Frequently Asked Questions

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within or around the uterus. They are made of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue and vary in size, number, and location.

Fibroids are very common and can affect women differently. Some women experience no symptoms, while others may develop heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, pressure symptoms, urinary frequency, constipation, or fertility-related concerns.

Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE), also known as Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE), is one of several treatment options available for symptomatic fibroids.

Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE), also called Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE), is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an Interventional Radiologist to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids.

The procedure works by blocking the blood supply feeding the fibroids. Without an adequate blood supply, the fibroids gradually shrink, leading to improvement in symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and pain.

During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted into an artery, usually through the wrist or groin, using imaging guidance.

Tiny embolic particles are then carefully delivered into the uterine arteries supplying the fibroids. These particles reduce blood flow to the fibroids while preserving the normal uterus.

Over time, the treated fibroids shrink and symptoms improve.

UFE may help improve symptoms including:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding

• Pelvic pain or cramping

• Pelvic pressure or fullness

• Frequent urination

• Constipation or bowel pressure

• Abdominal bloating

• Pain during intercourse

• Fatigue related to iron deficiency anaemia

Many women experience a significant improvement in quality of life after treatment.

UFE may be suitable for women who:

• Have symptomatic uterine fibroids

• Want to avoid major surgery

• Wish to preserve their uterus

• Have multiple fibroids

• Are seeking a shorter recovery period compared with surgery

• Are not ideal surgical candidates due to other medical conditions

Suitability depends on factors such as fibroid size, location, symptoms, medical history, and future pregnancy plans. A consultation and imaging assessment are usually required before treatment.

Yes. UFE is considered an effective non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy for many women with symptomatic fibroids.

Unlike hysterectomy, UFE preserves the uterus and does not require large surgical incisions. Recovery is generally faster, with most patients returning to normal activities sooner.

However, hysterectomy or myomectomy may still be recommended in some cases depending on individual circumstances.

Yes. Uterine Artery Embolisation may also be used to treat adenomyosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus.

Adenomyosis commonly causes heavy, painful periods and chronic pelvic pain. UAE can reduce blood flow to affected areas and improve symptoms in many patients.

Most patients experience cramping pain after the procedure as the fibroids lose their blood supply. This is expected and is commonly referred to as post-embolisation pain.

Pain is usually most noticeable within the first 24–48 hours and is managed with medications prescribed by your treating team.

Many patients describe the discomfort as similar to strong menstrual cramps.

UFE can be performed under conscious sedation and local anaesthetic or a full general anaesthetic, depending on patient preference.

The procedure itself usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes, although this can vary depending on the complexity of the blood vessels and the number of fibroids being treated.

Patients are commonly admitted overnight.

Recovery following UFE is generally faster than recovery from traditional surgery.

Common short-term symptoms may include:

• Pelvic cramping

• Fatigue

• Mild nausea

• Low-grade fever

• Vaginal spotting or discharge

Most women return to light activities within several days and resume normal activities within one to two weeks, although recovery times vary.

Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are usually avoided during the initial recovery period.

Some women notice improvement in bleeding and pressure symptoms within the first few weeks.

Fibroids continue to shrink gradually over several months, and maximum symptom improvement often occurs between three and six months after treatment.

UFE has been shown to provide significant symptom relief for the majority of appropriately selected patients.

Many women experience:

• Reduced menstrual bleeding

• Less pelvic pain and pressure

• Improved bladder symptoms

• Better overall quality of life

Long-term studies have demonstrated durable symptom control for many patients.

Fibroids usually shrink substantially after embolisation, but they may not disappear entirely.

The goal of treatment is symptom improvement rather than complete removal of every fibroid.

Even partial shrinkage can result in major improvement in bleeding, pain, and pressure symptoms.

Treated fibroids are unlikely to regrow because their blood supply has been permanently reduced.

However, new fibroids can develop over time, particularly in younger women who have many years before menopause.

Some patients may require additional treatment in the future.

Pregnancy after UFE is possible, but fertility outcomes can vary.

Women wishing to become pregnant should discuss this carefully with both their gynaecologist and Interventional Radiologist. In some cases, myomectomy may be recommended instead, particularly if fertility is the primary concern.

Treatment decisions should be individualised based on age, fibroid characteristics, and reproductive goals.

Interventional Radiologists are doctors specially trained in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures.

Using advanced imaging technology, they can precisely target the blood vessels supplying fibroids while minimising disruption to surrounding tissues.

This approach often results in:

• Smaller incisions

• Faster recovery

• Reduced complication rates

• Shorter hospital stays

Interventional Radiology is an established medical specialty increasingly used for minimally invasive treatments.