Patient education: Uterine artery embolization (The Basics)

What is uterine artery embolization? — Uterine artery embolization (also called "UAE") is a treatment for fibroids. Fibroids are abnormal growths of tissue that form in the uterus, the part of the body that holds the baby when a person is pregnant.

UAE is also called "uterine fibroid embolization." It works by blocking the blood vessels that supply blood to fibroids, causing them to shrink. It is one of several ways that doctors treat fibroids.

Why might I get UAE? — UAE helps ease the heavy bleeding and lower belly pressure caused by some fibroids. Compared with surgery to treat fibroids, UAE:

●Takes less time

●Does not require any cuts (incisions) in the belly

●Has a shorter recovery time

What are the downsides of UAE? — Compared with people treated with surgery, people treated with UAE are more likely to need another treatment (such as surgery) to control heavy bleeding.

UAE does not work well on certain types of fibroids. Also, if you think that you might want to get pregnant in the future, UAE might not be the best treatment option. Your doctor can help you decide if UAE is right for you.

What happens during UAE? — If you are having UAE, you will be treated in a hospital. You will get "anesthesia" medicines to block pain in the lower half of your body and make you feel relaxed. But you will stay awake.

The doctor will insert a thin tube (called a "catheter") into the artery at the top of 1 leg. Then, they will push it up to your uterus. With the tube in place, the doctor will inject a special dye that can be seen on X-rays. This is so the doctor can see the arteries that bring blood to the fibroid. Next, the doctor will inject a material (similar to tiny plastic beads) into the artery. This blocks block the blood flow to the fibroid (figure 1). Afterward, they will repeat the same steps on the other side.

The procedure takes about 1 hour. You will likely stay in the hospital overnight, where nurses can check you and give you pain medicines.

What happens after UAE? — Most people have lower belly pain and cramping after the procedure. These symptoms are usually most noticeable for the first 2 days after the procedure. They can last up to 7 days. Some people have discharge or bleeding from the vagina for 2 weeks after UAE. Sometimes, the bleeding lasts for months.

Some people also:

●Feel sick to their stomach (nausea)

●Throw up (vomit)

●Have a fever

●Feel tired and achy

If you have these symptoms, your doctor can prescribe pain relievers and other medicines to treat them.

You should see your doctor for several follow-up visits during the first year after UAE. This way, they can make sure that the procedure worked.

What if I want to get pregnant? — It is possible to get pregnant after UAE. But if you have had UAE, pregnancy might not be safe for you or your baby. Because of this, doctors advise people who want to get pregnant not to have this procedure if possible. They also recommend using birth control after the procedure to avoid pregnancy.

More on this topic

Patient education: Uterine fibroids (The Basics)
Patient education: Anesthesia (The Basics)

Patient education: Uterine fibroids (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Abnormal uterine bleeding (Beyond the Basics)