What is prostate artery embolization (PAE)?

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to an enlarged prostate, causing it to shrink gradually and relieving urinary symptoms. It is performed by an interventional radiologist under local anaesthesia, without any incision.

Does prostate embolization affect sexual function?

Unlike surgical options (TURP, open prostatectomy), prostate artery embolization does not cause retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. This is one of its major advantages over surgery.

What is the success rate of prostate embolization?

Clinical improvement of urinary symptoms is achieved in more than 80% of patients. Prostate volume reduction of 20-40% is typically observed at 6 months on MRI.

Is prostate embolization covered by French health insurance?

Yes. At Cochin Hospital AP-HP, prostate artery embolization is fully covered by French Assurance Maladie with zero extra fees.

Prostate Artery Embolization Paris (BPH) : No Surgery

>80%

symptom
improvement

retrograde
ejaculation

1 day

hospital admission
(outpatient)

❓ What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) : also called prostate adenoma : is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that compresses the urethra and causes urinary symptoms. It affects 2 out of 3 men over 50 and up to 90% of men over 70.

Common symptoms include: frequent urination (especially at night), weak or interrupted urine flow, urgency, difficulty starting urination, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

🔵 How does prostate artery embolization work?

PAE uses the natural pathway of the blood vessels to reach the prostate without surgery. Tiny calibrated microspheres are injected into the prostatic arteries through a catheter introduced via a small skin puncture (femoral or radial approach). The prostate gradually shrinks as its blood supply is reduced, relieving urinary symptoms.

Pre-procedure consultation : IPSS score assessment, prostate MRI, uroflowmetry, PSA

Local anaesthesia : Outpatient or 1 night hospital admission

Catheter guidance : Under X-ray fluoroscopy, the catheter is guided to the prostatic arteries

Microsphere injection : Both prostatic arteries are embolised through a single skin puncture

Same-day or next-day discharge : Progressive improvement over 1–3 months

📊 PAE vs Surgery : Comparison

Criterion	🔵 PAE : Cochin AP-HP	🔪 TURP (surgery)
Anaesthesia	✅ Local	❌ General or spinal
Retrograde ejaculation	✅ Never reported	❌ Very common (65-90%)
Erectile dysfunction	✅ Not caused by PAE	Risk exists
Hospital admission	✅ 0–1 night	❌ 2–4 nights
Recovery	✅ Next day	❌ 2–4 weeks
Success rate	✅ >80%	>90%
Large prostates (>80cc)	✅ Particularly effective	Technically difficult

🤝 Multidisciplinary approach: PAE at Cochin is performed in close collaboration with the Urology Department of Cochin Hospital : ranked 2nd best urology service in France and 31st worldwide (2025). All cases are discussed in multidisciplinary meetings. urologie-paris-cochin.com →

🌍 For international patients

📋 Required before consultation

Prostate MRI (mp-MRI) with measurements
Recent PSA blood test
Uroflowmetry (if available)
IPSS questionnaire score
Urologist's report

💰 Cost & insurance

Zero extra fees at Cochin Hospital AP-HP. Covered by French Assurance Maladie, EU EHIC, and most international private health insurance plans. Contact us for a cost estimate.

📋 IPSS Score

Before your consultation, complete the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire to assess the severity of your urinary symptoms.

Complete the IPSS questionnaire →

📄 Patient Information Sheet

📄

Patient information sheet

Download before your consultation.

📥 Download (PDF)

✅ Covered by French Assurance Maladie · Zero extra fees · EU EHIC accepted · English spoken

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)