Uterine Fibroid Embolization: A Minimally Invasive Option for Fibroid Relief
When it comes to women’s health, many conditions that once required open surgery can now be treated with minimally invasive procedures. Interventional radiology is at the heart of this shift, offering patients faster recovery times, fewer side effects, and procedures that are often performed on an outpatient basis.
One important example is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This is a uterine fibroid treatment option that many women have never heard of.
What Do Interventional Radiologists Do?
Interventional radiologists are specialists who use advanced imaging techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Instead of traditional surgery, they rely on imaging guidance to perform procedures through small incisions, often using catheters and wires to access problem areas inside the body.
Most procedures are completed the same day, allowing patients to return home within hours and resume normal activities in about a week.
Uterine Fibroids and Symptomology
Uterine fibroids are extremely common. In fact, 70 to 80% of women will develop fibroids at some point in their lives. These noncancerous growths, made of muscle and connective tissue, vary greatly in size from tiny pebbles to masses as large as a cantaloupe. Their exact cause is unknown, but their growth is often caused or exacerbated by hormones.
While most fibroids cause no symptoms at all, others can lead to:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty with fertility
The size of the fibroid usually determines whether or not the patient has symptoms and what they are.
What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
Traditionally, women with symptomatic fibroids were offered open surgery or laparoscopic surgery treatment options such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or myomectomy (removal of fibroids). While effective, these surgeries are invasive and may not be ideal for women hoping to have children in the future.
UFE offers a less invasive alternative. Here’s how it works:
- A tiny incision is made in the wrist or groin.
- Using imaging guidance, the interventional radiologist threads a thin catheter through the blood vessels to reach the arteries supplying blood flow to the fibroid.
- Wires and catheters are used to block blood flow to the fibroid.
- Without blood supply, the fibroid’s “food”, the fibroid shrinks over time, and symptoms fade away.
The procedure typically takes about 45 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis and short-stay basis. Most patients go home the same day, while some are discharged the next morning.
Why More Women Should Know About UFE
Although tens of thousands of UFEs are performed every year in the U.S., many women are still unaware this option exists. Too often, hysterectomy is presented as the only solution, leaving women who want to maintain fertility or avoid major surgery feeling hopeless and stuck.
UFE empowers women by offering a minimally invasive approach with quicker recovery, relief from symptoms without losing the uterus and the potential to maintain fertility.
The Bottom Line
Uterine fibroid embolization is a well-established, highly effective procedure that has been helping women for decades. The challenge is making sure more women know they have this choice.
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids and are exploring treatment options, talk with your doctor or an interventional radiologist about whether UFE might be right for you.
Dr. Michael Akinyemi is an Interventional Radiologist in the Westmoreland Area. This blog is based off of an interview he did with KDKA Radio in August 2025. Listen to the interview here.
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