Uterine fibroid embolization: Overview
Uterine fibroid embolization is a treatment to destroy or shrink fibroids. Fibroids are growths on the outer wall, on the inner wall, or inside the wall of the uterus. Sometimes they're called fibroid tumors, but they aren't cancer.
You may be awake during the procedure. But you will get medicine to help with pain. And you may be given medicine to help you relax. First the doctor will put a thin, flexible tube into a blood vessel in the upper thigh. The tube is called a catheter. Then the doctor sends a solution through the catheter. It prevents your fibroids from getting blood. Without blood, the fibroids shrink or die.
The treatment usually takes 1 to 3 hours. After the procedure, you may stay in the hospital overnight or go home the same day.
You may have some pain for a few hours to a few days. But sometimes pain can last for a couple of weeks. It may take about 1 to 2 weeks to fully recover.
This treatment should reduce pain and bleeding from fibroids.
How is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) used to treat fibroids?
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) shrinks or destroys uterine fibroids by blocking the artery that supplies blood to them.
During UFE, a doctor places a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the upper thigh. It is guided into the uterine artery that supplies blood to the fibroids. A liquid is then injected into the uterine artery through the catheter.
UFE may be an option when:
- You don't want to get pregnant in the future. It's possible to get pregnant after UFE. But there may be risks.
- You still have heavy uterine bleeding or anemia after several months of treatment.
- You have fibroid pain or pelvic pressure that affects your quality of life.
- You have urinary or bowel problems because of a fibroid.
- You don't want to have a hysterectomy or myomectomy.
- You have a disease or disorder that makes surgery with general anesthesia dangerous.
How is uterine fibroid embolization done?
You may be awake during the procedure. But you will get medicine to help with pain. And you may be given a sedative to help you relax.
First, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is placed into a blood vessel in the upper thigh (femoral artery). A substance called contrast material is then injected into the catheter. You may feel some warmth as it travels up to the uterus. The doctor uses real-time X-ray on a video screen (fluoroscopy) to see the arteries and then guides the catheter to the arteries that supply blood to the fibroid. A solution is injected into those uterine arteries through the catheter. It builds up in the targeted arteries and blocks blood flow to the fibroid.
After uterine fibroid embolization: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks one or more pads in an hour, or you have large clots.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids.
- You have vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- A fever.
- You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You are bleeding from the area where the catheter was put in your artery.
- You have a fast-growing, painful lump at the catheter site.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated