Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), also called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), shrinks fibroids through a tiny puncture at the wrist or groin. No large surgical cut, and your uterus stays in place.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of muscle and fibrous tissue in or around the uterus. They vary in size and number, and often affect women during the reproductive years.
Prolonged bleeding that disrupts daily life.
A constant heaviness or pain in the lower abdomen.
A swollen or full-feeling abdomen.
Pressure on the bladder.
Pain that spreads from the pelvis.
Discomfort that affects intimacy.
Ongoing blood loss can leave you drained.
In some cases, fibroids affect conception or pregnancy.
UAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that blocks the blood supply to fibroids so they shrink gradually over time.
Through a small catheter placed at the wrist or groin, tiny embolic particles are delivered into the uterine arteries. With blood flow cut off, the fibroids shrink and your uterus is preserved.
General comparison. The right option depends on your fibroids, symptoms and plans, so your doctor will advise you.
| UAE | Myomectomy | Hysterectomy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Catheter, small puncture | Surgery | Major surgery |
| Uterus preserved | Yes | Yes | No |
| Surgical cuts | None large | Yes | Yes |
| Hospital stay | Usually about 24 hours | Typically longer | Typically longer |
| Recovery | Faster | Slower | Slowest |
UAE may be suitable if you:
Suitability is decided after a consultation and imaging.
MRI or ultrasound assesses the size and location of your fibroids.
A tiny catheter enters an artery at the wrist or groin under local anesthesia.
Tiny particles block blood flow to the fibroids through the uterine arteries.
Most patients go home within 24 hours and recover faster than after surgery.
What to expect once you are home.
Mild pelvic pain or cramping may occur temporarily. Most patients resume normal activities within a few days.
Fibroids gradually shrink and menstrual symptoms typically improve significantly.
Follow-up imaging may be recommended to check your progress.
Senior Consultant, Endo Vascular & Neuro Interventional Radiology
Dr. Dilip Kumar is Senior Consultant and Head of Neuro & Vascular Interventional Radiology at Aster MIMS, Kannur, Kerala. He specializes in advanced, minimally invasive image-guided procedures, including acute stroke thrombectomy, brain aneurysm coiling and laser treatment for varicose veins.
He previously worked at SGPGI (Lucknow) and Kovai Medical Centre and Hospitals (Coimbatore).
Advanced fibroid embolization procedures.
Women’s health treatments that avoid major surgery.
State-of-the-art imaging at every step.
Patient-focused plans built around you.
Faster recovery and an earlier return to routine.
Guidance before and after your procedure.
No. Fibroids are benign growths. Your doctor will still evaluate your imaging and symptoms.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Cramping or pelvic pain can occur for a short time afterwards and is managed with medication.
Most patients are discharged within about 24 hours.
Most patients resume normal activities within a few days. Your doctor will give you specific advice.
Fibroids shrink gradually over weeks to months, and menstrual symptoms typically improve significantly during this time.
If future pregnancy is important to you, tell your doctor at the first visit. Surgery may sometimes be a better option, and your doctor will help you choose.
Like any procedure, UAE has risks and may not suit everyone. Your doctor will explain them and whether UAE is right for you.
Book a consultation to find out whether UAE is right for you.
