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Uterine fibroid embolization (a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply) is performed every day by interventional radiology specialists. These specialists use imaging like X-ray and ultrasound to guide treatments through tiny punctures instead of incisions. Most women who have it go home the same day. A 2016 survey of 1,443 women with fibroids found that 42% had already chosen hysterectomy. One in three said they would have chosen a uterus-preserving option if anyone had told them it existed. Key Takeaways UFE cuts blood supply to fibroids, which shrink gradually over several months without surgery. The first week involves cramping, nausea, and fatigue, which is normal after the procedure. Recovery takes weeks to months depending on fibroid size and number. Long-term risks exist and are rare, but important to discuss with your doctor. UFE is less invasive than hysterectomy but comes with a different side effect profile. How This Procedure Shrinks Fibroids An interventional radiologist makes a pinhole entry at your wrist or upper thigh. The radiologist then threads a thin flexible tube through your arteries toward the blood vessels feeding the fibroid, all while watching a live X-ray image on a screen. Tiny particles are released through the tube. They lodge in the vessels and cut the fibroid’s supply line. Blocking the fibroid’s blood supply reduces fibroid volume and improves symptoms compared to older approaches. The procedure works without general anesthesia or a hospital stay. Most women wake up the same morning they came in and are back to their routine within a week. Note: You may see this treatment listed as uterine fibroid embolization or uterine artery embolization (UAE). Both names describe the same procedure: interventional radiologists use them interchangeably, and your insurance and referral paperwork may use either one. Blood Supply to the Fibroid Is Cut Off The particles the interventional radiologist releases travel through the uterine arteries and reach every fibroid those arteries feed (even large fibroids) in a single session. There’s no need to locate and treat each one individually. Because the uterine arteries supply the whole uterus, the particles distribute and block blood flow to all fibroids present at once. Johns Hopkins notes that fibroids can range from the size of a pea to roughly the size of a small grapefruit. Very large fibroids may need closer evaluation before proceeding. A fibroid over 10 cm can still be treated, though the interventional radiologist reviews your imaging first to confirm the approach fits your anatomy and to set realistic expectations about shrinkage timing. Gradual Shrinkage Over Several Months Once the fibroid loses its blood supply, it doesn’t disappear overnight. The tissue softens, and over the following months the body gradually breaks it down and reabsorbs it. Most women notice the biggest changes between three and six months after the procedure. By then, fibroids have typically shrunk enough to ease pressure, reduce bleeding, and relieve pain. Common Fibroid Symptoms Heavy or prolonged periods Fibroids that press against the uterine lining disrupt its normal shedding cycle. This can mean soaking through protection every hour or bleeding for 10 or more days each month. Pelvic pressure or bloating A fibroid that grows outward presses against surrounding tissue. The result is a persistent heaviness or fullness low in the abdomen, similar to carrying extra weight in your pelvis. Women who experience this kind of ongoing pelvic discomfort sometimes have more than one condition at play, including pelvic congestion syndrome. Frequent urination Fibroids sitting toward the front of the uterus push against the bladder, reducing how much urine it can hold before sending urgency signals. Pain during intercourse Fibroids near the cervix or deep in the uterine wall can make sex uncomfortable or painful, depending on their position. Lower back pain A fibroid growing toward the back of the uterus can press against the nerves and muscles of the lower spine, producing a persistent ache that doesn’t respond to typical back-pain remedies. Fatigue from blood loss Heavy monthly bleeding over months or years depletes iron. Low iron means less oxygen carried to your muscles and organs, which shows up as fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. Constipation or difficulty emptying the bladder Fibroids pressing against the rectum or bladder can make it harder to fully empty either one, causing bloating and discomfort that can persist between periods. Who Is a Good Candidate? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends this treatment for women who want to preserve their uterus and have been counseled about what the data shows. If your fibroids are causing symptoms and a hysterectomy isn’t what you want, consider these five factors. Symptomatic fibroids causing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure Your fibroids are actively disrupting your life: periods that interfere with daily plans, pressure that makes it hard to stand or sit comfortably, or pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication. Desire to keep your uterus The procedure treats fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. ACOG specifically recommends it for women who want to avoid hysterectomy and understand there’s limited long-term data on reproductive outcomes. Preference for a shorter recovery than hysterectomy or myomectomy (surgical removal of individual fibroids while preserving the uterus) Hysterectomy typically requires up to eight weeks of restricted activity. Most women who have this minimally invasive treatment return to their normal routine within one to two weeks. Not currently pregnant Active pregnancy is an absolute contraindication (meaning the procedure is considered unsafe and shouldn’t be performed). It affects blood flow to the uterus in ways that aren’t safe during pregnancy. No active uterine infection or diagnosed uterine or cervical cancer An active infection or confirmed cancer changes the clinical picture entirely. StatPearls lists both as absolute contraindications, meaning the procedure isn’t appropriate until those conditions are addressed. A consultation, which typically includes a review of existing imaging or a new ultrasound, gives you a concrete yes or no without committing you to anything. Our Prescott interventional radiologists can confirm candidacy through that imaging review and walk you through what the findings mean for your situation. Before and During the Procedure MRI or ultrasound imaging Your care team orders this scan first. It maps each fibroid’s position and size, giving the interventional radiologist a detailed road map for the treatment ahead. Blood work A blood panel checks for anemia and confirms your kidneys are handling things well, since the contrast dye used during the procedure is processed by the kidneys. Medication review Tell your care team about everything you take. Blood thinners like aspirin are typically paused in the days before the procedure. Fasting after midnight Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. This is standard preparation before any procedure involving sedation. Arrive ready Wear loose, comfortable clothing, leave jewelry at home, and bring someone to drive you. You won’t be cleared to drive yourself home. Light sedation administered You’ll receive sedation to keep you comfortable (not general anesthesia). Most women stay awake, relaxed, and aware throughout. Tiny entry point at the wrist or upper thigh The interventional radiologist makes a small nick at the entry site. A thin flexible tube is then threaded through your arteries to the vessels feeding the fibroids, guided by real-time X-ray the entire way. Most women feel pressure at the entry site but little pain, since the sedation and local anesthetic keep the area numb. Blocking particles released Once the tube is positioned, tiny particles that block blood flow are delivered into the fibroid arteries inside our vascular clinic with cath lab. The whole treatment typically takes about 30 minutes, compared to roughly 95 minutes for hysterectomy and 109 minutes for myomectomy. As the particles lodge, some women notice cramping similar to strong menstrual cramps. The care team adjusts sedation and pain medication in real time. You stay awake and comfortable the whole time. Light sedation keeps you relaxed, but you won’t need general anesthesia, and most women go home within a few hours of the procedure ending. Side Effects in the First Week The most common reaction in the days after the procedure is post-embolization syndrome (cramping, low fever, nausea, and fatigue that typically clear within two to seven days). While it sounds alarming, it’s your body doing exactly what it should: breaking down fibroid tissue and clearing it away. Cramping, Nausea, and Fatigue The fibroid tissue has lost its blood supply, and your immune system sends signals to break it down and carry it away. Pelvic cramping, a low-grade fever, some nausea, and fatigue are common in the first week. With fluids and pain medication, these symptoms typically resolve within two to seven days. Light vaginal discharge or spotting is also normal during this window. It’s part of the same clearing process. Less Common Side Effects Infection, bleeding at the entry site, and changes in ovarian function are possible after the procedure, though they occur in a small percentage of cases. Choosing an experienced interventional radiologist reduces those odds, as these are complications that skilled specialists actively work to minimize. Women who have this procedure typically spend less time in the hospital, lose less blood, and return to normal activities faster than those who have traditional surgery. Managing Pain and Recovery at Home Take your medications on schedule Your care team will prescribe pain and anti-nausea medication. Take them at the times directed, even if you’re feeling okay in the moment. Letting pain build before medicating makes it harder to get back on top of it. Rest for the first two to three days Your body is actively working to break down fibroid tissue. Give it the energy to do that by keeping activity minimal and sleeping when you need to. Start light walking by day two or three Short, gentle walks around the house help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You don’t need to push. Just keep circulation moving. Drink plenty of water Staying well hydrated helps your kidneys flush the contrast dye and supports healing overall. Use a heating pad on your lower belly A heating pad set to a comfortable temperature can ease cramping between doses of medication. Most women find it helps most in the first two to three days. Signs that need immediate evaluation Go to the emergency room if you develop sudden severe pain that your medication won’t touch, a fever above 101.5°F, heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through a pad in under an hour, or leg swelling or chest pain. Recovery Timeline Most women return to normal activities within five to seven days. The first two days bring the most cramping and fatigue, and then each day gets a little easier. Hysterectomy, by contrast, typically requires up to eight weeks of restricted activity. By day seven, most women are moving around comfortably and handling light daily tasks. Symptom improvement: About 9 out of 10 women report significant improvement or complete relief after UFE. — Society of Interventional Radiology Bleeding relief: More than 90% of women can expect abnormal uterine bleeding to stop or significantly decrease. — SIR Quality Improvement Guidelines (2014) Patient satisfaction: In a prospective study of 40 women, 88% said they would recommend UFE, and 94% reported a meaningful benefit in symptom severity. — PMC12355358 (2024) Once the blood supply is cut, the fibroid tissue dies and doesn’t grow back. Younger women can still develop new fibroids over time, because the hormonal environment that promotes their growth doesn’t change with this procedure alone. Women closer to menopause typically see the most lasting results, since falling estrogen levels naturally slow any new growth. If new fibroids do cause trouble years down the line, the treatment can be repeated. Long-Term Risks The biggest long-term risk is a change in ovarian function, and it comes down to how the blocking particles travel. Most reach the fibroid arteries and stop there, but occasionally a small number drift toward the ovaries. A Cochrane review of 15 studies found that loss of ovarian function after the procedure occurred primarily in women older than 45. Younger women face a much lower risk, but it’s a real factor worth discussing before you decide. If having children is still part of your plan, myomectomy typically shows higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates and lower spontaneous abortion rates than this treatment. Pregnancies after UFE do happen. A 2025 meta-analysis of 33 studies covering 4,287 women put the overall pregnancy rate at over 52%. The data isn’t as strong as what exists for myomectomy, though, and your specialist needs to know your plans before you commit to either path. In rare cases, fibroid tissue can pass through the cervix as the body expels it. A uterine infection can also develop weeks after the procedure. A follow-up plan with your care team catches both early. Note If you’re still planning to become pregnant, bring that up directly with your interventional radiologist or vascular specialist before deciding. Myomectomy is typically the better-supported option for women who want to conceive. If you’re done having children, fertility isn’t a factor in this decision, and you can set it aside entirely. Pregnancy rate after UFE by age group Age GroupPregnancy Rate (%)Under 3068%Ages 30 to 4052%Over 4032% How This Procedure Compares to Other Treatments Uterine artery embolization is performed through a pinhole entry at the wrist or upper thigh, while hysterectomy and myomectomy both require operating-room incisions. Patients go home the same day and return to their regular routine within about a week. FactorUFEHysterectomyMyomectomyProcedure timeAbout 30 minutes in the treatment roomAbout 95 minutes in the operating roomAbout 109 minutes in the operating roomHospital staySame-day discharge in most casesTypically several daysTypically several daysRecovery time5 to 7 days to most normal activitiesUp to 8 weeks with severe activity limitsSeveral weeksUterus preservedYesNoYesNeed for further treatment within 2 years15 to 32% require additional treatment7% require further surgery7% require further surgery The EMMY trial followed 177 women for 10 years and found no significant difference in pain relief, complications, or patient satisfaction between UFE and hysterectomy. Over that follow-up period, 33% of women who had UFE eventually chose a hysterectomy for recurrent symptoms. That figure is higher than the table’s 15–32% because the EMMY trial measured outcomes over a full decade, while the table reflects a two-year window. Follow-Up Care An MRI at three to six months shows exactly how much the fibroids have shrunk. Your care team compares those images directly to your pre-procedure scan to confirm the treatment worked as expected. If shrinkage is on track, that visit is mostly good news. Between now and that appointment, return to exercise gradually. Start with walks, then build back toward your normal routine as energy returns. Track your periods month to month: changes in flow, duration, and cramping are useful data. Schedule an earlier visit if symptoms plateau before the three-month mark or new ones appear. Fibroid type, size, and age all shape how long relief lasts and whether additional imaging makes sense at one year or beyond. Tip: Keep a brief symptom journal between now and your follow-up MRI. Note bleeding volume, pain level, and energy on a scale of one to ten, even just once a week. Real numbers give your care team something to work with instead of estimates, and patterns you’d otherwise forget become easy to spot. Heavy Bleeding and a Hysterectomy Aren’t Your Only Two Options Women with symptomatic fibroids have an alternative to hysterectomy. UFE addresses every fibroid in a single same-day session through a pinhole entry point, performed by an interventional radiologist, with most women back to their regular routine within a week. Call (928) 771-8477 to schedule a consultation and find out whether your fibroids qualify. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between UFE and UAE? UFE (uterine fibroid embolization) and UAE (uterine artery embolization) are two names for the same procedure. Your insurance paperwork may list either term, and your care team may use them interchangeably. Can large fibroids over 10 cm be treated, and how many fibroids can be treated at once? Yes, a fibroid over 10 cm can typically be treated, though imaging is reviewed first to confirm the approach fits your anatomy. Because the tiny particles travel through the uterine arteries, they reach every fibroid those arteries feed in a single session. There’s no need to treat each one individually. What is post-embolization syndrome, and how do you manage it at home? Post-embolization syndrome is cramping, low-grade fever, nausea, and fatigue that typically clears within two to seven days. It’s your body breaking down fibroid tissue. Take your prescribed medication on schedule, rest, stay well hydrated, and use a heating pad on your lower belly between doses. Can UFE cause early menopause? It’s a real but uncommon risk. A Cochrane review of 15 studies found that loss of ovarian function occurred primarily in women older than 45. Younger women face a much lower risk, but it’s worth discussing with your specialist before you decide. What do real patients experience? Do symptoms actually improve? In most cases, yes. About nine out of 10 women report significant improvement or complete relief. In one prospective study, 88% said they’d recommend the procedure, and 94% reported a meaningful benefit in symptom severity. How does recovery compare to hysterectomy? Most women return to normal activities within five to seven days. Hysterectomy typically requires up to eight weeks of restricted activity. Both approaches show comparable pain relief and satisfaction in clinical trials. Can fibroids grow back after this treatment? Treated fibroids don’t regrow once their blood supply is cut. New fibroids can develop over time, especially in younger women, because the hormonal environment doesn’t change. Women closer to menopause typically see the most lasting results. Is this treatment covered by insurance? Most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover this treatment because it’s considered medically necessary for symptomatic fibroids. Call your insurer and ask specifically about coverage for “uterine fibroid embolization, CPT code 37243” (the standard billing code for this procedure) to get a clear answer before your appointment.

At some point a doctor looked at your chart and said the word hysterectomy, and now you’re sitting with a decision you didn’t ask for. Is there any way to treat fibroids and still keep the uterus? A fibroid (a benign, non-cancerous growth of muscle tissue in the wall of the uterus) can be smaller than a grape or larger than a grapefruit. If a fibroid sits against your bladder, you wake up at night needing the bathroom. If one grows into the lining, you get the soaking you’ve been managing around your calendar. You do have two real paths forward, and both are legitimate depending on what your imaging shows and what you still want from your body. One is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a procedure that blocks the blood supply feeding fibroids so they shrink, done through tiny punctures instead of large surgical cuts, and it leaves your uterus in place. The other removes the uterus and ends fibroid symptoms permanently. Key Takeaways UFE and hysterectomy treat fibroids in two very different ways. UFE keeps your uterus in place, but hysterectomy removes it for good. Recovery is faster with UFE, often one to two weeks versus four to six weeks for hysterectomy. UFE’s risks are mostly minor and short-lived, while hysterectomy carries the risks of major surgery and general anesthesia. UFE doesn’t rule out future pregnancy, but if you’re actively trying to conceive, myomectomy is usually recommended first. Comparing Your Two Options Keeping your uterus and getting back on your feet within a week sits on one side. Removing the uterus and never dealing with fibroid symptoms again sits on the other. FactorUFEHysterectomyWhat it doesBlocks blood supply feeding fibroids so they shrinkRemoves the uterus completelyIncisionsOne pinhole access point at the wrist or groinVaginal incision, small camera incisions, or one larger abdominal incisionAnesthesiaLight sedation, no general anesthesia neededGeneral anesthesiaHospital stayUsually same-day dischargeUsually 1 to 2 days or more, depending on approachReturn to workOften within 1 to 2 weeksOften 4 to 6 weeks or longerUterus preservedYesNoPeriods afterPeriods continue, often lighterPeriods stop for goodChance of needing more treatmentAbout 15% to 32% within 2 years, per one meta-analysisAbout 7% within 2 years, per the same meta-analysisWho performs itInterventional radiologistGynecologic surgeon UFE goes in through a pinhole and gets you home the same day, while hysterectomy means a hospital stay and weeks of lifting restrictions afterward. UFE patients recover faster, and research backs it up: women who had UFE spent less time in the hospital and got back to normal activity faster than women who had surgery. Removing the uterus ends fibroid symptoms permanently, because there’s nothing left for a fibroid to grow in. Keep the uterus, though, and new fibroids can develop later. An interventional radiologist performs UFE, working through your blood vessels with imaging as a guide, while a gynecologic surgeon performs a hysterectomy in an operating room. Whichever doctor you’re sitting across from tends to recommend what they do every day. How the fibroid procedure works UFE treats fibroids by cutting off the blood they’ve been feeding on, so they shrink and stop causing symptoms while your uterus stays exactly where it is. UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist, a doctor working inside your blood vessels using live imaging instead of opening the belly. Interventional radiology (a specialty that uses imaging like x-ray and ultrasound to guide thin tools through the body’s own blood vessels) is what makes that possible. A fibroid grows because arteries keep pumping blood into it. Dr. Karen Garby explains that the interventional radiologist blocks the artery branches feeding the fibroid with tiny, permanent spheres. Pinhole access. The interventional radiologist makes a tiny opening at the wrist or groin, no larger than a pinhole. No incision is needed. Catheter guided to the uterine arteries. Using x-ray guidance, the radiologist threads a thin tube through the blood vessels until it reaches the arteries feeding the fibroids. Tiny particles block the blood flow. Small particles are released through the catheter and lodge in the small vessels, cutting off the fibroid’s blood supply, similar to closing a valve on a garden hose. Fibroids shrink over 3 to 6 months. Without blood flow, fibroid tissue shrinks and turns into scar tissue, which typically eases bleeding and pressure symptoms over the following months. Most women go home that same afternoon, but the shrinking itself isn’t instant. The fibroid shrinks gradually over three to six months afterward, so relief builds over that time instead of showing up the day you leave the office. How a hysterectomy works A hysterectomy takes the uterus out entirely, which is exactly why fibroid symptoms can’t return afterward. It’s a surgical procedure done by a surgeon under general anesthesia. The cervix sometimes comes out along with it, and your ovaries may stay in place or come out too, depending on what you and your surgeon decide beforehand. The surgeon can go through the vagina with no visible incision, through a handful of small openings guided by a camera, or through one larger cut across the belly when more room is needed. You’ll be fully asleep under general anesthesia while the surgeon operates, and you’ll typically stay in the hospital at least overnight before heading home. Before you agree to any of it, ask your surgeon two things: whether your ovaries are staying, and which of the three routes they’re planning to use. Recovery Timelines Compared UFE typically sends you home the same day or the ext, with most women back to their routine inside one to two weeks.n Hysterectomy means a hospital stay first, then a slower climb back to normal, often four to six weeks before you’re cleared for golf, a hike, or lifting a grandchild. The first week after UFE usually brings strong cramping for a few days as the fibroid loses its blood supply, followed by fatigue that fades gradually. Ask your interventional radiologist what pain medication you’ll go home with and how long you should expect to need it. By the second week, most women are easing back into their normal days without much thought. Hysterectomy recovery requires more of you upfront. Expect no lifting and no driving for a stretch. A full return stretches longer if your surgeon needed the larger abdominal opening rather than one of the smaller-incision approaches, since UFE patients see a faster return to usual activity by comparison. Does the procedure actually work? Most women who have UFE get real relief from the bleeding and pressure that brought them into the office in the first place. Guidelines from the Society of Interventional Radiology say about 90% of women can expect less bulk and pressure afterward, and more than 90% can expect heavy bleeding to stop or ease. Study or guidelineWhat it measuredFindingSIR guidelinesSymptom improvementAbout 90% reduced bulk symptoms, and over 90% saw abnormal bleeding stop2025 submucosal fibroid study (155 patients)Fibroid shrinkage and need for further treatment64% median volume reduction, and 84.5% needed no further treatment10-year EMMY trial follow-upLong-term need for hysterectomy33% of UFE patients eventually had a hysterectomy, vs. 8% of hysterectomy patients needing a second procedureGupta et al. meta-analysisFurther surgery within 2 years15% to 32% for UFE, vs. 7% for hysterectomy or myomectomy Most women get relief quickly, and roughly one in three go on to choose a hysterectomy over the following decade when new symptoms appear. Women past 45 and women whose fibroids sit in certain locations are the most likely to fall into that third, which is why your imaging and your age both belong in the conversation. Keeping your uterus means quicker relief and less downtime today, but it also means a real chance you’re back in an office years later weighing treatment again. Risks of each option UFE tends toward short-lived discomfort and small infection risks. Hysterectomy carries the risks that come with any operation and general anesthesia. Reported complication rates for UFE swing widely across studies, from as low as 5% to as high as 40%, largely because some studies count every minor issue while others count only the serious ones. Procedure risks In the days after UFE, cramping and flu-like achiness are common, and they pass. A small share of women develop an infection. A 2025 study of 155 women found serious problems in just 3.2%, mostly pelvic infections, while milder issues like infections treated with antibiotics or lasting discharge showed up in 16.8%. Rarely, ovarian function changes or a woman needs further treatment down the line. Hysterectomy risks Hysterectomy carries the risks that come with any operation: bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs, and blood clots, plus longer exposure to general anesthesia. If your ovaries come out along with the uterus, you’ll enter menopause immediately. In the REST trial comparing the two directly, minor complications were more common after UFE than after surgery (34% versus 20%), while UFE still meant a shorter hospital stay and less pain in the first day. That higher minor-complication number covers things like cramping and short-lived discharge rather than hospital returns. Long-term effects to ask about Ask either doctor what happens to your periods, and what changes for your bladder and pelvic floor once the uterus is gone. Periods stopping altogether after UFE happens in fewer than 10% of cases, and it’s far more likely if you’re over 45. Bring both questions into whichever consultation you have next. Fertility and Future Pregnancy Pregnancy does happen after UFE, while removing the uterus ends the possibility for good, so if having a baby is still part of your plan, myomectomy usually becomes the stronger option. It removes the fibroids but leaves the uterus in place. A 2017 study in Radiology followed 359 women with fibroids who’d previously been unable to conceive. Over the following six years, 41.5% became pregnant at least once, and 131 gave birth. Even so, doctors typically steer women who are actively trying to conceive toward myomectomy instead of UFE, because head-to-head numbers favor it. In one trial of fibroids larger than 4 cm, 50% of women conceived after UFE compared with 78% after myomectomy. Myomectomy is a real surgical procedure with its own recovery, and fibroids can return afterward, but if pregnancy is the near-term goal, say that out loud at your consultation. Other treatments worth knowing Some take the fibroids out, some shrink them with heat or sound, and some just quiet the bleeding without touching the fibroid at all. ApproachProsConsBest forMyomectomyRemoves fibroids, keeps the uterus, and is recommended first for fertilitySurgical procedure with recovery time, and fibroids can returnWomen actively trying to conceiveRadiofrequency ablationSymptom severity scores improved 82% in one study, done outpatient10.4% needed a repeat procedure within 36 months in a pivotal trialWomen done with childbearing who want a shorter procedureMRI-guided focused ultrasoundNo incision, uses sound waves to shrink fibroidsHigher reintervention rate and less quality-of-life improvement than UFE per one review, and limited availabilityWomen who qualify anatomically and have access to the technologyHormonal IUD or medicationNon-surgical, can reduce bleeding significantlyDoesn’t shrink fibroids, and effects often stop when treatment stopsWomen who want a temporary, non-surgical way to manage bleeding Myomectomy Myomectomy takes the fibroids out and leaves your uterus behind, but it’s still surgery with real recovery time, and fibroids can grow back later. It’s the option worth discussing first if pregnancy is still on the table, for the reasons already covered above. Heat and Sound Treatments Radiofrequency and transcervical ablation cook fibroids down from the inside using heat, while MRI-guided focused ultrasound does the same job with sound waves passed through the skin. In one transcervical ablation trial of 50 women, total fibroid volume dropped 66.6% at one year, and 8% needed further surgery. Focused ultrasound has shown more repeat treatments and less improvement in quality of life compared with blocking the fibroid’s blood supply directly, and availability is limited to centers with the right equipment. Medication and Hormonal IUDs A hormonal IUD thins the uterine lining and can meaningfully lighten a heavy period, but it doesn’t shrink the fibroid causing it. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) medications shrink fibroids, but only for as long as you’re taking them, and symptoms typically return once you stop. When a hysterectomy is still right A suspected or confirmed cancer diagnosis Bleeding that has failed every other treatment Fibroids sitting where nothing else can reach them Simply being done and wanting one permanent fix University of Calgary researchers found nearly one in three Canadian women 60 and older have had a hysterectomy. Rates varied enough between education groups, 29.7% versus 14.7%, to suggest some of those procedures were avoidable. Cost and Insurance Coverage Insurance typically covers both UFE and hysterectomy as established medical treatments for fibroids, so coverage itself usually isn’t the deciding factor. What you owe out of pocket depends on your specific plan. Your own share comes down to your deductible, your coinsurance, whether the facility is in network, and whether your plan requires advance approval before scheduling. Have the office verify your benefits and handle any prior authorization, and ask exactly what the consultation with Prescott interventional radiologists includes, so you know the actual cost beforehand. Which option fits your situation? If pregnancy is still part of your plan, myomectomy is the stronger first move, for the reasons already covered. UFE tends to fit better when your family is complete and you need to get back to work and to your normal life fast. Hysterectomy may be the more realistic path if your fibroids are severe and other treatments have already failed you. Close to menopause, you may only need to get through a few more years of bleeding rather than decades, and that shifts the case away from a permanent procedure. An ultrasound or MRI (a scan that uses magnets to picture soft tissue inside the body) shows your fibroids’ size and location, and your doctor works from those findings before preference matters. Those findings are also what determine candidacy, so ask directly whether anything on your imaging rules UFE out for you. Questions to ask before surgery Why is this option being recommended for me specifically? Am I a candidate for UFE? Who reviewed my ultrasound or MRI? What happens if I wait six months and reassess? What does recovery really look like, week by week? Will my ovaries be affected by either option? What’s the chance I need further treatment later? What will this cost me under my insurance plan? Is there a non-surgical option I haven’t been told about? The Question Worth Asking Before You Sign Anything Ask what else your imaging allows before you agree to a hysterectomy. Your bleeding and pressure are worth treating, and you have more than one real way to treat them. If your imaging allows it, keeping your uterus can mean relief through a pinhole and a return to hiking, golf, or a full night’s sleep within a week or two. Hysterectomy is still there later if symptoms come back. A consultation doesn’t commit you to anything. Bring whatever ultrasound or MRI you already have, ask whether your plan needs a referral from your primary doctor, and expect a visit built around reviewing your imaging and explaining your options. Have a fibroid specialist look at your ultrasound or MRI and walk through both paths with you before you agree to surgery. Call (928) 771-8477 to schedule that consultation. Frequently Asked Questions Can you get pregnant after UFE? Yes, pregnancy can happen after UFE. A study following women who’d previously struggled to conceive found 41.5% became pregnant within six years of treatment. Is hysterectomy the only option for heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding? No. UFE (uterine fibroid embolization) blocks the blood supply feeding fibroids, shrinking them without removing the uterus. About 90% of women see less pressure, and over 90% see heavy bleeding stop or ease. What are the alternatives to hysterectomy for adenomyosis or bulky fibroids? Adenomyosis is a condition where uterine lining tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. Myomectomy removes fibroids surgically and keeps the uterus, while UFE shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply through a pinhole access point. Radiofrequency ablation is another option using heat instead of surgery. Are there alternatives to hysterectomy for endometrial hyperplasia or early-stage endometrial cancer? Endometrial hyperplasia means the lining of the uterus has grown abnormally thick. A hormonal IUD can thin the uterine lining and reduce bleeding tied to hyperplasia, though it doesn’t address a fibroid’s blood supply. Hysterectomy typically becomes the recommended path once cancer is confirmed. Why is UFE underutilized compared to hysterectomy? Doctors tend to recommend the treatment they perform every day, and gynecologic surgeons don’t always mention UFE. Hysterectomy rates vary widely by education and region, suggesting many procedures may be avoidable. Should I get a second opinion before agreeing to a hysterectomy for fibroids? Yes. A second opinion means having a fibroid specialist review your imaging before you sign anything. It can reveal whether UFE or myomectomy fits your case. How does UFE actually shrink a fibroid? An interventional radiologist threads a thin tube to the artery feeding the fibroid and releases tiny particles that block blood flow, similar to closing a valve on a hose. The fibroid shrinks into scar tissue over three to six months. How long is recovery after UFE compared to hysterectomy? UFE recovery usually takes one to two weeks, with most women home the same day. Hysterectomy recovery runs four to six weeks, often starting with an overnight hospital stay. Do fibroids come back after UFE? A treated fibroid doesn’t return since it turns into permanent scar tissue. New fibroids can develop later, and about a third of women eventually choose hysterectomy for new symptoms within ten years.