No referral required. No obligation
Board Certified in Diagnostic Radiology and Interventional Radiology
Non Surgical Treatment for BPH
Many men live with urinary symptoms for years before seeking help.
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If frequent urination, weak stream, or nighttime trips to the bathroom are affecting your quality of life, you’re not alone — and you may have options beyond medication or surgery.
Our goal is to help you understand those options clearly and honestly.
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No Cutting
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No Hospital Stay
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Fast Recovery
A conversation can help clarify whether this option fits your situation.
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to live like this
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Frequent urination from an enlarged prostate (BPH) can take over your life:
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Waking up multiple times every night
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Always searching for the nearest bathroom
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Weak stream or incomplete emptying
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Medications no longer working
Many men are told surgery is the only option.
That’s not always true.
LOCAL TRUST SECTION
Expert care in Santa Barbara
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Board-certified Interventional Radiologist
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Specialized in minimally invasive procedures
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Focused on treating the root cause of symptoms
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Local, personalized care
You’ll speak directly with the physician evaluating your case
Are you a candidate?
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You may benefit if you:
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Have been diagnosed with BPH
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Have persistent urinary symptoms
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Want to avoid or delay surgery
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Have not had success with medications
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The best way to know is a simple phone call
Why Prostate Symptoms Happen
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As men age, the prostate often enlarges. This is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
An enlarged prostate can press on the bladder and urethra, leading to symptoms such as:
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Frequent urination, especially at night
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Weak urinary stream
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Difficulty starting or stopping
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Feeling that the bladder doesn’t empty completely
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Urgency or leakage
Medications don’t always work — and surgery isn’t the only alternative.
What Is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?
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Prostate Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that reduces prostate size without surgery.
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Using live imaging:
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A small catheter is guided through the blood vessels
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Blood flow to the prostate is reduced
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The prostate gradually shrinks
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Urinary symptoms improve over time
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Key points:
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No surgical incision
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No removal of prostate tissue
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No general anesthesia in most cases
Most patients go home the same day.
This procedure is offered in Santa Barbara and serves patients across the Central Coast
What to Expect After PAE
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Recovery after prostate artery embolization (PAE) is typically quick and manageable, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days.
​Immediately After the Procedure, You’ll go home the same day
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Mild pelvic discomfort, urinary frequency, or burning with urination is common
Fatigue for 1–2 days is normal. These symptoms are part of post-embolization syndrome and usually improve quickly.
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First Week of Recovery
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Most patients feel significantly better within 3–5 days
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You can usually return to light activity and work within a few days
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Urinary symptoms may temporarily feel slightly worse before improving
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Staying hydrated and taking prescribed medications helps minimize discomfort.
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When Will I See Results?
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Early improvement: often within 1–2 weeks
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Continued improvement: over 1–3 months
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Maximum benefit: typically reached by 3–6 months
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PAE works gradually by shrinking the prostate over time.
Common Temporary Symptoms
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Frequent urination
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Burning with urination
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Mild pelvic pressure or discomfort
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Small amount of blood in urine, semen, or stool.
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These are expected and usually resolve within days to a couple of weeks.
What to Avoid
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Heavy lifting for about 5–7 days
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Strenuous exercise for 1 week
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Sexual activity for about 1 week
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When to Call Your Doctor
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Fever over 101°F
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Severe or worsening pain
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Inability to urinate
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Heavy bleeding
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The Bottom Line
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PAE recovery is faster and less disruptive than surgery, with most patients back to their routine within days—while improvements continue to build over the following months.
Every patient is different. Your recovery timeline may vary slightly based on your prostate size and overall health.
Minimally Invasive Relief.
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Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a proven, minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostate (BPH) with published outcomes extending out to 10 years.
Long-term studies show that most men experience meaningful and sustained improvement in urinary symptoms and quality of life, without the need for traditional surgery.
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What Patients Can Expect
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Durable symptom relief
Many patients continue to experience improved urinary flow, less urgency, and fewer nighttime trips to the bathroom years after treatment. -
Minimally invasive approach
Performed through a tiny artery using imaging guidance—no incisions, no general anesthesia, and typically a rapid recovery. -
Preservation of quality of life
Lower risk of sexual side effects compared to many surgical options.
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Understanding Long-Term Outcomes
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PAE offers strong long-term results, but like all treatments for BPH, it is not always permanent for every patient.
Some men may require additional treatment over time as the prostate continues to change with aging.
The key is proper patient selection—when performed in the right patients, PAE provides an excellent balance of effectiveness, safety, and recovery.
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Is PAE Right for You?
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If you are looking for a non-surgical option with real long-term data and a faster return to normal activity, PAE may be an excellent choice.
Are There Risks?
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Serious complications are uncommon, but all procedures carry some risk.
Possible risks include:
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Temporary pelvic discomfort
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Bruising at the access site
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Infection (rare)
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Incomplete symptom improvement in some patients
We review risks carefully and proceed only when benefits outweigh risks.
Is PAE Right for Everyone?
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PAE is not for every patient.
We consider:
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Prostate size and anatomy
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Bladder function
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Other medical conditions
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Prior prostate treatments
Some patients are better treated with medication or surgery — and we work closely with urology to guide appropriate care.
Patients in Santa Barbara and the Central Coast Seeking Prostate Artery Embolization may schedule a consultation directly.
Hospital-based physician • Board-certified • Personalized care
No obligation. We are happy to answer questions.