If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and are exploring treatment options, you may want to know if you are a good candidate for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). The answer depends on several important factors, including your symptoms, fibroid size and location, overall health, and future fertility goals.
UFE for fibroids is a minimally invasive treatment performed by a fibroid specialist that relieves fibroid symptoms without surgery and preserves the uterus. If you want to know who is a good candidate for uterine fibroid embolization, consult a fibroid specialist to determine the right treatment for your needs.
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Who Qualifies for Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Many women with symptomatic fibroids are strong candidates for uterine fibroid embolization (also known as uterine artery embolization). In general, you may qualify for UFE if fibroid symptoms, such as heavy periods, pelvic pain, or pressure, are affecting your daily life and you want a non-surgical treatment option.
UFE for fibroids may also be the ideal solution if you are considering pregnancy in the future and do not have a history of pelvic infections or certain reproductive health issues. However, the best way to determine whether embolization of uterine fibroids is right for you is to consult a fibroid specialist.
Signs You May Be a Good Candidate for UFE
Most patients who are good candidates for uterine fibroid embolization have fibroid-related symptoms that are disruptive and impact their quality of life.
These symptoms include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain, pressure, or bloating
- Frequent urination due to fibroid pressure on the bladder
- Severe enough symptoms that interfere with daily activities or sleep
Women who want to preserve their uterus and have a short recovery time by avoiding surgery often consider UFE as an effective alternative to surgical fibroid removal.
Benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Understanding the benefits of uterine fibroid embolization can help explain why many eligible patients choose this procedure over surgery.
For the right candidates, there are several benefits of uterine fibroid embolization:
- UFE allows you to preserve your uterus, unlike a hysterectomy.
- It is a minimally invasive treatment with no surgery required
- Most patients have a fast recovery, returning to normal activities within weeks
- It provides effective relief for symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure.
- This outpatient procedure does not require an overnight hospital stay
For most patients, uterine fibroid embolization provides long-lasting relief from fibroid symptoms while avoiding the risks of surgery.
Fibroid Embolization Success Rate
The fibroid embolization procedure has a strong track record for symptom relief. Clinical studies show that over 90% of women experience meaningful relief after undergoing uterine fibroid embolization.¹ Most women experience significant symptom relief, especially for heavy bleeding and pelvic pain, within a few weeks to months. Most women remain symptom-free long-term after treatment, and while fibroid regrowth is rare, it is mild if it even occurs.
Age Restrictions for UFE Candidacy
There is no strict age restriction for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Candidacy is typically based on factors such as your symptoms, overall health, fibroid characteristics, and reproductive goals rather than age alone.
UFE may be an option for adults of different ages who are experiencing symptoms from uterine fibroids. However, age can influence treatment considerations, particularly for individuals approaching menopause or those who plan to become pregnant in the future. An interventional radiologist can review your medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals to determine whether you are an eligible candidate for uterine fibroid embolization.
Do Fibroid Sizes Impact Candidacy for UFE?
Fibroid size can be a consideration when determining candidacy for UFE, but having large fibroids does not automatically disqualify someone from treatment. UFE can be used to treat fibroids of various sizes, as well as multiple fibroids during the same procedure.
When evaluating whether UFE is appropriate, specialists consider the size, number, and location of the fibroids, along with the severity of fibroid symptoms.
Imaging tests can help an interventional radiologist evaluate the fibroids and determine whether UFE is a suitable treatment option based on the individual patient’s needs and overall health.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization Recovery
The typical recovery time after uterine fibroid embolization is one to two weeks. As you recover from the fibroid embolization procedure, you may experience mild cramping, fatigue, or nausea for a few days. However, these are manageable symptoms with over-the-counter medications or mild prescription pain relief.
Learn if UFE Is Right for You with USA Fibroid Centers
Most people are good candidates for the UFE procedure, especially if they want to preserve fertility or are looking for alternatives to surgery. However, determining whether you are a good candidate for UFE requires a professional evaluation.
Our expert interventional radiologists at USA Fibroid Centers can work with you to determine if uterine fibroid embolization is the best option for you. During your initial consult, they will assess your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals to recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.
With convenient outpatient locations nationwide and expert interventional radiologists, USA Fibroid Centers offers high-quality care. Since our interventional radiologists specialize in UFE for fibroids, they can provide a safe, effective treatment that offers long-lasting relief from your symptoms.
Schedule your consultation to start treating your fibroid symptoms today.
FAQs About Candidates for Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Who is not a good candidate for uterine fibroid embolization?
Patients who are not good candidates for uterine fibroid embolization include those who are pregnant, have active pelvic infections, or have uterine or endometrial cancer. Additionally, those with severe contrast dye allergies, kidney disease, or unmanaged bleeding disorders may not qualify.
What is the downside of UFE?
Some downsides of UFE may include temporary side effects, such as pelvic pain and fever, as well as rare complications, like infection or reduced blood flow to nearby tissues. However, these risks are minimal when working with experienced specialists from USA Fibroid Centers.
Am I a good candidate for UFE if I want to get pregnant?
You may still be a good candidate for uterine fibroid embolization if you want to get pregnant, as patients can still get pregnant after treatment. However, if you plan to become pregnant, discuss your options with a fibroid specialist to determine the best treatment for your goals and overall health.
Sources
- Parker E Ludwig et al., “Pregnancy Success and Outcomes after Uterine Fibroid Embolization: Updated Review of Published Literature,” The British journal of radiology, January 2020.