Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that effectively shrinks fibroids and relieves symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure.
During your procedure, your Fresno Fibroid Center provider inserts a thin catheter — either through an artery in your upper thigh or through a small puncture in your radial artery in your wrist — to access the blood supply that feeds your fibroids. We then inject tiny particles to block blood flow to your fibroids. Without enough blood, your fibroids (and your symptoms!) shrink.
But what happens after that? If you’ve recently had UFE or are considering it, understanding what to expect after your procedure can help you prepare for your recovery.
Here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of our Fresno Fibroid Center team.
The procedure takes just about an hour or two, and afterward, you’ll spend a few hours in the recovery area while our team monitors your vital signs and makes sure you’re stable.
Some patients go home the same day — usually within 4-6 hours — while others may need an overnight hospital stay.
You can expect mild to moderate pain, cramping, and nausea in the first 24 to 48 hours, but we’ll prescribe medications to help manage discomfort as needed.
For the first few days, you may experience:
While your downtime is much less than a traditional open surgery to remove fibroids, you still need to rest. Avoid strenuous activities, and focus on hydration, a balanced diet, and taking prescribed pain relievers if needed.
You might consider stocking your freezer with easy-to-heat meals so you don’t have to cook too much after your procedure.
The good news is that the incision needed to access the femoral artery in your thigh is very small. You won’t have any large incisions to care for.
UFE effectively shrinks fibroids, but it doesn’t work overnight. It can take time for the fibroid to shrink in response to the reduced blood supply. Over the next few weeks, your body will begin breaking down and reabsorbing the fibroids.
As this happens, you may continue to experience:
Most women return to work and normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks, though you should avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise for about a month.
Your fibroids will continue to shrink over the next few months. You can also expect follow-up appointments at our Fresno, California, office.
Most women see full benefits within 3-6 months, including lighter periods, less pelvic pressure, and improved quality of life. In addition to reducing physical symptoms, treating fibroids can improve mental health and overall quality of life.
One of the biggest advantages of UFE is that it spares your uterus and can be a good option for women who want to grow their families. That being said, if you’re planning on having more children, wait at least 6-12 months before trying to conceive. This gives your uterus time to heal and the fibroids a chance to shrink.
While recovery is generally smooth, contact us at Fresno Fibroid Center provider if you experience:
To learn more about UFE or to find out if it’s right for you, request a free consultation at (559) 436-4737 or book an appointment online now.
