Estera of Northeast Pennsylvania
Center for Veins and Joints

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Our Embolization Services:

What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also known as Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus.

UFE works by blocking the blood flow that feeds the fibroids, causing them to shrink and symptoms to improve, all without surgery or hysterectomy.

How It Works

During the procedure, an interventional radiologist:

  • Inserts a thin catheter through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin.
  • Uses real-time X-ray imaging to guide the catheter to the uterine arteries that supply the fibroids.
  • Injects microscopic particles that block blood flow to the fibroids while preserving blood supply to the rest of the uterus.

Over time, the fibroids shrink, and symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure begin to subside.

Benefits of UFE
  • Minimally invasive – No incisions or surgical scars
  • Preserves the uterus – A non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy
  • Quick recovery – Most patients return to normal activity within a week
  • Significant symptom relief – Most women experience major improvement in bleeding, pain, and bloating
  • Outpatient procedure – Typically performed in under two hours with light sedation
Who Is a Candidate

You may be a good candidate for UFE if you:

  • Have symptomatic uterine fibroids causing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, or pain
  • Want to avoid major surgery and preserve your uterus
  • Have not found relief from medication or hormone therapy
  • Prefer a faster recovery and less downtime

UFE is not typically recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon. Your Estera physician will review all considerations during your consultation.

What to Expect After Treatment

  • Most women go home the same day or after an overnight stay.
  • Mild cramping and fatigue are common for a few days.
  • Pain relief and reduction in bleeding usually begin within weeks, with continued improvement over several months as the fibroids shrink.

Empowering Women with Choices

At Estera, our interventional team specializes in uterine-sparing treatments that offer relief without surgery. If fibroids are affecting your quality of life, schedule a consultation to see if Uterine Fibroid Embolization is the right choice for you.

1. Recovery and Healing

Your recovery depends on the type of treatment you receive:

After a minimally invasive procedure (such as angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy):

Most patients use our same-day in-house treatment and go home afterward. You may notice relief from leg pain within days as blood flow improves. Mild soreness or bruising at the incision site is normal and should be resolved within a week.

2. Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure your arteries stay open and healthy. These visits may include:

  • Ultrasound or vascular imaging to check blood flow
  • Medication review and adjustments to prevent new blockages
  • Wound checks if you had an incision or ulcer prior to treatment

The Estera team monitors your progress closely and works with you to keep your circulation strong.

3. Lifestyle and Long-Term Management

Successful treatment is just the beginning. To maintain the results and prevent recurrence, you’ll be encouraged to:

  • Stop smoking completely – this is the single most crucial step you can take
  • Exercise regularly, especially walking, to strengthen your leg muscles and improve blood flow
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
  • Manage underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol
4. When to Call Your Doctor

Contact us right away if you experience:

  • New or worsening leg pain or numbness
  • Swelling, redness, or drainage at the incision site
  • Fever, chills, or sudden color changes in your foot or toes

Prompt attention helps prevent complications and keeps your recovery on track.

5. Moving Forward

Most patients experience significant improvement in walking distance, energy, and quality of life after treatment. Our team remains your long-term partner in vascular health, helping you stay active, independent, and pain-free.

Stay in the loop

Subscribe to our free newsletter

View Our Privacy Policy here.