How soon can I return to work?

Patients with desk-based work may return sooner than patients whose jobs involve lifting or prolonged physical activity. Follow your individual instructions rather than a universal timeline.

When should urinary improvement begin?

Some men notice changes within several weeks. Improvement may continue for several months as the prostate shrinks. Learn more about how successful PAE is and how results are measured.

Will I need medication after PAE?

Your physician may prescribe short-term medications to help manage discomfort, urinary symptoms, nausea, or infection risk. Do not stop existing BPH medication unless instructed.

PAE Recovery and Side Effects: What to Expect

Written and medically reviewed by Goke Akinwande, MD — Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist and Medical Director of MINT. Last reviewed: August 24, 2026.

older man speaking with a healthcare provider during a medical visit

Recovery after prostate artery embolization (PAE) is generally completed at home following outpatient treatment. Temporary pelvic discomfort, burning with urination, frequency, urgency, fatigue, nausea, or flu-like symptoms may occur during the first several days, while improvements in urinary symptoms usually develop more gradually as the prostate shrinks.

At Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT), individuals from St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL, and surrounding areas receive recovery guidance based on their health and procedure plan rather than a one-size-fits-all timeline. Medical Director Goke Akinwande, MD, is a board-certified interventional radiologist, and MINT’s focus on minimally invasive, image-guided treatments includes embolization procedures such as PAE.

A General PAE Recovery Timeline

What may happen	Time
Procedure day	Monitoring after treatment, followed by same-day discharge for most patients
First 1-3 days	Symptoms are mild. Pelvic pressure, urinary burning, urgency, frequency, tiredness, nausea, or low-grade fever may occur.
First week	Temporary symptoms generally begin improving; activity is increased gradually.
First several weeks	Some patients notice stronger flow or fewer nighttime bathroom trips
One to three months	Urinary improvement may continue as the prostate shrinks.
Later follow-up	Symptoms, medication use, bladder emptying, urinary flow, and imaging may be reassessed when appropriate.

Common Temporary Side Effects

Pelvic discomfort

Some patients describe a dull ache, pressure, cramping, or a sense of fullness in the lower pelvis.

Urinary burning or frequency

Urination may temporarily burn, and urgency or frequency may increase before improving.

Fatigue

Feeling tired during the first several days is common after a procedure and sedation.

Low-grade fever or nausea

Mild flu-like symptoms may occur as part of the body’s response to embolization.

Blood-tinged urine or semen

A small amount may occur temporarily. Persistent or heavy bleeding should be reported.

When Can You Return to Work or Exercise?

Many patients resume light daily activities within several days. Return to work depends on the type of work, symptoms, arterial access site, sedation, and individual recovery.

Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, driving, and sexual activity should follow the instructions supplied by MINT.

Contact Your Care Team Promptly If You Have:

Inability to urinate
Fever or chills
Severe or increasing pain
Heavy or persistent bleeding
Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage
Bleeding or enlarging swelling at the arterial access site
New weakness, numbness, coldness, or color changes in the affected hand or leg
Any symptom specifically identified in your discharge instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Some patients temporarily experience more burning, urgency, frequency, or difficulty urinating after PAE. These symptoms often improve as post-procedure inflammation settles.

Yes. Some patients experience incomplete improvement or recurrent symptoms and may need medication, repeat evaluation, another PAE, or a urologic procedure. Unless the prostate is completely removed, all prostate treatments may have a risk of recurrence.

Understand the Recovery Before Choosing Treatment

MINT will provide preparation, medication, transportation, and recovery instructions based on your individual health and procedure plan.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Whether PAE is appropriate for you should be determined after evaluation by a qualified medical professional.