What to Expect Before, During, and After UFE
If you’re considering Uterine Fibroid Embolization, you deserve a clear understanding of what will happen at every step. UFE is a well-established, minimally invasive option for women who want meaningful symptom relief without removing the uterus. As a conservative physician, I appreciate treatments that are effective, lower-risk, and allow patients to recover quickly. UFE fits that profile well when patients are properly evaluated and prepared.
This guide breaks down the full process in a straightforward, practical way so you can move forward with confidence.
1. The Pre-Procedure Consultation
Your first step is a detailed discussion with your interventional radiologist. This visit confirms whether UFE is truly appropriate for your symptoms, health history, and imaging findings. Expect a careful review of your symptoms, including bleeding patterns, pain, pressure, or anemia. Your recent MRI or ultrasound is studied to map the size, type, and position of your fibroids. Your doctor will also examine your medical history to ensure the procedure is safe for you. This is a thoughtful conversation, not a rushed decision.
2. Preparing the Day Before
Preparation is simple and focused on safety. You’ll be asked to fast after midnight to ensure your body is ready for sedation. Plan ahead by arranging a responsible adult to drive you home and stay nearby during the first 24 hours. Your doctor will also advise which routine medications you should take or temporarily hold. Clear guidance reduces risk and helps the procedure go smoothly.
3. Arriving for Your UFE Procedure
When you arrive, the care team helps you settle in and prepares you for the procedure. You’ll change into a gown, have an IV placed, and review the plan with the interventional radiologist. This is a good time to ask any remaining questions. Sedation is started through your IV to keep you relaxed and comfortable without fully putting you to sleep. The goal is steady reassurance and a controlled, predictable experience.
4. Understanding the UFE Procedure
UFE is performed under conscious sedation, meaning you are very relaxed but still able to respond if needed. The physician makes a tiny incision in the wrist or groin, usually no bigger than a freckle. A thin catheter is carefully guided through the blood vessels to reach the arteries that supply the fibroids. Once in position, small embolic particles are released to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink gradually. Most procedures take one to three hours, depending on anatomy and the number of fibroids being treated.
5. Immediate Post-Procedure Monitoring
After the catheter is removed, the puncture site is secured and you are moved to a recovery area. Nurses monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and the access point to ensure everything remains stable. It’s very common to feel pelvic cramping as the fibroids lose their blood supply. This is an expected part of the healing process and is treated promptly with IV medication to keep you comfortable.
6. The First 24 Hours of Recovery
Although UFE is minimally invasive, expect to rest for the first day as your body reacts to the treatment. Most patients are able to go home the same day, while others stay overnight for observation. Staying ahead of discomfort with prescribed oral pain medicine is important. This is not the time for strenuous activity. Gentle rest allows your body to begin the healing process without unnecessary strain.
7. Long-Term Follow-Up and Symptom Improvement
Recovery continues gradually over the next several weeks. A follow-up visit and repeat imaging, often an MRI at three to six months, confirm that the fibroids are shrinking as expected. Many women notice improvement in heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and other symptoms within the first few menstrual cycles. Maximum relief often develops between six and twelve months. Consistent follow-up ensures the best outcome and gives you space to discuss any concerns.
Final Thoughts
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a safe, well-studied treatment that offers durable relief without major surgery. By understanding each step from consultation through recovery, you can approach your procedure with clarity and confidence. This is a measured, thoughtful approach to fibroid care—one that supports both effectiveness and long-term well-being. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
No. UFE is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a very small skin puncture. It offers an alternative to major operations such as hysterectomy, while allowing most women to return home the same day.
Shrinkage begins immediately once blood flow is blocked, but symptom changes develop gradually. Most women notice meaningful improvement within one to three menstrual cycles, with maximum shrinkage around six months.
UFE is performed under conscious sedation. You will be relaxed, drowsy, and may drift in and out of sleep, but you will not require general anesthesia or a breathing tube. This approach keeps the procedure safe and comfortable.
Most women resume light activities within a few days and return to normal routines within one to two weeks. Full symptom improvement continues over several months as the fibroids shrink.
Yes. UFE is specifically designed for women seeking a uterus-preserving treatment. Your physician will confirm whether your fibroid type and location make you a suitable candidate.