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Uterine Fibroid Embolization, also called UFE, is a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids. Instead of surgically removing fibroids or the uterus, UFE works by blocking the blood flow that feeds fibroids. Over time, the treated fibroids shrink, and symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, bloating, frequent urination, and pain may improve.
UFE may be an option for women who want a non-surgical fibroid treatment and want to avoid procedures such as hysterectomy or myomectomy. The best way to know whether UFE is right for you is to meet with a fibroid specialist who can review your symptoms, imaging, medical history, and treatment goals.
This guide explains what to expect before, during, and after uterine fibroid embolization, including how to prepare, what recovery may feel like, and when to contact your doctor.
What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a catheter-based procedure used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids. During UFE, a specialist places a thin catheter into an artery, usually through a small puncture in the wrist or groin. Using image guidance, the catheter is directed to the uterine arteries. Tiny particles are then released to reduce blood flow to the fibroids.
Without a steady blood supply, the fibroids begin to shrink. As they shrink, many women experience improvement in fibroid-related symptoms. The Society of Interventional Radiology describes UFE as a treatment that avoids surgery, preserves the uterus, controls symptoms, and improves quality of life.
UFE is also known as uterine artery embolization, or UAE, although many patients and treatment centers use the term UFE when the procedure is performed specifically for fibroids.
What Symptoms Can UFE Help Treat?
UFE is designed for women with fibroid symptoms that affect daily life. These may include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or fullness
- Bloating or an enlarged abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Lower back pain
- Pain during sex
- Fatigue related to heavy bleeding or anemia
Not every symptom is caused by fibroids. Heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating, and urinary symptoms can have other causes. A proper evaluation helps confirm whether fibroids are likely contributing to your symptoms.
Who May Be a Candidate for UFE?
You may be a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization if you have symptomatic fibroids and want a minimally invasive treatment option. UFE may be especially relevant if you:
- Want to avoid hysterectomy
- Want to keep your uterus
- Prefer a non-surgical treatment
- Have heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or bulk-related symptoms from fibroids
- Have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids through ultrasound, MRI, or another imaging test
- Want a shorter recovery than many surgical fibroid treatments
UFE may not be the right option for everyone. Your provider may consider your age, symptoms, fibroid size and location, pregnancy goals, imaging results, and overall health before recommending treatment. If future pregnancy is a priority, discuss that clearly with your doctor, because fertility-related decisions require individualized medical guidance.
How to Prepare for Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Your care team will give you specific instructions before your UFE procedure. Follow those instructions closely, especially if they differ from general guidance.
Before UFE, your specialist may recommend:
- Reviewing your medications, including blood thinners
- Avoiding certain medications before the procedure if instructed
- Not eating solid foods for a specific period before your appointment
- Drinking only clear liquids during the allowed window
- Arranging for someone to drive you home
- Wearing comfortable clothing
- Asking questions about sedation, recovery, and follow-up care
You should also tell your provider if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, have a contrast allergy, have kidney disease, have a bleeding disorder, or have had recent pelvic infection symptoms.
Things to Avoid Before Your UFE Procedure
- Blood thinner medication
- Alcohol
- Caffeine in excess
- Tobacco
- Eating unhealthy, processed foods
- Eating solid foods 24 hours before procedure
Questions to Ask Before UFE
Before treatment, consider asking:
- Am I a good candidate for UFE based on my imaging?
- How large are my fibroids, and where are they located?
- What symptoms are most likely to improve after UFE?
- How long should I expect recovery to take?
- What side effects are normal after UFE?
- What symptoms would require urgent medical attention?
- How will we measure whether treatment worked?
- How does UFE compare with hysterectomy or myomectomy for my situation?
- Is UFE covered by my insurance?
What Happens During the UFE Procedure?
UFE is usually performed by an interventional radiologist or another trained specialist using imaging guidance. General anesthesia is typically not required; many patients receive moderate or light sedation.
During the procedure:
- You are positioned on the treatment table.
- Your care team monitors your vital signs.
- An IV is placed for medication and sedation.
- The access area, often the wrist or groin, is cleaned and numbed.
- A tiny puncture is made to access the artery.
- A thin catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the uterine arteries.
- Small embolic particles are released to reduce blood flow to the fibroids.
- The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the access site.
Because UFE uses a small access point, stitches are usually not needed. Your care team will monitor you after the procedure before you go home or move to a recovery area.
What to Expect After UFE
After uterine fibroid embolization, it is common to have pelvic cramping, fatigue, nausea, spotting, vaginal discharge, or a low-grade fever. Cramping is often most noticeable during the first 24 hours, and your care team may prescribe medication to help manage discomfort.
Many patients return to light activity within several days and normal routines within about one to two weeks, depending on their symptoms, job demands, and provider instructions. A 2024 Society of Interventional Radiology report notes that many patients resume normal activity with family and work in about two weeks after UFE.
After fibroid removal recovery, you will be able to enjoy the full benefits of UFE treatment:
- Lighter and shorter menstrual bleeding
- Pain relief
- Resolution of fibroid-related anemia
- An improved sex life
- Higher self-esteem
- More energy
- Potential for pregnancy and motherhood
UFE Recovery Timeline
First 24 Hours
You may experience the strongest cramping during the first day after UFE. Rest, hydration, and prescribed medications can help. You should avoid driving if you received sedation or are taking pain medication that affects alertness.
First Few Days
Cramping, fatigue, nausea, spotting, and mild fever can occur. You may need to rest more than usual. Follow your discharge instructions about bathing, lifting, medication, and activity.
First 1–2 Weeks
Many women gradually return to normal daily activity. Some may return sooner, while others need more time depending on symptoms and the type of work they do.
First Few Months
Fibroids usually shrink gradually. Periods may become lighter, pelvic pressure may decrease, and urinary or bowel symptoms related to fibroid pressure may improve.
Follow-Up Care
Your specialist may recommend follow-up visits or imaging to monitor your progress. Keep these appointments, especially if symptoms do not improve as expected.
When to Call Your Doctor After UFE
Contact your care team if you experience symptoms that feel severe, unusual, or worsening. Call your doctor promptly if you have:
- Heavy bleeding that concerns you
- Fever that does not improve or is high
- Severe or worsening pelvic pain
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Redness, swelling, bleeding, or drainage from the access site
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting
- Leg swelling or severe calf pain
- Symptoms that do not match your discharge instructions
This section is important for patient safety and should be reviewed by the clinical team before publishing.
Benefits of UFE
For appropriately selected patients, UFE may offer several benefits:
- Minimally invasive treatment
- No large surgical incision
- Uterus-preserving approach
- General anesthesia often not required
- Shorter recovery than many surgical options
- Improvement in heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and other fibroid symptoms
- Outpatient or short-stay care in many cases
UFE does not guarantee that symptoms will disappear for every patient. Results vary based on fibroid size, location, number of fibroids, individual health factors, and other causes of symptoms.
UFE vs. Fibroid Surgery
UFE is different from hysterectomy and myomectomy.
A hysterectomy removes the uterus, so fibroids cannot return, but pregnancy is no longer possible after the uterus is removed.
A myomectomy surgically removes fibroids while keeping the uterus. It may be recommended for some patients depending on fibroid location, fertility goals, and clinical factors.
UFE treats fibroids by reducing their blood supply. It does not remove the uterus and does not require a large incision. However, because the uterus remains, new fibroids can develop later or symptoms can return in some patients. Mayo Clinic notes that with procedures that do not remove the uterus, new fibroids may grow and cause symptoms.
The right treatment depends on your symptoms, diagnosis, health history, and personal goals.
Does UFE Remove Fibroids?
UFE does not surgically remove fibroids. Instead, it blocks the blood supply to fibroids so they shrink over time. This distinction matters because patients searching for “fibroid removal” may be comparing surgical and non-surgical options.
If your goal is to understand whether fibroids need to be removed, shrunk, monitored, or treated another way, a fibroid specialist can help explain your options based on your imaging and symptoms.
Life After UFE
After recovery, many women experience lighter periods, less pelvic pressure, reduced bloating, fewer urinary symptoms, and improved daily comfort. Some patients may also feel more energy if heavy bleeding and anemia improve.
Your experience may depend on which symptoms were caused by fibroids before treatment. For example, heavy menstrual bleeding may improve differently than pressure symptoms from large fibroids. Keep track of your periods, pain, urinary symptoms, and energy level after treatment so you can discuss progress at follow-up visits.
Schedule a UFE Consultation
To learn more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization, schedule a consultation with one of our leading fibroid experts. If you have questions regarding treatment cost, insurance coverage, doctor availability, or need help scheduling an appointment, feel free to give us a call at 855.615.2555.