Key facts
- What it is: a minimally invasive, uterus-preserving procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
- Also known as: uterine artery embolisation (UAE) — the same procedure, different name.
- What to expect: a catheter-based procedure via a small groin or wrist access point, usually with an overnight hospital stay.
- Recovery: most patients return to normal activities within one to two weeks — considerably shorter than hysterectomy or myomectomy.
Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE), also called uterine artery embolisation (UAE), is a minimally invasive, image-guided alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy for women with symptomatic fibroids. Rather than surgically removing the fibroids or the uterus, UFE blocks the blood supply feeding the fibroids, causing them to shrink over the following months and relieving the symptoms they cause.
How UFE works
A catheter is guided — typically from a small access point in the wrist or groin — into the uterine arteries under X-ray guidance. Tiny embolic particles are then injected to block blood flow specifically to the fibroids, while blood supply to the healthy uterine tissue is largely preserved. Deprived of their blood supply, fibroids gradually shrink over the weeks and months following the procedure.
What UFE treats
Fibroids are common, benign growths of the uterine muscle that can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, and bulk-related symptoms such as urinary frequency or a feeling of abdominal fullness. UFE is considered for women experiencing these symptoms who want to avoid surgery, preserve their uterus, or who aren't good surgical candidates.
UFE compared with surgery
- Uterus-preserving — unlike hysterectomy, the uterus remains in place
- Shorter recovery — typically one to two weeks, compared with four to six weeks for hysterectomy or myomectomy
- No abdominal incision — performed through a small catheter access point rather than open or laparoscopic surgery
- Treats multiple fibroids at once — regardless of number or distribution throughout the uterus
UFE's effect on future fertility is less well established than surgical fibroid removal — this is an important, individualised discussion for women who wish to have children in the future.
What to expect
Most patients stay in hospital overnight following UFE for pain management, as cramping in the first day or two is common and typically managed with medication. Most return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Symptom improvement — reduced bleeding, pain, and bulk symptoms — typically becomes apparent over the following weeks to months as the fibroids shrink.
Common questions
What is uterine fibroid embolisation?
Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to uterine fibroids, causing them to shrink and reducing the symptoms they cause, without removing the uterus.
How effective is UFE?
Long-term studies report significant symptom improvement in the large majority of appropriately selected patients, with reductions in heavy menstrual bleeding, pain and bulk-related symptoms such as pelvic pressure.
Does UFE preserve fertility?
UFE preserves the uterus, unlike hysterectomy. Its effect on future fertility is less well established than surgical fibroid removal, and this is discussed individually for patients who wish to have children in the future.
What is recovery like after UFE?
Most patients stay in hospital overnight for pain management, with cramping in the days following the procedure. Most return to normal activities within one to two weeks — considerably shorter than recovery from hysterectomy or myomectomy.
Next step
Living with symptomatic fibroids?
Ask your GP about a referral, or get in touch directly to discuss suitability.
Get in touch