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A woman in pain because of uterine fibroids

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

A minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure that offers relief from uterine fibroid symptoms. This procedure has a 90% success rate. After five years, about 80% of patients have no symptoms.1

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Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)

What are uterine fibroids?

Are you feeling frustrated or held back by heavy bleeding, stomach pain, or frequent urination? You may have growths in your uterus called uterine fibroids—and uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE, may be the answer.

Uterine fibroids, also called myomas, are growths in the uterus that vary in size and number. They are noncancerous and more common than you may think.

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not known but your age, diet, family history, and pregnancy may play a role.

If you’re suffering from painful uterine fibroid symptoms, UFE may be able to help. UFE is a minimally invasive solution for fibroids that provides relief while letting you keep your uterus.

40-80% of people with a uterus have fibroids.2

Who is a candidate for UFE?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure that can help people dealing with uterine fibroids, or growths in the uterus. Fibroids can affect anyone with a uterus, but they are most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50.2

You may be a candidate for UFE if you:

  • Have uterine fibroids
  • Are not currently pregnant
  • Are experiencing symptoms such as heavy bleeding, cramping, pain in your lower stomach, bloating, and frequent urination

How is UFE performed?

Our interventional radiologists perform UFE in an outpatient setting—that means you can go home the very same day. This procedure is painless and requires virtually no recovery time.

Here's how the procedure is done:

  • First, you will be given medicine to help you relax. You will not feel any pain, though you may feel some pressure.
  • Next, the doctor places a small tube into your groin or wrist that goes through the blood vessels and into the uterine arteries.
  •  Then, tiny beads are sent through the tube to block blood flow to the growths.

Blocking the blood flow to the fibroids causes them to shrink and die, alleviating your painful symptoms.

UFE has a 90% average success rate.1

What are the benefits of UFE?


Uterine fibroid embolization gives you a fast recovery time, reduced risk of infection, and improved quality of life.

Other benefits of UFE include:

  • Minimally invasive—no incisions or scarring
  • Same-day procedure—recover quickly at home
  • Reduced risk of infection compared to surgery
  • Requires conscious sedation—you are lightly sedated and feel no pais
  • Can allow you to keep your uterus, unlike a hysterectomy (the surgery that removes the uterus)

We Can Help

Find a specialist who treats uterine fibroids

We put you and your needs at the center of your care. Our team of experts uses the latest imaging technology and minimally invasive techniques to treat uterine fibroids. Experience relief and get back to your daily routine with a simple procedure and minimal recovery time. Request an appointment at one of our centers to see if uterine fibroid embolization is right for you.

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FAQs

Learn more about uterine fibroid embolization

An illustration of uterine fibroids in a uterus, including the types of fibroids

There are four types of uterine fibroids:

  • Subserosal: These develop in the outer portion of the uterus and continue to grow outward.
  • Submucosal: The least common type of fibroids. They develop within the uterine cavity and can cause prolonged menstrual bleeding.
  • Pedunculated submucosal: These grow on stalks or stems. The stems are attached to the uterine wall and can grow outside the uterus or inside the uterine cavity.
  • Intramural: The most common type of fibroids. They develop in the uterine wall and expand.

Uterine fibroid embolization has a 90% average success rate. After five years, about 80% of women have no symptoms. In four out of five women, no further procedure is needed.1

Most women experience cramping, nausea, and low-grade fever immediately following the procedure. In 3-4% of cases, infection may occur. In fewer than 1% of cases, serious complications occur, requiring a hysterectomy.

Generally, uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors. In rare cases, though, fibroids may contain cancerous cells. If you're at high risk for uterine cancer, your doctor may recommend a biopsy.

If left untreated, fibroids can grow and cause worsening symptoms. Fibroids may press against a ureter, which can lead to urinary problems. In very rare cases, fibroids can burst, requiring surgery.

Our centers take most insurance plans. However, always check with your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers.

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