Review and plan
The team confirms the diagnosis, reviews scans, checks relevant tests and discusses the approach, pain relief, risks and alternatives.
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Women’s health · patient guide
Uterine fibroid embolisation
Uterine artery embolisation (UAE), also called uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE), uses imaging and a fine catheter to reduce blood flow to fibroids. Explore how assessment works, what the procedure may involve, other choices, and questions to ask about recovery and future pregnancy.
Explore the guide ↓
What the treatment targetsArteries supplying selected uterine fibroids
How it is guidedA catheter, X-ray imaging and contrast dye
When change may be noticedSymptoms often take weeks or months to improve
Understanding fibroids
What are uterine fibroids?
Fibroids are growths made from muscle and connective tissue in the uterus. They are usually non-cancerous, and some cause no symptoms. Their number, size and position differ; those details can influence symptoms and treatment choices.
When symptoms occur, they may include heavy or prolonged periods, cramping or pelvic pain, pressure or fullness, and sometimes tiredness related to blood loss. Similar symptoms can have other causes, so assessment matters.
A treatment choice, not a default: A fibroid seen on a scan does not automatically need treatment. Decisions depend on symptoms, scan findings, overall health and personal priorities.
Symptoms and impact
How can fibroids affect daily life?
For some people, bleeding or pelvic pressure affects sleep, work, exercise or daily routines. For others, fibroids are found during an examination or scan done for another reason and cause little or no disruption. A clinician can help assess whether the fibroids are likely to explain what you are experiencing.
If bleeding is heavy or prolonged, ask whether a blood count or iron assessment is appropriate. Seek urgent care for very heavy bleeding with faintness, severe sudden pain, or other acute symptoms.
Assessment before treatment
How is a treatment plan made?
Assessment is usually shared between a gynaecologist and an interventional radiologist. They review the history, symptoms, goals, examination and imaging, then discuss the choices that fit the individual situation.
Scans, tests and your health history
Ultrasound and/or MRI may be used to confirm fibroids and map their location. Blood tests can check for anaemia and kidney function; other tests depend on your health and planned care. Tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous procedures and any possibility of pregnancy.
Before embolisation is considered, the team also needs to check that the symptoms and imaging are consistent with fibroids and assess whether another diagnosis or treatment pathway should be considered.
Bring your questions: Which symptoms are the fibroids likely to cause? What are the alternatives? What follow-up is planned? What should I do if symptoms worsen?
Compare your choices
Is embolisation the right option for everyone?
No. Options can include monitoring, medicines, procedures to remove fibroids, uterine artery embolisation, or hysterectomy. Suitability depends on fibroid features, symptom priorities, health history and whether pregnancy is desired. A specialist should explain benefits, risks and likely trade-offs for each option.
UAE/UFE aims to reduce fibroid blood supply while leaving the uterus in place. It is not the same as removing fibroids individually (myomectomy) or removing the uterus (hysterectomy). No option can be selected from a website alone.
Future pregnancy is important to discuss. Pregnancy can occur after embolisation, but its effects on fertility and pregnancy outcomes are not fully settled. If having a child in the future matters to you, discuss the evidence and alternatives with a gynaecologist and interventional radiologist before deciding; myomectomy may be more suitable for some people.
The procedure
What happens during uterine artery embolisation?
The interventional radiologist uses live imaging to guide a catheter through an artery to the blood vessels supplying the fibroids. Tiny particles are released to reduce blood flow to the targeted fibroids. The catheter is then removed and the entry site cared for.
Prepare and monitor
You may be asked to fast and change into a hospital gown. An IV line and monitoring may be used; follow the instructions from your own centre.
Guide the catheter
After local anaesthetic at the chosen access site, the catheter is guided under X-ray. Contrast dye helps show the arteries and their branches.
Treat and observe
Particles are delivered into the uterine arteries as planned. Afterwards, staff monitor you and check the access site while pain and nausea are managed.
The entry route, medicines, pain-control method and length of stay vary. Some centres discharge people the same day; others keep them overnight. Your treating team’s plan takes priority.
Before the appointment
How can I prepare?
Your team will give you individual instructions. They may ask you to fast for a specified period, review medicines, and complete blood tests and imaging. Tell them if you use an intrauterine device, have allergies, take blood-thinning medicines, or could be pregnant. Do not stop prescribed medicine unless your clinician tells you to.
Ask who to contact with questions, what pain relief is planned, whether you need someone to accompany you, and what support you will need at home.
Risks and recovery
What should I expect afterwards?
Pelvic cramps or period-like pain are common after embolisation and can be strongest early on. Some people also experience nausea, tiredness or a mild temperature for a short time. The care team should provide a pain-management plan and explain how to take it.
Recovery is individual
There may be bruising at the catheter entry site, vaginal spotting or discharge, and temporary changes in how you feel. Fibroids shrink gradually, so bleeding or pressure symptoms may take several months to change. Rest, time away from work and activity restrictions depend on your health and the advice you receive.
When to contact your care team promptly
Follow your discharge instructions. Contact the team urgently for fever or chills, worsening pelvic pain or swelling, heavy or increasing bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, passing tissue, or redness, swelling, bleeding or fluid at the catheter site. Severe illness or uncontrolled pain needs urgent assessment.
Possible complications
These can include access-site bruising or bleeding, infection, reactions to contrast, and rarely injury to the uterus or nearby organs. A fibroid may detach and pass through the vagina, sometimes needing further treatment.
Menstrual and ovarian changes
Periods can change after treatment. Rarely, ovarian function may be affected and menopause may occur earlier, with greater concern as age increases. Ask how age and health history affect your own risk.
More treatment may be needed
Symptoms may not improve enough, may return, or another cause may be responsible. Further assessment or another treatment can sometimes be considered.
Pregnancy and fertility
UAE does not remove the possibility of future pregnancy, but fertility and pregnancy effects remain an important area of discussion. Your goals should be part of treatment planning from the start.
Awareness and education
Fibroid awareness, all year
Some patient advocacy organizations mark July as Fibroid Awareness Month. This is an advocacy-led observance rather than a single, universally standardized international health date. Reliable information and access to assessment matter throughout the year.
Fibroids are common, but each person’s symptoms and goals are different. A balanced discussion should include non-procedural care and all appropriate treatment choices.
Common questions
Questions people often ask
Does embolisation remove the fibroids?
No. Tiny particles reduce blood supply so treated fibroids gradually shrink. They are not usually surgically removed one by one.
Will my symptoms improve straight away?
Not necessarily. Improvement can take several months as fibroids shrink. Your team will explain expected follow-up and what changes should prompt contact.
Can I become pregnant after UAE?
Pregnancy is possible, but effects on fertility and pregnancy outcomes are not fully certain. If pregnancy is a future priority, compare UAE with options such as myomectomy with your specialists before treatment.
Will I need to stay in hospital?
Length of stay varies with local practice, access route, pain control and how you feel afterwards. Some people go home the same day; others stay overnight.
When should I seek help after going home?
Use the contact details and emergency advice in your discharge plan. Promptly report fever or chills, worsening pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, passing tissue, or a problem at the catheter site.
Sources and further reading
Medical information and references
This original patient guide paraphrases and synthesizes clinical patient information. It is not a substitute for a consultation. The BSIR leaflet used as a source is dated February 2020; current local instructions and newer guidance may differ.
- BSIR / Royal College of Radiologists: Uterine artery embolisation (fibroid embolisation) patient leaflet — supplied source, approved 25 February 2020.
- BSIR: Uterine Artery Embolisation patient information — current patient guidance on assessment, access, procedure and aftercare.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Uterine Artery Embolization — patient FAQ, including preparation, recovery and fertility questions.
- U.S. National Institutes of Health: Uterine Fibroids — overview of symptoms and treatment approaches.
- The Fibroid Foundation: Fibroid Awareness Month — advocacy organization describing its July awareness activities.
Questions about an assessment?
Contact the practice to ask about appointments or referral requirements.
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