Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat uterine fibroids by blocking the blood supply that feeds them. Without blood flow, the fibroids shrink and symptoms improve — often dramatically. UFE offers women a uterus-preserving alternative to hysterectomy with significantly shorter recovery time.

UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist (IR), a physician specially trained to use X-rays and other imaging techniques to treat conditions without open surgery. The procedure has been performed safely for over 25 years and is now recognized as a mainstream treatment option for symptomatic fibroids [1].

How Does UFE Work?

UFE works on a simple principle: fibroids need a blood supply to survive and grow. By cutting off that blood supply with tiny particles, the fibroids are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, causing them to shrink.

During the Procedure

1. Sedation: You receive sedation medication through an IV to keep you comfortable and relaxed. You remain conscious throughout the procedure but are typically drowsy and feel no pain.
2. Access: The interventional radiologist makes a tiny puncture (about the size of a pencil tip) in the upper thigh or wrist to access an artery. No surgical incision is needed.
3. Catheter navigation: A thin, hollow catheter is inserted through the puncture and guided through the arterial system to the uterine arteries using real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy).
4. Embolization: Tiny, round microspheres — each about the size of a grain of sand — are injected through the catheter into the vessels feeding the fibroids. These particles lodge in the small arteries, blocking blood flow to the fibroids while preserving blood flow to the healthy uterine tissue.
5. Both sides treated: The procedure is repeated for the uterine artery on the opposite side, ensuring all fibroids are treated regardless of their location or number.
6. Completion: The catheter is removed and a small bandage is applied. No stitches are required.

The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours to complete.

Who is a Candidate for UFE?

UFE may be right for you if you:

• Have symptomatic uterine fibroids causing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure
• Want to preserve your uterus and avoid hysterectomy
• Are looking for a less invasive alternative to surgery
• Have fibroids of any size or number (UFE treats all fibroids simultaneously)
• Have not found adequate relief with medications or hormonal therapy
• Want a shorter recovery time compared to surgical options

UFE may not be recommended for women who are actively trying to become pregnant (though many women have had successful pregnancies after UFE), those with very large fibroids, or those with certain other medical conditions. Your specialist will evaluate your specific situation to determine if UFE is appropriate.

Benefits of UFE

• Preserves the uterus: No hysterectomy required
• Treats all fibroids at once: Unlike myomectomy, which removes individual fibroids, UFE addresses every fibroid simultaneously
• Minimally invasive: No surgical incision — just a small skin puncture
• No general anesthesia: Performed under conscious sedation
• Shorter recovery: Most women return to normal activities in 1-2 weeks (compared to 6-8 weeks for hysterectomy)
• High success rate: Over 90% of women experience significant improvement in symptoms [2]
• Outpatient procedure: Performed in our outpatient facilities by highly trained physicians
• Durable results: Most women experience long-lasting relief; fibroid recurrence requiring re-treatment is uncommon

What to Expect During Recovery

First 24-48 Hours

• Some cramping and pelvic discomfort is expected as the fibroids begin to shrink. Pain medication is prescribed to manage this.
• Fatigue and mild nausea are common and usually resolve within a day or two.
• Rest is recommended, with light walking encouraged.

First 1-2 Weeks

• Most women take about one week off from work (compared to 6-8 weeks for hysterectomy).
• Cramping gradually diminishes over the first week.
• Light activities can be resumed as you feel comfortable.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse for about two weeks.

Ongoing Recovery

• Menstrual periods typically become lighter within the first 1-3 cycles after UFE.
• Fibroid-related symptoms (pain, pressure, bloating, urinary frequency) progressively improve over 3-6 months as the fibroids continue to shrink.
• An MRI may be performed at 3-6 months to evaluate fibroid size reduction.
• Most fibroids shrink by 40-60% in volume within six months of the procedure [3].

Potential Risks and Side Effects

UFE is considered a safe procedure with a low complication rate. Possible risks include:

• Post-embolization syndrome: Cramping, low-grade fever, fatigue, and nausea in the first few days (common and manageable with medication)
• Temporary changes in menstrual cycle
• Vaginal discharge as fibroid tissue passes
• Bruising at the catheter insertion site
• Rarely, infection, premature menopause (primarily in women over 45), or non-target embolization

Your interventional radiologist will discuss all potential risks and help you weigh the benefits against alternatives.

UFE vs. Other Fibroid Treatments

Why Choose Preferred Vascular Group for UFE?

Our interventional radiologists have extensive experience performing uterine fibroid embolization. At Preferred Vascular Group, you receive:

• Expert interventional specialists trained in advanced embolization techniques
• Comprehensive evaluation including imaging review and personalized treatment planning
• Outpatient procedure performed in our comfortable, state-of-the-art facilities
• Dedicated follow-up care to monitor your recovery and results
• A compassionate team that understands the impact fibroids have on your quality of life
• Eight convenient locations across Georgia and Ohio

If uterine fibroids are affecting your daily life, UFE offers an effective, minimally invasive path to relief. Schedule a consultation to learn whether uterine fibroid embolization is right for you.

References

1. Uterine Fibroid Embolization. StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 2024. NCBI Bookshelf
2. Spies JB, et al. “Uterine artery embolization for treatment of leiomyomata: long-term outcomes from the FIBROID Registry.” Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2008. PubMed
3. Pinto I, et al. “The Ontario Uterine Fibroid Embolization Trial. Part 2. Uterine fibroid reduction and symptom relief after uterine artery embolization for fibroids.” Fertility and Sterility, 2003. PubMed
4. Gupta JK, et al. “Uterine artery embolisation in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014. PubMed