Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
Treating fibroids without removing the uterus.
Patient education from the practice of Dr. Mandeep Sagar. This guide does not replace individual medical advice. About Dr. Mandeep Sagar
Uterine fibroid embolisation treats fibroids by blocking their blood supply through a pinhole in the wrist or groin. Heavy bleeding and pressure symptoms settle over months and the uterus is preserved.
What patients call it
Fibroid treatment without removing the uterus
At a glance
- What it does
- Treating fibroids without removing the uterus.
- Used for
- Uterine fibroids · Heavy menstrual bleeding from fibroids · Adenomyosis in selected patients
- How it is done
- Fibroids grow on a dense, abnormal blood supply of their own. → Both uterine arteries are catheterised through one small puncture. → Embolic particles cut off the fibroid supply while the healthy uterus keeps its own.
- Recovery
- Procedure: Day 0 - Particles cut off fibroid supply. Overnight stay. · Day 1: Discharged and light activity.
Used for
- — Uterine fibroids
- — Heavy menstrual bleeding from fibroids
- — Adenomyosis in selected patients
Symptoms & Causes
Symptoms
- — Heavy menstrual bleeding
- — Pelvic pain
- — Pressure
Common Causes
- — Uterine fibroids
Diagnosis & Treatment
How it is diagnosed
- — Ultrasound
- — MRI
The Procedure
- — Uterine fibroid embolization
Recovery & Benefits
- Procedure: Day 0 - Particles cut off fibroid supply. Overnight stay.
- Day 1: Discharged and light activity.
- 1 Week: Recovery at home / routine activity.
- 3 Months: Significant symptom relief; follow-up imaging and normal life.
Procedure sequence
- 01
Fibroids grow on a dense, abnormal blood supply of their own.
- 02
Both uterine arteries are catheterised through one small puncture.
- 03
Embolic particles cut off the fibroid supply while the healthy uterus keeps its own.
- 04
The fibroids infarct and shrink over the following months.
- 05
Bleeding settles, pressure eases, and the uterus stays.
Questions patients ask
Is fibroid embolisation better than hysterectomy?+
It treats symptoms while keeping the uterus, with a shorter recovery. Hysterectomy is definitive. The right choice depends on symptoms, fibroid pattern and personal priorities.