What Happens to the Prostate After PAE?

Shrinkage, Symptom Relief, and What Men Can Expect Long-Term

If you’ve been considering Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) for an enlarged prostate, you probably already know it’s less invasive than traditional surgery. But you might still be wondering:

“What actually happens to my prostate after the procedure?”

At MTVIR in Dallas, Dr. Travis Van Meter and our team walk men through this exact question every day — because understanding what’s happening inside your body helps you feel more confident and in control.

Let’s break it down clearly and simply — no fluff, no scare tactics, just the facts.

A Quick Recap: What Is PAE?

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — or in plain terms, an enlarged prostate.

Instead of removing part of the prostate like surgery does, PAE blocks blood flow to specific areas of the gland using tiny particles. Over time, that reduced blood flow causes the prostate tissue to shrink and soften — relieving pressure on the bladder and urethra.

It’s a precise, image-guided procedure performed by an interventional radiologist, and it’s done outpatient — no hospital stay, no stitches, no catheter required.

So What Happens Next?

Here’s what’s happening inside your body once PAE is complete:

1. Targeted Tissue Becomes Starved of Blood

Within minutes of the procedure, the embolic particles are blocking the arteries that supply blood to certain areas of the prostate. This doesn’t affect the entire gland — only the parts responsible for causing symptoms.

These targeted sections of tissue begin to weaken and break down as the blood supply is cut off.

2. Prostate Tissue Begins to Shrink

In the days and weeks following PAE, the affected parts of the prostate gradually shrink in size. This leads to:

• Less pressure on the bladder

• Reduced urethral constriction

• A noticeable improvement in urinary flow

Most men start seeing changes around 2 to 6 weeks after the procedure, with continued improvements over the following months.

3. Inflammation and Swelling Go Down

BPH causes more than just a big prostate — it creates inflammation and irritation in the surrounding area. As the treated tissue shrinks and the gland softens, this inflammation also settles down.

This means:

• Less urgency

• Fewer nighttime trips to the bathroom

• A bladder that finally feels like it can fully empty

4. Your Body Clears Out the Dead Tissue

Over time, your body naturally breaks down and clears away the treated tissue through normal biological processes. This helps the prostate return to a more manageable size without the need for removal or cutting.

In some cases, imaging 3–6 months after the procedure will show a 25–40% reduction in prostate volume.

5. Long-Term Symptom Relief

Because PAE treats the root of the problem — an enlarged prostate — most men experience long-term improvement. In fact, studies show that 80–90% of men have sustained symptom relief even after 3–5 years.

That means:

• Better bladder control

• Less interruption to your daily life

• Improved sleep

• More confidence in social and work situations

What Doesn’t Happen

A lot of men ask if PAE affects things like testosterone, sex drive, or fertility.

Here’s what doesn’t happen after PAE:

• It does not impact testosterone levels

• It does not affect sexual performance (in fact, many men see improvements)

• It does not require hormone therapy

• It does not involve surgical removal of any prostate tissue

In short, PAE is one of the least disruptive ways to treat BPH.

469-458-9800

What Dr. Van Meter Wants Men to Know

“One of the biggest benefits of PAE is that it works with your body — not against it. We’re not removing anything. We’re helping the body reset itself gradually. And for most men, that means real relief without compromising their lifestyle.”
— Dr. Travis Van Meter, Interventional Radiologist, MTVIR

At MTVIR in Dallas, we perform PAE in-house in our angio suite. It’s a calm, controlled environment with an expert team focused on men’s health and real results.

What to Expect After Your PAE Procedure

Here’s a general recovery and result timeline:

Of course, every patient is different — and that’s why personalized follow-up care is part of the process at MTVIR.

A Smaller Prostate, A Bigger Life

You don’t have to live with the daily disruptions of BPH. You don’t have to accept getting up four times a night, or always planning your route based on where the nearest bathroom is.

With PAE, your prostate shrinks, your symptoms fade, and your life opens back up.

If you’re ready to stop asking “what if?” and start living with less pressure, less urgency, and more freedom — we’re here to help.

Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Travis Van Meter

Visit MTVIR at 9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75225 (inside The Pyramids)

Call us at (469) 458-9800

We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you decide if PAE is right for you.

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.