Uterine fibroids can affect women very differently. While some women may have fibroids without experiencing any major problems, others can struggle with heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, abdominal fullness, and pain. When these symptoms start interfering with everyday life, finding the right treatment naturally becomes important.
But what if you want to treat fibroids without having your uterus surgically removed?
Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE), also called uterine artery embolisation, is a minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Instead of surgically removing the fibroids, an interventional radiologist blocks selected blood vessels supplying them. The fibroids are deprived of much of their blood supply and gradually shrink.
This brings us to an obvious question: how quickly does this shrinking actually happen? Let us understand what you can realistically expect after UFE.
Do Fibroids Shrink Immediately After UFE?
Not exactly. UFE starts affecting the blood supply to the fibroids during the procedure, but the physical reduction in fibroid volume occurs gradually.
Once embolic particles have been delivered into the uterine arteries supplying the fibroids, the treated fibroid tissue undergoes ischaemic change and begins to shrink over time. Hence, you should not expect your abdomen or uterus to suddenly become smaller immediately after the procedure.
More importantly, the success of UFE is not measured only by how many centimetres a fibroid loses. Improvement in heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain and other symptoms is equally important.
How Much Can Fibroids Shrink After UFE?
There is no single shrinking percentage that applies to every patient. Published studies have shown substantial reductions in fibroid and uterine volume following embolisation, but the amount and speed of shrinkage can vary.
Some changes can be seen within the first few months, with further reduction occurring over subsequent months. Fibroid size, location, blood supply and individual response to embolisation can all influence the final result.
A useful way to understand the general process is:
| Time after UFE | What may be happening |
| First few days | Blood supply to treated fibroids has been reduced; cramping and post-procedure symptoms can occur |
| First few weeks | Recovery progresses, while internal fibroid shrinkage is still developing |
| Around 3 months | Symptom improvement and measurable fibroid shrinkage may be apparent |
| Around 6 months | Further reduction in fibroid and uterine volume may occur |
| 6–12 months | Fibroids can continue shrinking, and symptoms may continue to improve |
These are general expectations rather than guaranteed deadlines. Follow-up recommendations should always be personalised.
Do Symptoms Improve Before the Fibroids Become Much Smaller?
Yes, and this is an important point.
Patients sometimes think that a fibroid has to be totally removed to be successful with UFE. That is not necessarily the case. UFE is meant to cure the symptoms by devascularising the fibroids and making them shrink; it does not normally result in all the fibroids disappearing.
Heavy menstrual bleeding may respond to treatment relatively fast. Still, bulk-related symptoms, such as pelvic pressure or abdominal fullness, may respond more slowly as fibroids shrink with time.
Thus, when assessing the success rate of uterine fibroid embolisation, symptom improvement is at least as important as the one on imaging. UFE has long-term evidence of effectiveness in the treatment of appropriately selected women with symptomatic fibroids.
Is it possible to treat Fibroids without surgery?
Whether fibroids can be treated without surgery is a natural question for women who are afraid of undergoing an operation.
Yes, in the case of the right patients. UFE is a less invasive, uterus-sparing operation that is done using an artery instead of an open abdominal operation. The catheter is usually a small one, which is inserted via an artery in the wrist or groin and guided towards the uterine arteries with the help of imaging.
Nevertheless, UFE is not necessarily the correct treatment for all women with fibroids. Before deciding on treatment, symptoms, fibroid characteristics, pregnancy plans, and other gynaecological conditions should be taken into account.
What is the difference between UFE and Hysterectomy?
There is a big difference between UFE and hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that entails the removal of the uterus and thus offers a permanent solution to uterine fibroids since fibroids cannot develop in a removed uterus. UFE, on the other hand, destroys fibroids by cutting off their blood supply but spares the uterus.
So, may UFE save the uterus? Yes. UFE is characterised by preservation of the uterus.
However, preserving the uterus should not be confused with treating infertility. UFE is a treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids; it is not a treatment for infertility. Women can become pregnant and have successful pregnancies after UFE. Women who are planning a future pregnancy should discuss their individual circumstances and treatment options with their gynaecologist and interventional radiologist.
UFE vs Myomectomy: Which is the appropriate one?
Another similar comparison is UFE vs myomectomy.
Myomectomy is a surgery that involves the removal of a single fibroid without the removal of the uterus. UFE is a procedure that usually treats multiple fibroids by cutting off their blood supply without removing them.
The number, size, and location of fibroids, the severity of the symptoms, past treatment, and future pregnancy intentions will be used to make the right decision. Both myomectomy and UFE may be considered depending on the individual patient’s circumstances. UFE does not treat infertility, but pregnancy is possible after the procedure. The choice of treatment should take into account fibroid characteristics, symptoms, previous treatment, and future pregnancy plans.
Thus, there is no one fibroid procedure that can be considered the best one for all patients.
Does Uterine Artery Embolisation Hurt?
Does it hurt to have uterine artery embolisation, in case the blood flow to the fibroids is being blocked?
UFE is associated with cramping and pelvic pain, which may be severe, especially in the early stages of embolisation. This is because the fibroids that are treated are suddenly deprived of blood supply.
The management of pain is therefore a major factor in UFE care. Depending on the clinical needs of the patient, medication can be administered before, during, and after the procedure. The pain usually gets better over time as the first post-embolisation period elapses.
How long is the Recovery Time?
When discussing the uterine fibroid embolisation recovery time, it is necessary to keep in mind that recovery is not the shrinkage of fibroids.
You do not have to wait until the fibroids are minimised before you can get back to normal activities. The majority of patients recover significantly quicker than the months it takes to reduce fibroids to their fullest size.
The first few days may be characterised by fatigue, pelvic cramps, nausea, low-grade fever, or general discomfort. Patients usually need a period of rest without work and hard labour. The precise time to resume normal life is based on the symptoms, recovery, and medical recommendations of the individual patient.
What Side Effects Can Occur After UFE?
Although UFE is minimally invasive, it is still a medical procedure and potential risks need to be understood. Possible uterine fibroid embolisation side effects include pelvic pain, cramping, nausea, fatigue, mild fever and vaginal discharge.
Less common but clinically important complications can include infection and premature ovarian insufficiency, with the latter risk being more relevant as women approach menopause. Occasionally, fibroid tissue may pass through the vagina, particularly with certain fibroid locations.
Patients should receive clear instructions about expected symptoms and warning signs such as persistent high fever, worsening pain, or other symptoms that require medical assessment.
Why Do Some Fibroids Shrink More Than Others?
Two women can undergo UFE and experience different amounts of fibroid shrinkage. Even different fibroids within the same uterus may not respond identically.
Several factors can influence the response, including:
- Fibroid size and location
- Number of fibroids
- Existing blood supply to the fibroids
- Degree of successful fibroid devascularisation
- Individual biological response
- Presence of other uterine or pelvic conditions
Hence, comparing your result with another patient’s result may not be particularly useful. Your improvement should be evaluated according to your original symptoms and follow-up findings.
When Should You Consider UFE for Fibroids?
UFE may be worth discussing when fibroid symptoms are affecting your daily life, and you are looking for a minimally invasive, uterus-preserving treatment. However, the first step is determining whether your symptoms are actually caused by fibroids and whether embolisation is appropriate for your particular condition.
C3 Medicare provides Interventional Radiology services and minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids. Women considering UFE can undergo an individual assessment to understand their fibroids, available treatment options and whether uterine fibroid embolisation may be suitable for them.
If heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain or other fibroid symptoms are affecting your quality of life, contact C3 Medicare for an appointment. Understanding your fibroids properly can help you make an informed decision about whether UFE is the right treatment option for you.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
