UFE Procedure – Step-by-Step Guide to Uterine Fibroid Embolization

The Basics

What Is UFE — In Plain English?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks uterine fibroids by blocking the blood vessels that feed them. Without a blood supply, fibroids gradually shrink and die — relieving your symptoms without surgery.

The procedure is performed by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist (a physician who uses imaging technology to perform precise, targeted treatments). It does not require general anesthesia, large incisions, or removal of the uterus.

UFE has been performed since the 1990s and is now one of the most well-researched, evidence-backed treatments for uterine fibroids available. It is FDA-cleared and covered by most major insurance plans.

90%

Success Rate

1–2 hrs

Procedure Time

1–2 wks

Recovery Time

Same Day

Discharge

State-of-the-art UFE interventional radiology suite at Atlanta Medical Clinic

How UFE Works

1

A tiny catheter (thin flexible tube) is inserted into your wrist or groin — no incision required

2

Guided by real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), the catheter is navigated to the uterine arteries

3

Tiny particles (embolic agents) are injected to block blood flow to the fibroids

4

Fibroids begin to shrink over weeks to months as they lose their blood supply — symptoms improve steadily

Is UFE Right for You?

Why Might I Need UFE?

UFE is a powerful option for women who have symptomatic uterine fibroids and want to avoid major surgery or preserve their uterus. Here's how UFE directly addresses your symptoms.

Heavy Bleeding

UFE dramatically reduces heavy menstrual bleeding in most women. Over 85% report lighter, shorter, more manageable periods within 3 months.

Pelvic Pain & Pressure

As fibroids shrink, the pressure and pain they cause on surrounding organs and nerves diminishes significantly.

Anemia & Fatigue

By stopping heavy bleeding, UFE allows your body to rebuild iron stores and recover from anemia — often improving energy levels dramatically.

Bladder & Bowel Pressure

As subserosal and intramural fibroids shrink, bladder and bowel pressure symptoms typically resolve over 3–6 months.

Abdominal Bloating

Fibroids can shrink by 40–70% in volume after UFE, significantly reducing visible abdominal distension.

Quality of Life

Studies show significant improvement in overall quality of life, sexual function, work productivity, and emotional well-being after UFE.

Am I a Candidate?

Who Is a Good Candidate for UFE?

UFE is an excellent option for most pre-menopausal women who have symptomatic uterine fibroids and a uterus. You may be a great UFE candidate if you:

Have confirmed uterine fibroidsDiagnosed by ultrasound or MRI

Have symptoms that affect your daily lifeHeavy bleeding, pain, pressure, fatigue, or urinary symptoms

Want to avoid surgeryNo desire for hysterectomy or open myomectomy

Want to preserve your uterusWhether for fertility, identity, or personal preference

Have tried medications without successOr prefer not to take long-term hormonal medications

Are in generally good healthNo active uterine or pelvic infection, and adequate kidney function

Who May NOT Be the Best UFE Candidate

UFE may not be recommended if you:

Are currently pregnantUFE is not performed during pregnancy

Have an active pelvic infectionInfection must be treated and cleared first

Have gynecologic cancerCancer requires different treatment approaches

Have a pedunculated submucosal fibroid on a thin stalkThese are better treated with hysteroscopic resection

Are planning pregnancy in the near futureUFE may affect fertility; discuss your family planning goals first

The best way to know if UFE is right for you is a one-on-one consultation with our specialist. Every woman's situation is unique — and you deserve a personalized recommendation.

Am I a Candidate? Take the Quiz →

Before Your Procedure

How Do I Prepare for UFE?

Good preparation helps ensure your procedure goes smoothly and your recovery is as comfortable as possible. Here's a simple checklist of what to expect and do before UFE.

UFE Pre-Procedure Checklist

MRI of the pelvisRequired to map your fibroids precisely before treatment

Blood testsCBC, kidney function, blood type — ordered in advance

Nothing to eat/drinkFast for 4–6 hours before the procedure

Medication adjustmentsBlood thinners (like aspirin or warfarin) may need to be paused

Arrange a ride homeYou will not be able to drive after the procedure

Prepare your recovery spaceSet up a comfortable rest area with easy access to food, medication, and entertainment

Wear comfortable clothingLoose-fitting clothes make post-procedure comfort easier

Notify your employerPlan for 1–2 weeks off work (desk jobs may return sooner)

Step-by-Step

What Happens During the UFE Procedure?

The procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes. Here's exactly what happens, from arrival to recovery room — so nothing will surprise you.

1

Arrival & Check-In (30–60 minutes before)

You'll arrive at the hospital or outpatient center and be taken to a pre-procedure area. A nurse will place an IV line in your arm, take your vital signs, and confirm your consent. You'll have a chance to ask any last-minute questions.

2

Sedation (No General Anesthesia)

UFE is performed under moderate sedation (also called "twilight sedation") and local anesthetic at the catheter insertion site. You will be drowsy and relaxed but typically breathing on your own. You will not remember most of the procedure. General anesthesia — with its additional risks — is not required for UFE.

3

Catheter Insertion

The interventional radiologist makes a tiny puncture (smaller than a pencil eraser) in your wrist (radial artery) or groin (femoral artery). A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through this puncture into the artery. No incisions are made.

4

Navigation to Uterine Arteries

Using real-time X-ray imaging called fluoroscopy, the doctor guides the catheter through your blood vessels to the uterine arteries — the blood vessels that supply your fibroids. A contrast dye (similar to a dye used in CT scans) is injected to help visualize the arteries clearly. This may cause a warm feeling, which is completely normal.

5

Embolization

Tiny, sand-grain-sized particles made of polyvinyl alcohol or calibrated microspheres are injected through the catheter into the uterine arteries. These particles permanently block blood flow to the fibroids. The normal uterine tissue is largely spared because it has many alternate blood supply pathways — fibroids depend heavily on the uterine arteries and cannot survive without them.

6

Confirmation & Completion

The doctor injects contrast dye again to confirm that blood flow to the fibroids has been blocked. The catheter is gently removed and a small bandage (no sutures needed) is placed at the puncture site. The procedure is complete.

7

Recovery Room (2–4 hours)

You'll be monitored in the recovery area as the sedation wears off. Pain management medications (anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-nausea medication) will be administered. Most patients feel significant pelvic cramping for the first several hours — similar to severe menstrual cramps — which is completely expected and effectively managed with medication.

After Your Procedure

Recovery Timeline After UFE

UFE recovery is real — we'll be honest with you. The first few days involve discomfort. But it is manageable, temporary, and far shorter than surgical recovery. Here's exactly what to expect.

Patient being cared for by nursing team before UFE procedure

Day 1–2: The Hardest Days

You may experience moderate to severe pelvic cramping, low-grade fever, nausea, and fatigue. These are signs that your body is responding to the embolization — it's working. Pain is managed with prescription pain medications. Most patients are discharged within 24 hours and rest at home.

Post-embolization syndrome (PES) — a flu-like response with fever, fatigue, and cramping — affects up to 40% of patients. It is normal, expected, and not dangerous. It typically resolves within 1–2 weeks.

Week 1–2: Improving Steadily

Cramping gradually improves. You'll switch to over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen). Light activities are possible. Rest is still recommended. Most women who work at desk jobs can begin working from home by day 5–7. Vaginal discharge (dark or watery) is common and normal as fibroids begin to break down.

Week 2–4: Return to Normal Life

Most women feel well enough to return to work (including physical jobs), exercise, and normal activities by the end of week 2. Sexual activity is typically resumed at 4 weeks or when comfortable. Menstrual periods resume, usually lighter.

Month 1–6: Fibroids Shrink, Symptoms Improve

This is when most women notice the dramatic improvements they've been waiting for. Fibroids shrink 40–70% in volume. Heavy bleeding becomes significantly lighter or stops entirely. Pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, and bloating resolve as fibroids shrink. Energy levels recover as anemia improves.

When to Call Our Office

Call us immediately or go to the ER if you experience:

Fever above 102°F (38.9°C) that doesn't respond to medication
Severe pain not controlled by prescribed medications
Heavy vaginal bleeding (more than a normal period)
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Signs of infection at the catheter site (redness, swelling, warmth, pus)
Inability to urinate
Chest pain or difficulty breathing

Your Follow-Up Schedule

2wk

2-week phone check-in or office visit

Review recovery progress, address any concerns

3mo

3-month MRI imaging

Evaluate fibroid shrinkage and symptom improvement

1yr

Annual follow-up

Continued monitoring for long-term results

Transparency Matters

Risks & Considerations of UFE

We believe in giving you the complete picture. UFE is very safe, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks. Here's what you need to know.

Common & Expected (Not Dangerous)

Post-embolization syndrome (flu-like symptoms, 1–2 weeks)
Pelvic cramping and pain (managed with medication)
Vaginal discharge during fibroid breakdown
Temporary changes in menstrual cycle timing
Nausea from sedation or pain medications

Uncommon Risks (less than 5%)

Infection requiring antibiotics (rare)
Bruising or hematoma at catheter site
Non-target embolization (particles affecting nearby blood vessels)
Need for additional treatment (10% of patients over 5 years)
Passage of fibroid tissue vaginally (usually resolves on its own)

Important: UFE and Fertility

Most studies show that UFE does not significantly impair fertility, and many women have conceived after UFE. However, UFE is generally not recommended as a primary fertility treatment, as myomectomy (surgical fibroid removal) may be preferable for women whose primary goal is pregnancy.

If fertility preservation is important to you, this is a critical topic to discuss openly with our specialist before making any treatment decision. We will help you weigh all your options honestly.

UFE has a significantly lower complication rate than hysterectomy or myomectomy and results in far shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and faster return to normal life. The risks of UFE must always be weighed against the risks of the alternatives — including the risks of no treatment and continued suffering.

What to Expect

Expected Results After UFE

90%

Overall Success

Of women experience significant or complete symptom relief

85%

Bleeding Relief

Report significantly lighter or normal periods within 3 months

60%

Fibroid Shrinkage

Average fibroid volume reduction within 6–12 months

90%

Patient Satisfaction

Would recommend UFE to a friend or family member

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)