Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) treats fibroids by blocking the arteries that feed them, so they shrink and symptoms settle — without an incision and without removing the uterus. It is performed through a puncture at the wrist or groin under local anaesthetic and sedation, and most women go home the next day.
Dr. Mohamed El Ghobashy · Consultant Interventional Radiologist
What it treats
- •Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids
- •Pelvic pressure, bloating or a feeling of fullness
- •Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder from a bulky uterus
- •Pain during intercourse related to fibroid position
- •Multiple fibroids that would otherwise mean open surgery
Who is a candidate?
- Women with symptomatic fibroids confirmed on ultrasound or MRI
- Women who want to keep their uterus and avoid hysterectomy
- Women who are not fit for, or do not want, general anaesthesia and open surgery
- Women who have had fibroids recur after myomectomy
How the procedure works
- 1
Assessment
Pelvic ultrasound and usually MRI map the number, size and blood supply of the fibroids, and rule out other causes of the bleeding.
- 2
Access
Under local anaesthetic and light sedation, a fine catheter is introduced through the radial artery at the wrist or the femoral artery at the groin. There is no surgical incision.
- 3
Embolization
Using live X-ray guidance, the catheter is steered into both uterine arteries and tiny calibrated microspheres are released to block the vessels feeding the fibroids. Normal uterine tissue keeps its collateral supply.
- 4
Completion
The catheter is removed and pressure or a small closure device seals the puncture. No stitches are required.
Recovery
Expect cramping similar to strong period pain for the first 24–48 hours; this is managed with prescribed pain relief, usually during a one-night stay. Most women return to desk work within about a week. Fibroids shrink gradually over three to six months, and bleeding symptoms typically improve well before that. A follow-up scan is arranged to document the response.
Discuss this procedure
Private consultations and procedures are at Andalusia Hospitals, Maadi. Kasr Al-Ainy is Dr. El Ghobashy's academic post at Cairo University and does not take private cases.
Frequently asked questions
Will I still be able to get pregnant after UFE?
The uterus is preserved and pregnancies after UFE are well documented, but fertility outcomes depend on your age, the fibroids and other factors. If pregnancy is a priority, say so at your consultation — it changes how we weigh UFE against myomectomy.
Is UFE better than hysterectomy?
It is not universally better — it is different. UFE avoids major surgery, general anaesthesia and removal of the uterus, and recovery is much faster. Hysterectomy is definitive and removes any chance of recurrence. The right choice depends on your symptoms, your fibroids and your plans, and is decided together.
Do the fibroids come back?
Treated fibroids do not regrow, because their blood supply is gone. New fibroids can form over the years, as they can after myomectomy. Long-term satisfaction rates after UFE are high.
Other procedures
This page is general information, not medical advice for an individual. Whether a procedure suits you depends on your imaging, your history and an in-person assessment.