Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A Non-Surgical Alternative to Hysterectomy

For many years, women with uterine fibroids have been given a single option for lasting, real relief: a hysterectomy, which is the complete removal of the uterus. It’s a message that has led countless women to major surgery and long hospital stays and then months of rehabilitation, sometimes leaving them feeling that they have no other choice.

But there is a choice. And it is one that more and more women are discovering every day.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a highly effective, non-surgical treatment that eliminates the symptoms associated with fibroids without the need to remove the uterus, and without a single incision. At South Florida Vascular Associates, UFE is one of our most transformative treatments, and for many of our patients, it is nothing short of a life-changing experience.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the muscular wall of the uterus, and are very common. Research shows that as many as 80% of women develop fibroids at some point in their lives, although not every woman experiences the symptoms.

For those who experience the symptoms, fibroids can cause a lot of trouble. They may cause the following symptoms, depending on their size, quantity and position:

• Prolonged or heavy periods, sometimes leading to anemia
• Mild discomfort or pressure in the pelvis, which may worsen to debilitating cramping
• Frequent urination or having trouble emptying the bladder completely
• Enlarged abdomen or bloating, which can sometimes be described as looking or feeling pregnant
• Pain during intercourse
• Lower back or leg pain
• Facing difficulty when trying to conceive or complications during pregnancy

While the physical toll feels real, the emotional toll matters just as much. For many women, years pass before they get help, managing heavy periods, cancelling plans, and living around their symptoms in the meantime. If reading this rings a bell, know that you still have a chance to make your tomorrow better.

The Traditional Approach: Why a Hysterectomy Isn’t Always the Answer

Historically, the most common surgery performed for symptomatic fibroids is a hysterectomy, and it may still be the appropriate option in some cases. It is also a major surgery, one that permanently ends a woman’s ability to conceive, and requires general anesthesia, and several days of staying in the hospital, followed by four to six weeks of recovery.

For many women, especially those who haven’t completed their families yet, or do not want to lose their uterus in a major surgery, a hysterectomy is something more than they are willing or able to accept.

This is exactly when UFE enters the conversation and changes the perspective.

What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist, a trained specialist in treating conditions from within the body using imaging guidance, without the need for open surgery.

Here is how this works:
A small puncture is made in the wrist or groin through which a flexible tube (catheter) is inserted. The physician uses real-time X-ray imaging, called fluoroscopy, to guide the catheter through the bloodstream to the uterine arteries (the blood vessels that supply the fibroids).

Once it is positioned, tiny particles (about the size of a grain of sand) are released into the arteries. These particles prevent the blood flow from reaching the fibroids, thus depriving them of their blood supply and preventing them from surviving and growing. Without the blood flow, these fibroids start shrinking, typically about 40 to 60 percent, and the symptoms improve dramatically.

No damage is done to the uterus. Normal uterine tissues have multiple sources of blood supply and recover fully. Only the fibroids are affected, as they only rely on that particular blood supply.

The entire procedure takes about an hour. Patients are discharged on the same day or after a short overnight observation.

What to Expect: Recovery and Results

One of the most important benefits of UFE over surgery is the recovery experience.

Cramping and pelvic discomfort for a few days are common post-procedure effects of UFE for some patients. This is a normal response of the fibroids, as they begin to shrink. This can be easily managed with pain medications as prescribed by your physician. Most patients get back to their desk work within one to two weeks and complete their normal schedule within two to three weeks.

Compare that to the four to six weeks, or longer, required after a hysterectomy, and the difference speaks for itself.

UFE is very successful in terms of outcome. Most patients notice an improvement in their most bothersome symptoms, such as a substantial decrease in menstrual bleeding, alleviation of pelvic pain and pressure and better quality of life. The majority of patients say they wish they had been treated earlier.

Is UFE Right for You?

While UFE is a good choice for many women with fibroids that cause symptoms, it is not the right procedure for every woman. An in-depth consultation and imaging assessment can help determine whether the UFE procedure is the right option for your case.

UFE may be appropriate for your case if:

• You have fibroids that are causing symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pain or pelvic pressure
• You want to preserve your uterus
• You are not yet done with family planning, or you wish to keep the option open
• You want to avoid the complications and long recovery time associated with surgery
• You have not experienced any relief from previous treatments, such as hormone therapy

UFE may not be the right procedure for some women, including pregnant women, or those who have certain infections or clotting disorders. This is why a personalized assessment is important.

Why South Florida Vascular Associates for UFE?

UFE is a mainstay treatment at South Florida Vascular Associates. Dr. William Julien is a board-certified interventional radiologist with over 40,000 procedures to his name, and his expertise in UFE has helped hundreds of women in South Florida take back their lives from fibroids without losing their uterus or their time.

Our approach is rooted in genuine patient partnership. We listen to your concerns, discuss the options available to you, and make sure you are well-informed and empowered before you make a decision. We offer personalized, expert-led care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.

We also welcome patients from outside South Florida, including Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America, and we’ll work with you to coordinate every aspect of your visit to ensure a seamless experience.

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Suffering and Surgery

Uterine fibroids are very common. But suffering from them doesn’t have to be.

If you have been dealing with heavy periods, pelvic pain, or just hoping that these symptoms will get better on their own, it is time to explore whether UFE will be suitable in your case. This procedure does not require a long recovery time and allows you to return to your normal life within weeks.

Contact South Florida Vascular Associates today at (954) 725-4141 or request an online consultation to find out if UFE is right for you.

FAQs

1. How is UFE different from a hysterectomy? 
UFE shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply without removing the uterus. It requires no surgical incision, uses local anesthesia, and allows most patients to recover within one to two weeks.

2. Does UFE treat all fibroids at once? 
Yes. Unlike surgical options that target individual fibroids, UFE treats all fibroids simultaneously, regardless of size or location, in a single procedure, making it a comprehensive and efficient solution.

3. Can I still get pregnant after UFE? 
Pregnancy after UFE is possible for some women, though outcomes vary. We strongly encourage patients who wish to preserve fertility to discuss their goals openly during a personalized consultation with our team.

4. Is UFE a painful procedure? 
UFE is performed with local anesthesia and sedation. Post-procedure cramping is common for a few days but is manageable with prescribed medication. Most patients find recovery far more comfortable than anticipated.

5. How soon will I notice symptom improvement after UFE? 
Many patients notice reduced bleeding within their first menstrual cycle after UFE. Pelvic pressure and pain typically continue improving over several weeks as the fibroids progressively shrink in size.

6. Is UFE covered by insurance? 
UFE is FDA-approved and covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare. Our team will work with you to verify your specific coverage and help navigate the authorization process smoothly.