Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

What is uterine fibroid embolization?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist to treat fibroids without removing the uterus. Tiny particles are injected into the arteries supplying the fibroids, reducing blood flow so they shrink over time. Most patients return home on the day of their procedure and recover faster than with traditional surgery.

A consultation with an interventional radiologist can help determine whether uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is the right treatment for you.

Who is a good candidate for a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

Studies show that nearly 90 percent of women who undergo UFE experience significant or complete resolution of their fibroid-related symptoms. You may want to consult an interventional radiologist if you have symptoms such as: 

• Heavy bleeding
• Low blood count (anemia)
• Fullness or pain in your belly, or a larger than normal belly
• Infertility due to fibroids
• Bulk symptoms: pressure on the bladder or bowel that makes you feel constipated, bloated, or like you need to urinate often
• Pain during sex
• Pain in your back or legs caused by the fibroids pressing on nerves

Patients who are ideal candidates for UFE include women who:

• Have fibroids that are causing symptoms
• Want to keep their uterus
• Want a faster recovery time
• May not be good candidates for surgery

How effective is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

Studies show that nearly 90 percent of women who undergo UFE experience significant or complete resolution of their fibroid-related symptoms. UFE has been shown to be particularly effective for bleeding symptoms related to fibroids, but is also effective for bulk symptoms, which are symptoms that occur due to large fibroids pressing against adjacent structures.

How do I prepare for a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

• A nurse will call you several days before your procedure to go over instructions, including stopping any medications you are taking. Be sure to follow the instructions you are given during the call.
• If you have an allergy to contrast, please notify us before your procedure.
• Make sure you have an escort over 18 years old to bring you home. 
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure, except for small sips of water with medications.
• On the day of your procedure, wear comfortable clothing and leave all valuables at home.

What will happen during a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

• After you arrive at our outpatient office, a nurse will escort you to the interventional radiology suite and ask you to change into a hospital gown. 
• We will make sure you are comfortable on the procedure table. Our nurse will then administer moderate sedation through an intravenous (IV) line and local anesthetic to numb the skin over your wrist or groin.
• An interventional radiologist will insert a needle into the numbed area. This needle provides access for a catheter, which is a long, thin tube.
• Under live X-ray imaging (called fluoroscopy), the interventional radiologist will guide the catheter through your blood vessels to the uterine artery, up to the point where it divides into multiple smaller vessels.
• Once the catheter is in place, we will inject contrast dye, which enables us to see the individual blood vessels in the area.  
• We then slowly inject an embolic (blocking) agent—synthetic particles the size of grains of sand—into the artery through the catheter. The embolic agent flows with the blood toward the fibroids and becomes wedged in the vessels supplying the fibroids with blood. We continue until the blood flow to the fibroid is completely blocked.
• Once the embolization is complete, we gently remove the catheter. The entire procedure usually takes less than one hour. 
• You will then recover in your own private area until you are ready to go home. 

What will happen after a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

After your uterine fibroid embolization, you will likely need four days at home to recover. Most people feel back to normal within seven to 10 days.

• Most women experience six to 12 hours of severe cramping or pelvic pain after UFE. We usually treat your pain with an intravenous pain medication while you are in our recovery area and then switch to an oral medication that you can take at home.
• The discomfort usually decreases significantly after 24 hours. By your fourth or fifth day, painkillers are usually required only once or twice a day.
• During the first week after UFE you might experience normal and expected side effects including fever, fatigue, nausea, cramps, and abdominal pain.
• Most women return to normal activities within 10 days of their procedure.
• Most women experience improvement in their symptoms within a month after their procedure.
• By six months, symptoms from fibroids are often nearly completely resolved.
• We will schedule a follow-up appointment for 2 weeks after your procedure.
• We may also order imaging tests to check the status of the fibroids between six months and one year after the procedure.

Is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) safe?

Yes, uterine fibroid embolization is safe when performed by an experienced interventional radiologist. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits based on your medical history. If you are pregnant or would like to get pregnant in the future, be sure to discuss the most recent clinical data about UFE and pregnancy with your doctor.

How painful is a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

During the procedure, you will feel sleepy and should not feel pain. There will be some cramping and discomfort after the procedure, especially in the first 24 hours. We will prescribe pain medications to help with discomfort.

What are the benefits of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

Uterine fibroid embolization is less invasive, has fewer risks, and has a shorter recovery time than myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids) or hysterectomy (removal of your entire uterus). Advantages include:

• UFE is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in a medical office, so you don’t have to go to the hospital.
• UFE is performed under local anesthesia, or “twilight” sedation.
• There are no large incisions or stitches. You will go home with a Band-Aid on your wrist or your groin.
• There is a lower risk of complications compared to surgery.
• Recovery time is short.

What are the risks of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

As with any procedure, your interventional radiologist will discuss all risks during your consultation. Potential risks include:

• Allergic reaction: Some people have allergic reactions to contrast dye or sedatives, which we are well equipped to handle.
• Infection: This rarely occurs and can be successfully treated with antibiotics in most cases.
• Premature amenorrhea (loss of period): A very small percentage women no longer have menstrual periods after a UFE. This is unusual in women under 35 and is not associated with menopause symptoms.

Can I get pregnant after a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

Scientific studies have not yet fully established whether UFE affects fertility, although healthy pregnancies have been documented in women who have had the procedure. If you are planning to get pregnant or would like to get pregnant in the future, be sure to discuss the most current clinical data with your doctor before deciding on the fibroid treatment that is best for you.

Can fibroids come back after a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

In a study of over 13,000 patients who had a UFE, approximately 20 percent of women needed another treatment for fibroids within 10 years. You may need to repeat the procedure if your symptoms return.

Medically reviewed by Tate Kirk, MD
Last updated 8/18/2026