Recovery

“What we tell men at MTVIR is: give it time — and give it trust. Your prostate didn’t enlarge overnight, and symptom relief won’t happen overnight either. But when it kicks in, it’s life-changing.” – Dr. Travis Van Meter

That’s why our team closely follows up with patients after their procedure. We track progress, offer guidance, and help troubleshoot any concerns along the way.

What You Won’t Deal With After PAE

• No catheter for recovery

• No general anesthesia

• No invasive surgery or stitches

• No hospital stay

Just a tiny incision, a few days of taking it easy, and real results over time.

It’s Worth the Wait

In a world of instant gratification, PAE might seem like the slow option — but in reality, it’s the smart, safe, and surgery-free way to get long-term relief from BPH symptoms.

Whether you’re peeing too often, waking up constantly, or feeling like you can never fully empty your bladder — PAE helps you reset your life. And while results take a few weeks to kick in, the difference is worth every day of the wait.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Come see us at MTVIR in Dallas, located in The Pyramids at 9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550
Call (469) 458-9800 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Travis Van Meter today.

Let’s help you sleep better, pee better, and live better.

Looking for a prostate clinic in Dallas?

Look no further. We have a state-of-the-art center in North Dallas, where we can perform not only consultations but also surgeries.

Find us at:

9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75225
Call (469) 458-9800
Or contact us here to schedule a consultation.