Uterine fibroid embolisation in Sydney
Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) is a procedure that treats symptomatic fibroids by reducing their blood supply. An interventional radiologist guides a thin tube through an artery and delivers tiny particles to the arteries feeding the fibroids. The fibroids then shrink gradually over time. UFE may be an option if heavy periods, pelvic pressure or pain are affecting your life and you want to keep your uterus. It does not involve an abdominal incision to remove the fibroids or uterus. Whether it is right for you depends on your symptoms, imaging findings and plans for future pregnancy. Dr Ryan McConnell is a Sydney interventional radiologist who assesses patients for UFE. This page explains how the procedure works, who it may suit, what recovery involves and the risks to consider. Book a consultation
How does uterine fibroid embolisation work?
Fibroids receive blood through arteries supplying the uterus. During UFE, Dr McConnell uses live X-ray imaging to guide a thin catheter from an artery in the wrist or groin to the uterine arteries. He then delivers tiny particles through the catheter to reduce blood flow to the fibroids. The fibroids do not disappear immediately. They gradually shrink after the procedure, which can reduce symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure. The uterus remains in place. The procedure is performed through a small puncture in the skin. The access site is numbed with local anaesthetic, and the team plans pain relief for the cramping that can begin as the embolisation takes effect.
Who may be suitable for uterine fibroid embolisation?
UFE may be worth considering if fibroids are causing heavy periods, pelvic pressure or pain, and you would like to keep your uterus. It may also appeal to people who would prefer a procedure performed through a small arterial puncture rather than surgery to remove fibroids. Suitability starts with confirming that fibroids are likely to be causing your symptoms. Dr McConnell will review your medical history and pelvic imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, to assess the number, size and location of the fibroids. If you have abnormal bleeding, your GP or gynaecologist may recommend further tests to check for other causes before treatment. Tell Dr McConnell if you hope to become pregnant in the future. Pregnancy is possible after UFE, but its effects on fertility and pregnancy need careful discussion. Depending on your circumstances, another treatment may be more appropriate. UFE is generally not recommended for fibroids that cause no symptoms. Active pelvic infection, pregnancy or a concern that a growth may be cancer also requires a different assessment and plan. Your consultation is an opportunity to weigh UFE against other options in light of your symptoms and priorities. Learn about uterine fibroids →
What are the potential benefits of UFE?
UFE aims to reduce fibroid-related bleeding, pain and pressure while keeping the uterus in place. It is performed through a small arterial puncture, with no abdominal incision to remove the fibroids. Several fibroids can be treated during the same procedure because the treatment targets their blood supply. UFE can offer a shorter recovery than some surgical options, but it is still a procedure that requires time to recover. Cramping and fatigue are common in the first days afterwards, and the fibroids shrink gradually rather than disappearing immediately.
How does UFE compare with surgery?
Myomectomy removes fibroids while keeping the uterus. Hysterectomy removes the uterus and is a definitive treatment for uterine fibroids. UFE keeps the uterus and treats fibroids without removing them. Each option has different implications for recovery, future pregnancy and the chance of needing another treatment. Some people have persistent or returning symptoms after UFE and need further treatment. The best choice depends on the fibroids, your symptoms and your priorities, and may involve discussion with both an interventional radiologist and a gynaecologist.What is recovery like after uterine fibroid embolisation?
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Pelvic cramping is common after UFE and can be strongest in the hours immediately following the procedure. Your hospital team will provide pain relief and monitor you afterwards. Some patients stay overnight before going home.
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Cramping may continue for several days. You may also feel tired or experience nausea or a mild fever as your body responds to the treatment. Your team will explain which symptoms to expect, how to take your medications and when to contact them.
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Plan for some time away from work and strenuous activity. Many people resume their usual activities within one to two weeks, although recovery varies. Dr McConnell will give you advice based on your procedure, your health and the demands of your work.
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Improvement is gradual. The fibroids shrink over the following months, so bleeding and pressure symptoms may take time to improve. Follow-up helps assess how you are recovering and whether your symptoms have changed.
What are the risks and side effects of UFE?
UFE is a medical procedure, and it is important to understand both the expected recovery and the possible complications before deciding whether it is right for you. Expected effects include pelvic cramping, tiredness and sometimes nausea or a mild fever in the days after treatment. Some people also experience vaginal discharge as a fibroid breaks down. Possible complications include bleeding or bruising at the wrist or groin puncture site, infection, injury to a blood vessel or the uterus, and a reaction to the X-ray contrast dye. A fibroid may occasionally pass into the uterine cavity and require further care. UFE can also affect ovarian function, with a greater concern about early menopause in people closer to menopause. Symptoms do not improve for everyone. Some people need further treatment because symptoms persist or return. UFE may also affect future fertility or pregnancy, so tell Dr McConnell if having a child is a priority for you.
Seek medical advice promptly after the procedure if you develop worsening pain, a persistent or high fever, feel increasingly unwell, or have foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Your discharge instructions will explain whom to contact and when to seek urgent care.
Discuss uterine fibroid embolisation with Dr McConnell
If fibroids are affecting your life, a consultation can help you understand whether UFE is suitable for you. Dr McConnell will review your symptoms and imaging, discuss your treatment goals and explain how UFE compares with other options relevant to your circumstances. If you have already had a pelvic ultrasound or MRI, bring the report and images if available. Let the team know if you hope to become pregnant, as this is an important part of the treatment discussion. Contact Dr McConnell’s practice to arrange an assessment. Book a consultation
Frequently asked questions about uterine fibroid embolisation
Is UFE the same as uterine artery embolisation?
The terms are often used interchangeably when embolisation is performed to treat fibroids. Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) names the condition being treated; uterine artery embolisation (UAE) describes the arteries treated during the procedure.
Will my fibroids disappear after UFE?
UFE aims to shrink fibroids and improve symptoms, rather than remove the fibroids. Shrinkage happens gradually and can continue for many months. How much an individual fibroid shrinks varies.
Will I need to stay in hospital?
Some patients stay overnight so the team can manage pain and monitor recovery. Dr McConnell will explain the expected hospital stay when planning your procedure.
Can I become pregnant after UFE?
Pregnancy is possible after UFE, but the effects of the procedure on fertility and pregnancy need careful discussion. If you want to have a child in the future, raise this before choosing a treatment so you can consider the available options with your specialists.
How much does uterine fibroid embolisation cost?
The cost of UFE depends on where the procedure is performed, your Medicare and private health insurance entitlements, and any hospital or other specialist charges that apply.
After assessing whether UFE is suitable for you, Dr McConnell’s team can provide a written estimate of the expected fees and out-of-pocket costs. If you have private health insurance, check your cover and any excess with your insurer before booking. The team can explain which costs are included in its estimate and whether you need to obtain separate information from the hospital or another provider.
You do not need to decide on treatment before understanding the likely cost. A consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss the procedure, other options and the financial information relevant to your circumstances.