Chronic prostatitis · Treatment
Treatment of chronic prostatitis by embolization
Initially used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, embolization involves selectively blocking the blood vessels that supply the gland using a catheter and embolic agents. By reducing vascularization, it decreases inflammation and associated pain.
A treatment for chronic prostatitis without medication or surgery
Many patients are looking for a natural treatment for chronic prostatitis after years of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and symptomatic treatments. Embolization is not herbal medicine, but it partially meets this expectation: it adds no long-term medication, removes no tissue, and leaves no scar.
Definition
L'transcatheter arterial embolization of the prostate (ETAP) is a minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure. It reduces the blood supply to the prostate by selectively blocking its feeding arteries, which decreases the inflammatory and congestive component causing the pain.
In other words, the approach does not seek to mask the pain: it acts on the mechanism that sustains it. This is what distinguishes it from the symptomatic treatments these patients have generally already resorted to.
Understanding chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome
What transcatheter embolization brings
Recent studies show that transcatheter embolization offers encouraging results on the reduction of painful symptoms and the improvement of urinary symptoms in patients with chronic prostatitis. Three advantages stand out.
- Reduced urinary pain and symptoms — by decreasing blood supply to the prostate, embolization reduces inflammation and alleviates pelvic pain as well as urinary symptoms.
- Limited side effects compared to surgical interventions, the procedure is less invasive and presents fewer complications. It is generally well tolerated and allows for a rapid recovery.
- An option for resistant cases — it is of particular interest to patients whose symptoms persist despite medication, physical therapy, and other non-invasive approaches.
Mechanism of action of prostatic artery embolization
L'PHASE aims to reduce inflammation and prostate volume by selectively blocking the vessels supplying it. Specifically, embolizing agents are injected into the prostatic arteries via a catheter introduced through the femoral or radial artery. This catheter is image-guided to the prostatic vessels, allowing precise targeting of the areas to be treated.
A controlled ischemia
Once the catheter is in place, small embolic particles block the targeted arteries. This reduction in local blood supply leads to a progressive decrease in prostate volume and an alleviation of the inflammatory response.
The precision of the gesture limits the effects on neighboring tissues, particularly the bladder and rectum.
In short, ETAP constitutes a solution for forms of chronic prostatitis refractory to conventional treatments, with a positive impact on quality of life and a low risk of complications.
The course of the intervention
- Initial assessmentConsultation, biological exams, ultrasound and pelvic arterial CT angiography. This mapping identifies the prostatic arteries and anticipates anatomical variations.
- Local anesthesiaA simple local anesthesia at the groin crease or at the wrist depending on the chosen approach. No general anesthesia is necessary.
- Catheterization and embolizationThe microcatheter is guided to the prostatic arteries under fluoroscopic guidance, and then the particles are injected. The distribution is monitored in real time.
- Return homeA few hours of monitoring, then discharge the same day. Moderate pelvic discomfort is common for 48 to 72 hours.
The procedure lasts about an hour and is performed without incision. The procedure itself is painless: the arteries are not innervated.
The complete process of prostatic embolization · See real clinical cases
Clinical results and efficacy
Published data show an improvement in pain and urinary symptoms, often noticeable as early as the first few weeks following the procedure. Many patients report a lasting benefit to their quality of life.
The landmark study
Forty-four patients with refractory chronic prostatitis were treated by transcatheter arterial embolization. The results show a significant improvement in symptoms in a majority of them, particularly regarding pelvic pain and urinary disorders, with a low complication rate. These data suggest that TAE can be an alternative for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments.
Read the scientific article — CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology, 2024
Let us clarify one point of honesty, however. In this specific indication, the procedure remains Under evaluation. Current data is promising, but they do not yet have the long-term perspective that embolization benefits from in'benign prostatic hyperplasia, where the technique has been documented for over fifteen years.
This nuance does not disqualify the treatment: it explains why it is discussed on a case-by-case basis, following the documented failure of other approaches, and why organized follow-up systematically accompanies the intervention.
For which patients?
Embolization is intended for patients whose chronic prostatitis is resistant to conventional treatments. It is particularly considered in cases of:
- From persistent pelvic or perineal pain for several months
- A documented failure antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and alpha-blockers
- A pelvic physiotherapy already conducted without sufficient benefit
- A significant impact on quality of life, sleep or sex life
- A compatible arterial anatomy, verified by CT angiography
Conversely, it is not indicated as a first-line treatment, nor in the presence of acute bacterial prostatitis, which requires appropriate antibiotic therapy.
An assessment before any decision
No embolization is scheduled without having ruled out other causes of pelvic pain and verified the arterial anatomy.
This is the purpose of the preliminary consultation and the mapping scan.
Save time
A comprehensive health check in one day
Consultation, biology and imaging grouped into a single visit, with the results explained at the end of the process rather than spread out over several months.
Frequently asked questions
Is embolization really a natural treatment?
The term is used by patients because the technique does not add any long-term medication, removes no tissue, and leaves no scar. It is nevertheless a medical procedure performed in an interventional radiology suite, with its prior assessment and follow-up.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is painless: the arteries are not innervated and only the puncture site is numbed. Pelvic discomfort and a burning sensation when urinating may occur for 48 to 72 hours, then fade away.
How long does it take to feel an effect?
The improvement is gradual. It develops over the weeks as the inflammatory component decreases. Therefore, the result should not be judged in the first few days.
Is there a risk to sexual function?
Embolization affects neither the urethra nor the bladder neck. The risk of ejaculation disorders remains low, and no negative effects on erection have been documented.
Can it be repeated if the pain returns?
Yes, a new procedure remains possible, and embolization does not rule out any subsequent therapeutic option. This is one of its advantages for patients already worn out by years of treatments.
Is this treatment performed everywhere?
No. For this indication, it requires expertise in prostatic embolization and a suitable technical platform. Our team has been practicing this technique since its inception in France.
Get your application evaluated
Send your reports, test results, and the list of treatments already tried. We will let you know if embolization can be considered in your situation and what is missing from your evaluation.
Prostate Center — Blomet Clinic
136 bis rue Blomet, 75015 Paris · Monday to Saturday, 9 AM – 6 PM · +33 6 32 84 14 31
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Editorial responsibility. Medical content written and validated under the responsibility of Dr. Antoine Hakimé, interventional radiologist. Last medical review: September 2026. The information presented is for informational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. For the indication of chronic prostatitis, prostatic artery embolization is still under evaluation: no results can be guaranteed and any indication requires individual evaluation.