Prostate embolization is a gentle treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia that can improve your urinary symptoms without traditional surgery. In this article, I explain how the procedure works, what benefits and risks you need to know, and why thorough examination is crucial to choosing the right treatment. Read on to learn how you can regain quality of life and sexual function with a personalized approach at MS Insight.
Prostate embolization is a minimally invasive treatment where the blood supply to the prostate is blocked via catheter, shrinking the gland and relieving urinary problems without the need for traditional surgery.
International speaker & expert in shockwave and EMTT treatment for erectile dysfunction, peyronies & CPPPS.
When sleep is interrupted by countless trips to the toilet and the stream is so weak that it takes forever to empty the bladder, most men start looking for answers. You may have come across the term “prostate embolization” as a possible solution to the problems of a benign enlarged prostate. It’s a topic I often talk to men about in my clinic, MS Insight, where I help men manage their intimate health on a daily basis. But what does the procedure actually involve and is it the right path for you? In this article, I go through everything you need to know about prostate embolization, but I also focus on how I can help you address your symptoms – whether it’s pain, erectile dysfunction or difficulty urinating – so you can get your quality of life back.
Prostate embolization, often abbreviated PAE (Prostatic Artery Embolization), is a minimally invasive treatment for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Unlike the classic “scraping operation” (TUR-P), where the surgeon enters through the urethra and removes tissue, embolization is performed exclusively through the bloodstream.
A thin catheter is inserted through an artery in the groin or wrist. Using X-ray imaging, the doctor navigates the catheter to the small blood vessels that supply blood to the prostate. Here, microscopic particles are injected, effectively blocking the blood supply. When the prostate no longer receives the same amount of blood and nutrition, the tissue slowly begins to shrink. As a result, the physical pressure on the urethra is relieved and it becomes easier for you to empty your bladder.
It sounds appealing to many, as it avoids general anesthesia and typically allows you to go home quickly. However, as with all medical procedures, it’s crucial that you understand the whole picture before you get on the couch.
Many of the men I meet in the clinic are worried about the side effects that can come with traditional surgery. The biggest fear is undoubtedly the impact on sexual life. With traditional TUR-P surgery, there is a real risk of “retrograde ejaculation”, where semen flows backwards into the bladder instead of out through the penis upon ejaculation. It feels like a “dry” orgasm, which for many men is experienced as a great loss of masculinity and pleasure.
The benefits of choosing prostate embolization can be:
While this sounds positive, it’s important to emphasize that it’s not a miracle cure for everyone. This is where my professional angle at MS Insight becomes relevant. Because is it always the prostate that’s the “bad guy” or could your symptoms actually be caused by something else entirely?
One of my absolute core competencies is diagnostics with ultrasound scans. Unfortunately, I often see men who have been told they have “something with the prostate” based solely on their age and symptoms such as frequent urination or pain in the perineum.
The truth is that the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and an overstretched pelvic floor (what we call CPPS or chronic pelvic pain) can be almost identical. If your problems are actually caused by pelvic floor tension or irritation of the pudendal nerve, prostate embolization will not solve the problem. You risk undergoing a procedure that has no effect.
That’s why I always start a procedure with a thorough ultrasound scan. Here I can visually assess the size of your prostate and see if you are emptying your bladder properly (residual urine). But more importantly, I examine the function of your pelvic floor. By accurately differentiating between a physical enlargement of the gland and a functional tension condition, I ensure that we start with the right treatment from the beginning.
If my examination shows that your prostate is only slightly to moderately enlarged, or if the symptoms are primarily due to an inflamed condition (prostatitis) or muscular tension, I have very good experience with non-invasive treatments. Many men can actually avoid or delay surgical procedures like prostate embolization by starting early.
I specialize in focused sound waves. This technology uses sound waves to stimulate tissue down to the cellular level. In relation to the prostate and pelvic floor, the treatment can:
It’s a painless treatment with no side effects, and for many of my clients it provides significant relief from urinary problems and pain.
As a supplement, I often use EMTT. It’s a technology that works deeper and broader than shockwave. Using high-frequency magnetic impulses, I can influence the nervous system and musculature throughout the pelvis. It has an amazing effect on “calming” an overactive bladder and reducing pain radiating from the prostate area.
Although prostate embolization is gentler than old-fashioned surgery, it’s important to be honest about the risks. I am committed to making sure you are fully informed before you make a decision.
A known side effect is the so-called post-embolization syndrome. It can cause flu-like symptoms, fever, nausea and pelvic pain in the days following the procedure. In addition, there is a small risk that the particles used to block the blood flow end up in the wrong places, such as the bladder or rectum, which can lead to tissue damage in these areas.
That’s why my approach is always: Let’s exhaust the risk-free options first. Can I improve your quality of life with lifestyle changes, focused sound waves and manual therapy? If we reach a point where surgery is necessary, I will guide you on how to engage with your doctor and get referred to the right specialists at the hospital.
An enlarged prostate and erectile dysfunction often go hand in hand. This is due to both physiological factors – such as pressure on nerves and blood vessels – and psychological factors. When you have to get up and pee three times every night, your sleep is ruined. Without proper deep sleep, your testosterone levels drop and your sex drive disappears. It quickly becomes a vicious circle.
If you’re considering prostate embolization because you hope it will also solve your erectile dysfunction, you should know that it’s not a guarantee. On the contrary, some men experience a short-term worsening right after the procedure.
At MS Insight, I work holistically. I don’t just treat your prostate or your urination. I look at your overall sexual function. I can combine prostate treatment with specific protocols for erectile dysfunction to improve blood flow to the penis while we treat the cause of your urinary problems.
I meet you at eye level and there are no taboos here. I know it takes courage to book your first appointment, but I promise you that you will be met with professionalism, confidence and understanding.
A typical process for me looks like this:
Is the conclusion that your prostate is so massively enlarged that surgery is the only way forward? Then I’ll tell you honestly. My job is to ensure you get the best treatment – whether it’s with me or in the public system. I’ll equip you with the right knowledge and data so you can go to your GP and ask for a referral for prostate embolization, for example, with peace of mind.
The effect doesn’t happen overnight. As the tissue needs to shrink slowly due to lack of blood supply, it typically takes a few weeks or months before you feel the full effect on urination. With my focused sound wave treatments, many people notice an improvement faster, often after a few treatments, as I actively reduce inflammation.
Yes, absolutely. After surgery or embolization, the tissue needs to heal and the pelvic floor often needs to be “retrained”. Many people experience pain or discomfort after a procedure. This is where focused sound waves and EMTT can be extremely effective for rehabilitation, pain relief and to ensure you regain your sexual function as soon as possible.
No, it is completely painless. I scan the outside of the abdomen over the bladder and via the perineum to see the prostate. There are no needles or uncomfortable instruments involved. It’s a safe and quick way to know your condition.
You don’t have to accept that difficulty urinating, pain or poor sleep should be a regular part of your life. Whether the solution ends up being prostate embolization in a hospital or a non-invasive procedure in my clinic, the solution starts with you being properly examined.
At MS Insight, I’m ready to help you with advanced diagnostics and effective treatment without side effects. If you are interested in hearing more about how I can help you, you are always welcome to contact me by phone 41 40 08 58 or email michael@msinsight.dk. I’ll get back to you quickly with a customized proposal so we can find the best way forward together.
I will get back to you within 12-24 hours.
Are you unsure about what’s causing your symptoms, or whether a specialized treatment program at our clinic in Copenhagen would be right for you? If so, you can start with a brief, confidential consultation. During this consultation, we’ll assess whether your symptoms align with the areas I specialize in at MS Insight and determine what the next appropriate step might be.
The clarifying conversation is not a full consultation, diagnosis or treatment plan. It’s for those who want a serious assessment of whether it makes sense to proceed with a more thorough examination, ultrasound scan and individual plan.
The clinic is a private clinic offering an alternative treatment setup to the public system with shockwave, EMTT and NESA X for sexual dysfunctions and especially erectile dysfunction, peyronies and pelvic pain.
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