Treat fibroids and keep your uterus, without surgery
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply through a pinhole in an artery. There is no incision and no general anesthesia, and it treats all of the fibroids at once while leaving the uterus in place.
Call to book: 737-241-2184 How UFE worksWhat are fibroids, and how does UFE help?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of muscle in the wall of the uterus. They are very common, and many women never notice them. When they grow large or sit in certain places, they can cause heavy bleeding, pain and pressure on the bladder or bowel.
Fibroids depend on a rich blood supply from the uterine arteries. In UFE, tiny particles are placed into these arteries. The particles flow preferentially into the fibroids and block their blood supply, while the normal uterus keeps receiving blood from other vessels.
Over the following weeks and months, the fibroids soften and shrink, and bleeding and pressure symptoms ease. Because every fibroid fed by these arteries is treated, UFE works well for women with many fibroids.
Who is a good candidate?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) lists uterine artery embolization as a treatment option for women with fibroids who want to keep their uterus.1 UFE is often a good fit if you:
- Have fibroids that cause symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, pain or pressure, that affect your daily life.
- Want to keep your uterus or avoid a hysterectomy.
- Prefer a shorter recovery than surgery allows, or want to avoid general anesthesia.
- Have several fibroids, or fibroids that would be difficult to remove surgically.
- Have had fibroids come back after an earlier myomectomy.
How we decide whether UFE is right for you
We work with your gynecologist to confirm that fibroids are the cause of your symptoms and that UFE is a safe choice for you.
Consultation
We review your symptoms, periods, medical history and plans for future pregnancy, and explain all of your treatment options.
Pelvic MRI
An MRI shows the number, size and position of your fibroids and rules out other conditions, such as adenomyosis, that can cause similar symptoms.
Gynecology check
An up-to-date gynecologic exam and Pap test and, when needed, a sample of the uterine lining make sure nothing else is causing the bleeding.
How UFE compares with other options
There are several good treatments for fibroids. The right one depends on your symptoms, your fibroids and your plans for the future.
| Option | How it works | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Medication | Hormonal and non-hormonal medicines reduce bleeding | Can control symptoms, but fibroids usually remain and symptoms often return when medication stops |
| Myomectomy | Fibroids are surgically removed and the uterus is kept | Often preferred when future pregnancy is a priority; needs general anesthesia and a longer recovery2 |
| Hysterectomy | The uterus is surgically removed | Permanent cure of fibroid symptoms, but major surgery and no future pregnancy |
| Uterine fibroid embolization | The fibroids' blood supply is blocked through a pinhole in an artery | No incision, uterus kept, treats all fibroids at once, shorter recovery; more likely to need a later procedure than surgery1,2 |
What happens during UFE
UFE typically takes about an hour. You are awake but relaxed, and we focus closely on keeping you comfortable during and after the procedure.
Preparation
You receive light sedation, pain medication and local anesthetic at the access site. No general anesthesia is needed.
A pinhole in the wrist or groin
A thin tube (catheter) is placed into an artery in your wrist or upper thigh through a tiny puncture. No incision is made.
Mapping the arteries
Using X-ray guidance and contrast dye, a microcatheter is steered into the uterine artery on each side.
Embolization
Tiny particles are slowly injected until blood flow to the fibroids stops. This is repeated on the other side.
Recovery
The catheter is removed and a small dressing applied. You rest for about 60 minutes while your pain is controlled, then go home the same day with medication and clear instructions.
Results
UFE has been used for more than 25 years and has been compared with both hysterectomy and myomectomy in randomized trials.
Women avoided a hysterectomy 3 years after UFE in a U.S. registry of nearly 1,300 patients, with large improvements in symptoms and quality of life.4
Women still had their uterus 10 years after UFE in a randomized trial against hysterectomy, with similar quality of life in both groups.3
We perform UFE as an outpatient procedure, so there is no hospital stay. Myomectomy and hysterectomy often require one.
Most women notice lighter periods within the first one to three cycles, and pressure symptoms continue to ease over several months as the fibroids shrink. In a large UK trial, quality of life improved after both UFE and myomectomy, slightly more after myomectomy.2 Satisfaction after UFE is similar to surgery, but more women need a further procedure later (15–38% across studies).1 Individual results vary, and no treatment can guarantee success.
Risks and side effects
Major complications occur in about 1–2% of patients, and blood transfusions are needed less often than with surgery.1 We discuss all risks with you in detail beforehand:
- Cramping and pelvic pain, strongest in the first day or two, along with nausea, tiredness or low-grade fever for several days. This is expected and managed with medication.
- Vaginal discharge for a few weeks, and occasionally the passage of fibroid tissue
- Infection of the uterus, which is uncommon and usually treated with antibiotics5
- Earlier menopause, a risk that is higher in women in their mid-40s and older
- Bruising or tenderness at the wrist or groin puncture site
- Reaction to contrast dye or sedation
- Symptoms continuing or returning, which may need repeat treatment or surgery
Frequently asked questions
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure itself is done under sedation and local anesthesia. Cramping afterward is common, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours, and we give you medication to manage it.
How soon can I go back to work?
Most women return to normal activities within one to two weeks, much sooner than after a hysterectomy or myomectomy.
How soon will my symptoms improve?
Bleeding often improves within the first few periods. The fibroids keep shrinking for several months, so pressure symptoms continue to ease over time.
Can I get pregnant after UFE?
Many women have had healthy pregnancies after UFE, but the data are limited, and myomectomy may be preferred if pregnancy is a priority. We will discuss your plans with you and your gynecologist before treatment.1,5
Will UFE cause menopause?
Most women keep having periods after UFE. A small number, mostly in their mid-40s or older, go through menopause earlier than they otherwise would.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by policy. We will navigate out-of-pocket costs with you. Call us at 737-241-2184 with questions.
Find out whether UFE is right for you
If fibroids are affecting your life and you want to avoid surgery or keep your uterus, an evaluation can show whether uterine fibroid embolization is a good option.
Call 737-241-2184 to scheduleReferences
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Management of symptomatic uterine leiomyomas: ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 228. Obstet Gynecol. 2021;137(6):e100–e115. Full text
- Manyonda I, Belli AM, Lumsden MA, et al. Uterine-artery embolization or myomectomy for uterine fibroids. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(5):440–451.
- de Bruijn AM, Ankum WM, Reekers JA, et al. Uterine artery embolization vs hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: 10-year outcomes from the randomized EMMY trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;215(6):745.e1–745.e12. PMID 27393268
- Goodwin SC, Spies JB, Worthington-Kirsch R, et al. Uterine artery embolization for treatment of leiomyomata: long-term outcomes from the FIBROID Registry. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;111(1):22–33. PMID 18165389
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Uterine artery embolisation for the treatment of uterine fibroids (C-Gyn 23). 2014.
This page provides general information and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Study results describe groups of patients and cannot predict the outcome for an individual. Urology Austin and IR Centers · 8701 N. Mopac, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759 · 737-241-2184