Can You Get Pregnant After a UFE Procedure?

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) preserves the uterus, making pregnancy after UFE a possibility for women who wish to conceive in the future. This minimally invasive treatment works by injecting an embolic agent, typically composed of very small beads, which blocks the blood supply to the fibroids. As the fibroid tissue shrinks, symptoms, such as heavy bleeding and pain, are relieved. 

Unlike a hysterectomy, which surgically removes the uterus and immediately causes infertility, UFE can be performed in patients with a prior myomectomy or in vitro fertilization (IVF). While getting pregnant after the procedure typically depends on many factors, such as age and overall reproductive health, an extensive 6-year study found that 85 percent of women had normal pregnancies after UFE.¹

If you are suffering from fibroids and plan on becoming pregnant in the future, discuss your goals with a fibroid specialist and an OB/GYN before undergoing treatment.

How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After UFE?

According to a study published by NIH, it is recommended to wait 3-6 months before getting pregnant after UFE. This waiting period allows sufficient time for the fibroids to shrink and for the uterus to fully recover. The most significant reduction in fibroid size occurs within the first six months following the procedure, which helps improve the chances of a safe pregnancy.

Since every patient heals at a different rate, your doctor can provide personalized guidance on when it’s safe to begin trying to conceive.

Having a Healthy Pregnancy After UFE

A pregnancy after UFE can be healthy, as UFE itself does not affect the uterus.UFE works by shrinking the fibroids, which can restore the normal shape of the uterine cavity, allowing a fertilized egg to implant and grow.

Studies have shown that for women who were previously unable to conceive due to fibroids, the post-UFE pregnancy rate is encouraging, with multiple studies reporting success rates in the range of 30 to 48%  In one large study, over 40% of women who were seeking pregnancy after UFE successfully conceived.³

A Canadian UFE trial found that of the women who became pregnant after UFE, 13 of the 15 who gave birth had a history of prior miscarriage (one had 9 prior miscarriages), suggesting that treating the fibroids with UFE may have been the key factor in achieving a live birth.4

The research demonstrates that UFE can be a highly effective, fertility-restoring procedure for women who previously struggled to conceive due to fibroids.

Pregnancy After Uterine Fibroid Embolization Procedure: What To Expect

The typical path for pregnancy after uterine fibroid embolization involves: 

  1. Post-procedure recovery 
  2. A follow-up evaluation 
  3. Planning for conception 
  4. Prenatal monitoring 

Once your doctor confirms healing, you can begin trying to conceive under medical guidance. Many patients go on to have a successful pregnancy after UFE, although these outcomes depend on age, fibroid size and number, and overall uterine health.

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Benefits of UFE for Women Considering Pregnancy

UFE offers many benefits for women who are considering pregnancy, with many being able to have a successful conception after the procedure.

The benefits of UFE include:

  • Preserves the Uterus: Unlike a hysterectomy, UFE keeps your uterus intact, allowing for future pregnancies.
  • No Uterine Incisions: UFE doesn’t require cutting into the uterine muscle, avoiding the risk of uterine scarring or rupture during labor.
  • Faster Recovery Time: Most patients recover in a few days to a week, compared to several weeks after surgery.
  • Treats All Fibroids Simultaneously: UFE targets all fibroids in the uterus, regardless of their size or location.
  • Effective Symptom Relief: By shrinking fibroids, UFE alleviates heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure, creating a healthier uterine environment for pregnancy.

Although UFE offers numerous advantages for individuals who wish to treat their fibroids before pregnancy, it is important to consult a fibroid specialist to create a personalized treatment plan.

UFE vs. Surgery for Future Pregnancy

When comparing UFE and its fertility outcomes to other treatments, myomectomy is often recommended for those actively trying to conceive. This procedure allows direct removal of fibroids but involves surgical incisions and a longer recovery.

Since uterine fibroid embolization is minimally invasive, it avoids uterine incisions and allows a natural birth, which is a significant benefit for many patients. UFE also offers a faster recovery, fewer complications, and the ability to treat multiple fibroids at once.

Another common surgery recommended for fibroid removal is a hysterectomy. However, pregnancy isn’t possible after a hysterectomy, since the procedure removes the entire uterus. With uterine fibroid embolization, the uterus remains intact, making it an effective treatment option for individuals who want to preserve fertility and the possibility of future pregnancies. 

Get Expert Care When it Comes to UFE and Pregnancy 

At USA Fibroid Centers, patients receive expert care from board-certified interventional radiologists specializing in UFE. Our team focuses on helping women find relief from fibroid symptoms while preserving fertility.

With nationwide clinics, we provide easy access to the leading, non-surgical UFE treatment. In addition to being accessible, USA Fibroid Centers accepts many major insurance plans and offers affordable payment options.

If you want to learn more about UFE and how it might affect your fertility, schedule a consultation to get the answers you need.

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FAQs for UFE After Pregnancy

Can fibroids grow back after UFE and affect fertility later on?

Fibroid regrowth after uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is rare, with studies reporting a recurrence rate of less than 5%.

Is Pregnancy High-Risk After UFE?

Pregnancy may carry additional risks after UFE, but many women have healthy pregnancies following the procedure. It’s recommended to consult a doctor when planning a pregnancy after fibroid treatment.

Sources

  1. Radiology Society, “Uterine Fibroid Embolization Helps Restore Fertility”, 2017.
  2. Frontiers in Medicine, Pregnancy rate and outcomes after uterine artery embolization for women: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
  3.  Radiology Today, Jeanette Sabatin, “Large Study Finds That UFE Preserves Fertility”.
  4. Science Direct, “The Ontario Uterine Fibroid Embolization Trial.”