Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) the Right Treatment for You?
Featured Expert
Updated June 19, 2026
If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, there are many treatment options for you to consider. Fibroids are the most frequently seen tumors of the female reproductive system and more than 99 percent of the time the tumors are benign (non-cancerous).
Lauren S. Park, M.D. an interventional radiologist with the Johns Hopkins Interventional Radiology Center, specializes in treating uterine fibroids through a treatment called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
Key Points
- Fibroids are common, usually benign, and can cause heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure symptoms including constipation and frequent urination.
- Treatment ranges from hormone regulating medications to minimally invasive surgical options to hysterectomy based on symptoms and fertility goals.
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive option that preserves the uterus.
- UFE isn’t suitable for patients with active infection, certain bleeding issues, gynecologic cancer, wishing for a resolution of symptoms in less than a month, or those wanting future fertility.
What is uterine fibroid embolization?
It’s a non‑surgical, minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids that preserves the uterus and carries a lower risk of complications, including reduced post-procedure recovery time and blood loss. The procedure takes about an hour under “twilight” sedation. Recovery is typically quick, with most patients going home after an overnight observation post procedure and returning to normal activities within a week.
How is UFE performed?
UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist who inserts a thin catheter into the artery at the groin or wrist. The incision is roughly the size of a tip of a pencil. The radiologist guides the catheter precisely to the fibroid's blood supply under a live x-ray table and small particles, about the size of grains of sand, are released to float downstream and block the small blood vessels and deprive the fibroid of nutrients.
This results in fibroid softening, bleeding less, and shrinking in size. Approximately nine out of 10 patients who undergo uterine fibroid embolization will experience significant improvement, or their symptoms will go away completely.
What would make me ineligible for UFE?
Patients should discuss their ability to proceed with UFE with their provider. Patients with an active pelvic infection, certain uncorrectable bleeding problems, endometrial cancer, wishing for a resolution of symptoms in less than a month, or a desire for fertility preservation are poor candidates for this procedure.
What happens after my UFE procedure?
Most patients go home the same day or the following day with cramping pain (similar to menstrual discomfort). Low grade fever is commonly seen for 3-5 days after the procedure as part of a normal process of treatment. Many women resume light activity within a few days and regular activity in a week. UFE is effective for multiple fibroids, and the reoccurrence of treated fibroids is very rare, but is more common if the patient at treatment is younger than age 30.
Providers will reach out to patients a month following treatment via the phone or quick clinic visit. An MRI will be done at three to six months to check symptom improvement and again at one year if symptoms persist.
Medically reviewed by Lauren S. Park, M.D.
