Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE)
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE), also known as Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE), is a minimally invasive procedure that treats uterine fibroids by blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. It is performed by an interventional radiologist through a small puncture in the wrist or groin, and is an effective alternative to surgical options such as hysterectomy or myomectomy.
The UFE Process: Step by Step
Initial Consultation
Meet with our specialist to discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine if UFE is suitable for you.
MRI Imaging
An MRI scan maps the size, number, and location of your fibroids to plan the procedure.
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Blood tests and final assessments. You'll receive detailed instructions about the day.
The UFE Procedure
Under sedation, a tiny catheter is guided to the uterine arteries. Small particles are injected to block blood flow to the fibroids.
Overnight Monitoring
You'll stay overnight while our team monitors your recovery and manages any discomfort.
Recovery at Home
Most patients return to light activities within days and normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-up appointments to monitor symptom improvement and fibroid shrinkage.
How UFE Works
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation works by cutting off the blood supply that fibroids need to grow. All fibroids receive their blood supply from branches of the uterine arteries. By injecting tiny particles (microspheres) into these arteries, the blood flow to the fibroids is blocked, causing them to gradually shrink.
The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist, a specialist doctor trained in using imaging technology to guide minimally invasive procedures. A thin catheter is inserted through a small puncture in the wrist (radial artery) or groin (femoral artery) and guided to the uterine arteries under X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy).
Once the catheter is in position, small particles are injected through the catheter into both uterine arteries. These particles lodge in the small blood vessels feeding the fibroids, blocking the blood supply. The healthy uterine tissue has an alternative blood supply and is not significantly affected.
Over the following weeks and months, the fibroids shrink in size, typically reducing by 40-60% in volume. As they shrink, symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and urinary frequency improve.
Who Is a Candidate for UFE?
UFE is suitable for the majority of women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. It is particularly appropriate for women who wish to avoid major surgery, preserve their uterus, or benefit from a shorter recovery time.
You may be a good candidate for UFE if you have heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, urinary frequency, or other fibroid-related symptoms that affect your quality of life. UFE can treat multiple fibroids of different sizes and locations in a single procedure.
UFE may not be recommended if you are pregnant, have an active pelvic infection, or if there is a suspicion of malignancy. Women who are actively planning to become pregnant should discuss all options with their specialist, as the effects of UFE on fertility are still being studied.
Benefits of UFE
UFE offers several important advantages over surgical treatments for fibroids. As a minimally invasive procedure, it avoids the need for a surgical incision and general anaesthesia, resulting in fewer complications and a faster recovery.
Key benefits include preservation of the uterus, a short hospital stay (typically overnight), rapid return to normal activities (1-2 weeks), minimal scarring (only a tiny puncture site), and a high success rate of 85-90% for symptom improvement. UFE also treats all fibroids present in the uterus simultaneously, unlike myomectomy which may only remove selected fibroids.
Long-term studies show that UFE provides durable results, with the majority of patients maintaining symptom improvement at 5 years and beyond. The recurrence rate of 5-10% is lower than that of myomectomy (15-30%).
Risks and Side Effects
Like any medical procedure, UFE carries some risks, although serious complications are uncommon. The most common side effect is post-embolisation syndrome, which includes cramping, nausea, mild fever, and fatigue in the first few days after the procedure. This is a normal response to the treatment and is managed with appropriate medication.
Rare risks include infection (less than 1%), damage to the uterus or other pelvic structures, allergic reaction to the contrast dye, and premature menopause (which is more common in women over 45). Fibroid expulsion, where the treated fibroid passes through the cervix, can occur but is typically manageable.
Our specialist team will discuss all potential risks with you during your consultation and ensure you have a thorough understanding of what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What to Expect on the Day
On the day of your UFE procedure, you will be admitted to the hospital and prepared for the procedure. You will be asked to fast beforehand, and an intravenous line will be placed for sedation and pain relief.
The procedure is carried out in an interventional radiology suite, a specially equipped treatment room with advanced imaging technology. You will be given conscious sedation, meaning you will be relaxed and comfortable but awake throughout. The interventional radiologist will make a small puncture in the wrist or groin and guide the catheter to the uterine arteries using real-time X-ray imaging.
The entire procedure typically takes between 1 and 2 hours. After the procedure, you will be transferred to a ward for overnight monitoring. Pain medication will be provided to keep you comfortable, and our nursing team will be on hand throughout your stay.
Recovery
Recovery from UFE is significantly shorter than recovery from surgical alternatives. Most patients are discharged the morning after the procedure. Mild cramping and fatigue are common for the first few days and are managed with prescribed pain medication.
Most women return to light activities within a few days and to normal activities, including work, within 1-2 weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately 2-4 weeks. Your periods may be heavier or irregular for the first cycle or two before they begin to improve.
For a detailed week-by-week guide to recovery, including pain management tips, advice on returning to work, and when to contact your doctor, please see our comprehensive UFE recovery guide.
Watch: How UFE Works
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An animated guide explaining the UFE procedure
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- NICE Guideline [IPG367] — Uterine artery embolisation for fibroids. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
- Gupta JK, Sinha A, Lumsden MA, Hickey M. Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
- de Bruijn AM, et al. Uterine artery embolization vs hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: 10-year outcomes from the randomized EMMY trial. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2016.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Clinical recommendations on the use of uterine artery embolisation (UAE) in the management of fibroids. RCOG, 3rd edition.
- Spies JB. Current evidence on uterine embolization for fibroids. Seminars in Interventional Radiology, 2013.
Is UFE Right for You?
Book a consultation with our specialist interventional radiologist to find out
Or call us: 01305 608250