Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Treatment in Los Angeles

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is an advanced, image-guided procedure used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Rather than surgically removing fibroids or the uterus, UFE/UAE works by reducing blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink naturally over time.

The result: meaningful symptom relief with less downtime and no major surgery.

For patients experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, or other symptoms caused by uterine fibroids, UFE provides another treatment option to consider alongside traditional surgical approaches. Because treatment is delivered through a small catheter rather than a surgical incision, UFE can be particularly appealing to patients looking for a minimally invasive, uterus-sparing approach.

How UFE Treatment Works

Using advanced imaging guidance:

1. A small catheter is inserted through a small access site, typically in the wrist or groin
2. The catheter is guided to the uterine arteries supplying the fibroids
3. Tiny particles are delivered to reduce blood flow to the fibroids
4. The fibroids gradually shrink, helping relieve bleeding, pressure, and pain symptoms

The procedure is precise, targeted, and performed without open surgery.

 Unlike procedures that physically remove individual fibroids, UFE targets the blood vessels supplying them. Reducing this blood supply causes treated fibroids to shrink gradually. This approach also allows multiple fibroids to be treated during the same procedure when appropriate.

Benefits of UFE Treatment at ELMNT IR

Compared to traditional surgical treatments, UFE offers:

• Minimally invasive treatment with no large incision
• Uterus-sparing approach
• Shorter recovery than hysterectomy or myomectomy
• Ability to treat multiple fibroids at once
• Outpatient or short-stay procedure in many cases

For many patients, UFE provides meaningful symptom improvement while avoiding major surgery.

Choosing a fibroid treatment is a personal decision. The right option depends on the size, number, and location of the fibroids, the symptoms they are causing, overall health, and individual treatment and reproductive goals. At ELMNT IR, each patient is evaluated individually to determine whether embolization is an appropriate option.

What to Expect from a Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment

Before the procedure:

• Imaging and evaluation to confirm candidacy
• Review of symptoms, fibroid anatomy, and treatment goals
• Coordination with referring physician
• Pre-procedure instructions

Before recommending UFE, the ELMNT IR team reviews your symptoms and available imaging to better understand how fibroids are affecting you. This evaluation also provides an opportunity to discuss previous treatments, medical history, reproductive goals, and questions about the procedure.

During the procedure:

• Typically performed with moderate sedation
• Catheter-based treatment through a small access site
• Advanced imaging used throughout the procedure
• Minimal to moderate discomfort during treatment

Because UFE does not require open surgery, there is no large abdominal incision. The interventional radiologist uses real-time imaging to navigate the catheter and precisely deliver treatment to the targeted blood vessels.

After the procedure:

• Same-day discharge or short observation in many cases
• Cramping, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, or nausea may occur temporarily
• Symptoms improve gradually as fibroids shrink

Patients receive individualized recovery instructions before leaving ELMNT IR. Some discomfort is expected after embolization, particularly during the first few days, and the care team will discuss what to expect and how to manage post-procedure symptoms.

UFE Recovery Timeline

• Rest is typically needed for several days
• Many patients return to light activity within about a week
• Bleeding and pressure symptoms often improve over weeks to months
• Follow-up is used to monitor symptom improvement and recovery

Recovery varies from patient to patient. Unlike a procedure that immediately removes a fibroid, UFE works gradually. As treated fibroids lose their blood supply and shrink, patients can expect to see a reduction in symptoms such as heavy periods, pelvic pressure, bloating, and discomfort.

Who is a Good Candidate for UFE Treatment?

UFE may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have symptomatic uterine fibroids
• Experience heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or pain
• Want to avoid surgery such as hysterectomy or myomectomy 
• Prefer a uterus-sparing option
• Have fibroid anatomy suitable for embolization

A consultation and imaging review are required to confirm eligibility.

Patients do not need to determine on their own whether their symptoms or fibroids qualify for UFE. A consultation with an interventional radiologist can help clarify available options and whether embolization fits their individual needs.

Clinical Considerations

UFE is performed by interventional radiologists with specialized training in image-guided embolization procedures.

Not all fibroids are best treated with embolization, and treatment decisions depend on symptoms, imaging findings, reproductive goals, and overall health. ELMNT IR works closely with referring providers to ensure appropriate patient selection and coordinated care. 

Patients interested in future pregnancy should discuss reproductive goals during treatment planning.

UFE vs. Traditional Fibroid Treatments

Traditional procedures such as hysterectomy or myomectomy involve surgical removal of the uterus or fibroids and may require longer recovery.

UFE offers a different approach: