Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fibroid tumors of the uterus which can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and pressure on the bladder or bowel. It uses a form of real-time x-ray called fluoroscopy to guide the delivery of embolic agents to the uterus and fibroids.
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What is the recovery time for UFE?
It typically takes a week to 10 days to recover from embolization.
In the first few days, pelvic pain and pressure from the procedure can be significant.
Fevers, chills, and decreased energy levels such as you would experience with a cold or flu are typical.
How much UFE shrink fibroids?
UFE is an effective treatment, but fibroids may return.
Uterine fibroid embolization reduces the size of fibroids by an average of about 50%.
Approximately 80 out of 100 women treated with UFE for uterine fibroids report that their symptoms improved.
Can fibroids grow back after uterine fibroid embolization?
Follow-up studies over several years have shown that it is rare for treated fibroids to regrow or for new fibroids to develop after uterine fibroid embolization.
This is because all fibroids present in the uterus, even early-stage nodules that may be too small to see on imaging exams, are treated during the procedure.
How fast do uterine fibroids shrink after embolization?
In general, you can expect fibroids that have been treated with uterine fibroid embolization to begin shrinking in about two or three months.
At this point, you should start feeling your symptoms improve.
In fact, as the fibroids continue to shrink even more over time, your symptoms should shrink right along with them.
How painful is UFE?
The immediate few hours following the UFE procedure tend to be the most uncomfortable in the entire process as patients can experience mild to moderate pain, cramping, and nausea during this period, though these effects are often very manageable using common over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.
Will my stomach flatten after UFE?
Patients often ask about having a flat stomach after their UFE. After UFE, fibroid-related weight gain starts to come off. For women with large fibroids and/or multiple fibroids, this can mean a significant body change.
Can you have a baby after UFE?
Pregnancy is possible after uterine fibroid embolization or UFE. There are risks, however.
There is an age-related risk of ovarian impairment.
Studies show that there is a change in ovarian function after UFE.