Uterine Fibroid Embolization

What is uterine fibroid embolization?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure in which your Heart Vascular and Leg Center provider injects small particles into uterine arteries to block blood flow to fibroids, destroy fibroid tissue, and make the fibroids shrink and disappear over time.

Without proper treatment, uterine fibroids can cause unpleasant symptoms in women, including pelvic pain, swelling, heavy menstrual periods, and menstrual bleeding that lasts more than a week. Risk factors for uterine fibroids include genetics, family history of uterine fibroids, and hormone changes.

Is uterine fibroid embolization right for me?

To see if you’re a candidate for uterine artery embolization, the Heart Vascular and Leg Center team reviews your symptoms and medical history. A routine pelvic exam and ultrasound help your provider diagnose uterine fibroids and develop a personalized treatment plan. 

They might recommend you undergo uterine artery embolization if you experience severe heavy menstrual bleeding or intense pelvic pain associated with fibroids but would like to avoid invasive surgery.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

To prepare for uterine artery embolization, follow your provider’s instructions. Don’t eat or drink anything the morning of the procedure, stop taking certain medicines if your doctor recommends it, and arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.

What should I expect during uterine fibroid embolization?

Before the procedure, your provider offers you anesthesia to reduce pain and help you relax, but you can stay awake during uterine fibroid embolization if you’d like. Your doctor inserts a catheter and injects small particles into uterine vessels supplying blood to fibroids. Doing so cuts off blood flow, causing fibroids to shrink and disappear over time.

What happens during my recovery?

After uterine fibroid embolization, your provider takes you to a recovery area. You might stay in the hospital a night before a friend or family member can drive you home. 

Get plenty of rest, take all medications as prescribed, and attend scheduled follow-up appointments with Heart Vascular and Leg Center. You might experience mucus-like vaginal discharge for a few weeks after the procedure.

Don’t live with heavy menstrual bleeding and pain associated with uterine fibroids, or undergo invasive surgery, when a minimally invasive solution is within reach. Call the Heart Vascular and Leg Center office to schedule a consultation or book online today.