What to Expect During Your UFE Recovery

Recovering from UFE: A Practical Guide

Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure, and one of its key advantages is the relatively short recovery period compared with surgical alternatives. However, it is entirely normal to experience some discomfort and fatigue in the days and weeks following the procedure. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare and recover smoothly.

For full details about the recovery process, please also visit our UFE Recovery page.

The First 24 Hours

After UFE, you will remain in hospital overnight for monitoring and pain management. The most common experience during this initial period is cramping pain in the lower abdomen, often described as similar to severe period pain. This is caused by the fibroids losing their blood supply and beginning to shrink.

Your medical team will manage your pain with appropriate medication, which may include patient-controlled analgesia (a morphine pump) and anti-inflammatory painkillers. Nausea is also relatively common in the first 24 hours and can be managed with anti-sickness medication.

Days 2 to 7: The First Week at Home

Most women are discharged the day after their procedure. During the first week at home, you can expect:

• Cramping pain — this typically eases significantly within the first three to five days. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are usually sufficient by this stage
• Fatigue — it is normal to feel tired and lack energy. Listen to your body and rest when you need to
• Mild vaginal discharge — a small amount of brownish discharge is common and not a cause for concern
• Low-grade temperature — a slight fever in the first few days is a normal part of the body's response to the procedure

During this first week, we advise you to rest at home, avoid heavy lifting, and take short, gentle walks to aid your circulation and recovery.

Week 2: Gradual Improvement

By the second week, most women notice a significant improvement in how they feel. Cramping pain usually subsides, energy levels begin to return, and you may feel ready to resume light activities. Many women feel well enough to return to desk-based work during the second week, although this varies from person to person.

You should continue to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse during this period. Driving can usually be resumed once you feel comfortable performing an emergency stop — for most women, this is around seven to ten days after the procedure.

Weeks 3 to 4: Returning to Normal

By three to four weeks after UFE, most women have returned to their full normal routine, including work, exercise, and social activities. Some women may still experience occasional mild cramping, but this is usually intermittent and manageable.

It is worth noting that the full benefits of UFE are not immediate. Fibroids continue to shrink over the following three to six months as the treated tissue is gradually reabsorbed by the body. Heavy periods typically improve within one to three menstrual cycles, with continued improvement over time.

What to Watch For

While serious complications after UFE are rare, you should contact your medical team if you experience any of the following:

• A temperature above 38.5 degrees Celsius that persists for more than 24 hours
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour)
• Severe pain that is not controlled by prescribed medication
• Increasing redness, swelling, or discharge from the groin puncture site
• Difficulty passing urine

These symptoms are uncommon but may indicate a complication that requires medical attention.

Follow-Up Appointments

You will typically have a follow-up appointment with your consultant at around six weeks and again at three to six months after the procedure. These appointments allow your team to monitor your recovery, assess how your fibroids are responding to treatment, and address any questions or concerns you may have.

If you are considering UFE and would like to learn more about the procedure and recovery, book a consultation with our team at the North London Fibroid Clinic.