Does PAE Treatment Cause Sexual Side Effects?

When seeking treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it’s important to be aware of potential sexual side effects. Surgical options such as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) carry a high risk for concerns such as ejaculatory dysfunction. In contrast, studies show that minimally invasive Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) can still provide relief from BPH symptoms with a dramatically lower risk for sexual side effects.

When to Treat BPH

Most men over the age of 50 will experience some prostate enlargement. When the cause of enlargement is benign, men may choose to manage their symptoms with lifestyle adjustments, including changes in their fluid intake, diet and exercise. However, when BPH symptoms become more disruptive, interfering with sleep or with your ability to complete your daily activities, medical intervention may be necessary. For some men, medications such as Cialis for BPH could provide sufficient symptom relief. But, for others, a medical procedure may be necessary. And, at this point, they will have to ask about the side effects associated with any potential treatment option.

Sexual Side Effects After BPH Treatment

Until recently, men would need to undergo the TURP procedure if they could not find BPH relief with medication. Unfortunately, this surgery is very likely to cause sexual side effects—in fact, according to this study, about 66% of men experience retrograde ejaculation (when semen enters the bladder instead of exiting the urethra) following the procedure. Given the high incidence of sexual side effects associated with TURP, many men were hesitant to treat BPH surgically.

In 2018, the FDA approved Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE treatment) for BPH relief. This minimally-invasive procedure shrinks the enlarged prostate by reducing blood flow to the gland. And because it is a non-surgical procedure, the risk of sexual side effects is much lower. In fact, this study found that just 10% of men experienced ejaculatory dysfunction following PAE, and they appeared to have had more difficulties completely emptying their bladders (referred to as post-void residual volume) prior to undergoing treatment.

Of course, the PAE procedure may not be the best treatment option for every patient. But if you want BPH relief with a reduced risk for sexual side effects, it is an option worth exploring. We encourage you to request a consultation with the Texas Prostate Institute to begin exploring your candidacy for Prostatic Artery Embolization.