Rena Malik, MD Podcast Moment: Top 5 Common Side Effects After Prostate Artery Embolization [And How to Manage Them]
Jan 7, 2026
Dr. Aaron Fischman, an interventional radiologist specializing in prostate artery embolization, joins to shed light on this minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. He discusses common short-term side effects, including worsened urinary symptoms, and emphasizes managing recovery expectations to avoid hospital readmissions. The conversation dives into long-term outcomes, candidate selection, and innovative embolic materials. Fischman also highlights the safety of the procedure and shares insights on the future of embolization techniques.
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Prepare For A Short Painful Recovery
- Expect worse urinary symptoms for about a week after prostate artery embolization as the prostate reacts to lost blood supply.
- Plan for short-term pelvic pressure and increased nighttime urination and treat symptoms proactively with medications.
Recovery Feels Like A Tough Workout
- Aaron Fischman compares embolization recovery to a tough workout where symptoms peak for a few days rather than a surgical injury needing long rehab.
- He contrasts this with surgery, which feels like an injury that requires longer rehabilitation.
Return To Activity Quickly With One Limit
- Resume normal activities quickly but avoid heavy lifting for ~24 hours to protect the arterial puncture site.
- Expect to be more frequently distracted by needing to urinate during activities like golf the day after the procedure.