Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fibroids. Here are some commonly asked questions about UFE:
Q1. What is UFE?
UFE stands for Uterine Fibroid Embolization it is also called Uterine Artery Embolization. The UFE procedure for fibroid treatment is a minimally invasive solution for symptomatic fibroids. During this procedure, a specialist will locate your fibroids using advanced ultrasound. They will then insert a tiny catheter through a very small incision. Using the ultrasound as a guide the catheter is threaded into the uterine artery that supplies blood to the fibroid. Small particles will flow through the catheter and block the arteries and blood flow, this causes the fibroid to shrink and eventually die. The treatment takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure.
Q2. How do I know if I am a good candidate for UFE?
If you are suffering from symptomatic fibroids and experiencing heavy, painful menstruation for more than a week, frequent urination, pelvic pain or pressure, back pain, pain in the lower legs or pain during sexual intercourse, you are a good candidate for UFE.
What Are the Advantages of UFE Over Surgical Treatments?
When considering treatment options for uterine fibroids, you might hear about myomectomy or even hysterectomy—both of which require traditional surgery. However, UFE offers several benefits compared to these more invasive surgeries.
Here’s what sets UFE apart:
Minimally Invasive Approach: UFE is performed through a tiny incision, which means no large surgical scars. Most patients experience only minor discomfort from the insertion site.
- Outpatient Procedure: With UFE, you typically go home the same day. There’s no need to arrange a hospital stay, making the process much more convenient.
- Faster Recovery: Most women return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. By contrast, recovery from a myomectomy or hysterectomy can take up to 6 weeks.
- Lower Risks: Because UFE doesn’t require general anesthesia or major surgery, there’s decreased risk of complications and a lower chance of infection.
- Proven Effectiveness: Studies suggest that approximately 85% of women experience significant relief from fibroid symptoms following UFE.
If you’re looking for a fibroid treatment that keeps recovery time and hospital visits to a minimum, UFE is an excellent option to discuss with your doctor.
Q3. What is the recovery time for UFE?
UFE is a non-surgical procedure, and a majority of women recover in 1-2 weeks which means less days missed at work as compared to surgical fibroid treatments.
What Is Post-Embolization Syndrome?
After a UFE procedure, some women experience what’s known as post-embolization syndrome. This is a common reaction that may include mild flu-like symptoms such as general discomfort, body aches, or a slight fever. These symptoms typically appear within a few days after the procedure and usually resolve on their own within a week. Gentle self-care, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage these side effects. If you have concerns or symptoms that last longer than expected, it’s always best to follow up with your doctor for guidance.
Q4. How do I prepare for a UFE procedure?
Before you roll up your sleeves (well, perhaps just your hospital gown), a few important steps pave the way for a safe and effective uterine fibroid embolization.
What to Expect Before Your UFE Procedure
First, your care team will want to rule out other causes for your symptoms, so don’t be surprised if imaging tests—think MRI, ultrasound, or both—are on your pre-UFE to-do list. These scans help distinguish fibroids from anything more worrisome, like uterine cancer, and confirm that UFE is a good match for your needs.
Next up: a health history chat. Be ready to talk about past surgeries, allergies, medications, and your future fertility goals. This helps your doctor personalize your treatment plan and ensure you’re in the best position to benefit from the procedure. If anything on your medical record stands out, your team may order additional blood tests or screenings just to be thorough.
In short, if you’re prepping for UFE, expect a little detective work and some honest conversation with your doctor—because peace of mind makes any procedure easier to face.
Wear comfortable clothes on the day of the procedure. You should arrive 15 minutes earlier before the procedure. After you complete your registration, one of our interventional radiologists will give you a light sedative to help you relax before performing the procedure.
Q5. What is the success rate of a UFE procedure?
The success rate for UFE is 95%.
How Common is Retreatment After Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Retreatment after UFE is quite uncommon. Most women experience lasting relief from their symptoms following the procedure and do not require additional interventions. In fact, as fibroids often shrink further as women approach menopause, the need for further treatment becomes even less likely. Only a small percentage of patients ever need a second procedure to address recurring or persistent fibroids.
Q6. Is UFE a safe procedure?
UFE has been performed safely on thousands of women worldwide and has a much lower risk of complications as compared to surgical treatment for fibroids.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of UFE?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is considered a very safe and effective outpatient procedure. Most women experience only minor side effects, which tend to resolve in a few days. After UFE, it’s normal to have:
- Mild to moderate pain or cramping in the lower abdomen
- Low-grade fever, body aches, or general fatigue—sometimes called post-embolization syndrome
- Light vaginal discharge, which may occasionally contain small bits of fibroid tissue
Long-term or serious complications are extremely rare, but it’s important to be aware of potential risks, such as infection or blood clots. In the vast majority of cases, these side effects are mild and temporary, and our interventional radiology team will offer guidance to help you manage any discomfort.
Q7. What can I expect after a UFE procedure?
After a UFE procedure, the fibroid tumors reduce in size and the painful symptoms gradually disappear. A majority of women experience a lighter and shorter menstrual period and their social, work and sex life improve as they are not in pain anymore.
Q8. Will I have scars on my skin after UFE?
No, there will be no scar on your skin after a UFE procedure. There will only be a tiny nick in your groin area where the catheter was located.
Q9. Is UFE is approved by FDA?
Yes, the FDA approved UFE as a procedure for symptomatic fibroids, which is many consider to be the gold standard in fibroid treatment.
Q10. Is the cost f my treatment eligible for insurance coverage?
Treatments at USA Fibroid Centers are eligible for coverage for most insurance plans. We have a dedicated insurance department to help our patients with their insurance related questions.
If you have any other specific questions or concerns about UFE, feel free to submit a form with your question by clicking here.
If you are ready to determine your candidacy for UFE, schedule online 24/7 via our secure online scheduling tool here.
