Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A Non-Invasive Fibroid Treatment
If you’ve been dealing with uterine fibroids for a while, you already know how exhausting it can feel—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, and non-stop cycle of trying to feel “normal” again can take over your everyday life.
Thankfully, you have options—and they don’t have to involve major surgery. One of the most effective, science-backed, and widely recommended alternatives is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also called uterine artery embolization (UAE). This minimally invasive procedure has helped thousands of women reclaim their health, energy, and confidence without hospital stays or long recoveries.
The Definition of UFE
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat uterine fibroids by reducing their blood supply, causing the fibroids to shrink and symptoms to improve. It’s performed by an interventional radiologist, a medical doctor trained in using advanced imaging technology to guide tiny instruments through the body without the need for open surgery.
Uterine fibroid embolization has become a trusted alternative to invasive surgery, with thousands of patients treated each year. Today, it’s a widely available, safe, and effective option for managing symptomatic uterine fibroids, especially for women who want to avoid major surgery or preserve their uterus.
How UFE Works
The goal of uterine fibroid embolization is to reduce the blood flow to your fibroids so they shrink and stop causing symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or urinary frequency.
An interventional radiologist makes a small incision into the femoral artery near your groin—or, in many cases, the artery near your wrist. Then, they use real-time imaging like fluoroscopy to insert a thin catheter into the incision and guide it to the uterine arteries.
Through this catheter, they release tiny harmless particles into the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroid tumors. These particles block blood flow to the fibroids, leading to what’s called fibroid infarction—when the fibroids die from lack of oxygen and nutrients.
What makes the UFE procedure unique is its precision. The radiologist carefully places the particles so that only the fibroids are affected. That means your uterine wall, surrounding tissue, and ovarian function stay protected.
After the procedure, the fibroids shrink gradually over weeks and months, relieving pressure and reducing or eliminating symptoms. This entire procedure is typically done as an outpatient procedure, so you can head home the same day and resume normal activities much faster than you would with major surgery.
Candidacy for UFE
Many women are surprised to learn that uterine fibroid embolization can effectively treat uterine fibroids without removing the uterus or undergoing general anesthesia. It’s a meaningful option if you’re looking for a faster recovery, fewer complications, and long-term relief from symptomatic fibroids.
You might be a good candidate for UFE if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids causing pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or pelvic pressure
- You want to avoid invasive surgery, such as hysterectomy or myomectomy
- You’re seeking a minimally invasive procedure with a quicker return to normal activities.
- You want to preserve your uterus for a possible future pregnancy.
- You’ve had recurrent symptoms after hormonal therapy or other fibroid treatments
- You have fibroid tumors that are neither too small nor too few, making other treatments less effective
- You’re not currently pregnant and have no active pelvic infection
Every case is different, so your primary care physician or interventional radiologist will evaluate your health, vital signs, and goals to see if UFE is the best path forward.
Advantages of UFE Over Other Treatments
When you’re living with uterine fibroids, finding the right treatment can feel overwhelming. Surgery may be too invasive, while hormonal therapy can come with side effects or only offer short-term relief.
That’s where uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) stands out. Let’s take a look at how UFE compares to other common fibroid treatments—and why so many women are choosing it as a long-term solution for treating fibroids.
Medication Management
Hormonal and non-hormonal medications are often the first step in managing symptomatic uterine fibroids, especially if you’re looking for quick relief. But the benefits tend to be temporary, and in many cases, symptoms return as soon as you stop taking them.
Uterine fibroid embolization offers longer-lasting results by going beyond symptoms to target the root cause. Here are the advantages of UFE over medication management:
- Medications don’t shrink fibroid tumors, but UFE helps fibroids shrink by cutting off their blood supply
- Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may relieve pelvic pain, but won’t address vaginal bleeding or fibroid growth
- Hormonal medications can disrupt menstrual cycles and may delay future pregnancy plans
- UFE typically provides more complete and lasting symptom improvement
- No daily pill or hormone injections required with UFE
Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)
MRgFUS is a non-surgical treatment option that uses high-intensity ultrasound guided by MRI imaging to destroy fibroid tissue. While it sounds promising, it has limitations that make uterine fibroid embolization a more practical option for many. UFE is often the better choice because:
- Most insurance companies still consider MRgFUS investigational and do not cover it.
- It’s only suitable for small and few fibroids, while UFE can treat multiple fibroid tumors.
- MRgFUS may leave untreated fibroids behind, which can lead to recurrent symptoms.
- UFE works regardless of the size, number, or location of uterine fibroids.
- Most patients experience faster, more noticeable relief with UFE.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Fibroids
RFA destroys fibroid tissue with heat through laparoscopic surgery. While less invasive than traditional surgery, it still involves anesthesia and incisions. UFE may be the preferred route because:
- No general anesthesia is required for UFE
- RFA is not be effective for fibroids that are multiple, large or deeply embedded in the uterine wall
- UFE is performed as an outpatient procedure, while RFA often requires a longer recovery
- No surgical tools or scopes are used in UFE, just a tiny catheter and a band-aid afterward
Myomectomy
Myomectomy involves the surgical removal of fibroid tumors. It may sound appealing if you want to preserve your uterus, but it comes with surgical risks, possible scarring, and a longer recovery. UFE is a highly effective alternative to myomectomy for the following reasons:
- No incisions or hospital stay required since UFE is performed as an outpatient procedure
- UFE avoids cutting into the uterus
- Less risk of treatment failure as fibroids are less likely to grow after UFE
- Myomectomy often involves longer downtime and pain medication, while UFE patients often resume normal activities in under a week
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the complete removal of the uterus and is often suggested as a permanent solution to uterine fibroids. But for many women, it feels like an extreme and irreversible option. Here’s why UFE is a uterus-sparing solution:
- UFE preserves your uterus, supporting the potential for a future pregnancy
- No general anesthesia, surgical incisions, or extended recovery needed
- Hysterectomy is a major surgery with greater risks
- Women who undergo UFE often report significant improvement in symptoms without losing part of their body
Risks and Potential Complications of UFE
Like any medical procedure, uterine fibroid embolization comes with some risks. But one of the reasons women choose UFE is that it carries fewer risks than major surgery and offers a quicker recovery with less trauma to the body. Still, it’s important to know what to expect so you can make an informed decision and feel confident about your care.
Some possible risks to be aware of include:
- Mild pelvic pain or fatigue as your body responds to the shrinking fibroids
- Possible need for pain medication in the first few days after treatment
- Temporary changes in menstrual cycle (your periods may become lighter or irregular for a short time)
- Rare chance of infection, which can usually be treated with antibiotics
While the risks are low, some complications can occasionally occur. Though uncommon, some women may experience early menopause, especially if the ovarian artery is affected. Others may notice temporary symptoms such as increased vaginal bleeding or cramping.
Importantly, about 90-95% of women experience significant improvement of their symptoms after uterine fibroid embolization.
Turn to UFE Experts at VIP Fibroid Center
At VIP Fibroid Center, we understand how deeply symptomatic uterine fibroids can affect your life. That’s why we offer a modern, spa-like setting with compassionate, knowledgeable professionals who make your comfort and care our top priority.
Our board-certified specialists have over 20 years of experience performing uterine artery embolization using advanced, image-guided techniques through a tiny wrist puncture—no hospital stay, no invasive surgery, no unnecessary complications. Just answers, relief, and a better way forward.
Ready to explore a non-surgical solution that puts you first? Contact us at VIP Fibroid Center today to learn if UFE is right for you.