Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical treatment that shrinks fibroids in the womb. It offers a less invasive alternative to removing the entire uterus (hysterectomy), allowing you to keep your reproductive organs intact.
Common Indications for UFE
Your doctor may suggest UFE if you have:
- Exceptionally heavy, prolonged, or abnormal menstrual bleeding.
- Severe pelvic pain or debilitating cramps during your period.
- A feeling of pressure, swelling, or bloating in your lower abdomen.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Frequent urination or constipation caused by a large fibroid pressing on your bladder or bowel.
What happens during the procedure?
You will lie on an exam table under an X-ray machine. The doctor numbs your wrist or groin and inserts a tiny tube into the artery. Using the live X-ray screen for guidance, they steer the tube to the arteries supplying the uterus. Tiny particles are then injected to block the blood flow specifically going to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die over time.
Do I need to prepare for a UFE?
You will need to fast for several hours before the procedure because you will receive relaxing IV sedation. Your doctor will also likely order an MRI or ultrasound beforehand to map out exactly where your fibroids are.
How long does it take?
The procedure itself usually takes 1 to 2 hours. After a brief recovery period in the hospital, the vast majority of patients go home the exact same day.
Will it be painful?
You will not feel pain during the procedure due to the local numbing medication and IV sedation. However, after the procedure, as the fibroids begin to lose their blood supply, you will experience moderate to severe pelvic cramps. For most patients, these cramps are the most intense during the first three days and feel like a very heavy menstrual cycle. Your care team will provide you with strong pain relief medications to keep you comfortable at home.
Conclusion
UFE is an excellent, minimally invasive way to treat fibroid symptoms without the long recovery time associated with major surgery. While the first few days of cramping can be uncomfortable, the long-term result is often a drastic improvement in your quality of life, with lighter periods and less pelvic pressure.