What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Are you sick of painful periods, extremely heavy bleeding or constant pressure in your belly? You may have fibroids—and surgery is not the only option to treat them.

Uterine fibroids are common, especially in women between 30 and 50 years of age. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that are able to make your life miserable. Surgery is no longer your only option. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical procedure that may be the answer for you.

This blog will explain what UFE is, how it works, why it is effective—and how you can get the treatment, especially if you're looking for uterine fibroid embolization in Delhi

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are solid, muscular tumors that develop on or inside the uterus. They may be the size of a coin or the size of a grapefruit and can cause troubling symptoms.

Symptoms:

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
  • Pain in the lower belly or back
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Painful sex
  • Bloating or pressure
  • Fertility problems

According to AIIMS and ICMR studies, more than 25% of Indian women of childbearing age have fibroids, and many are suffering in silence.

What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

UFE is a minimally invasive, image-guided technique that treats fibroids and symptoms. UFE separates the blood supply from the fibroids so that they gradually shrink over time.

How Does It Work?

  • A small incision is made in the groin or wrist (approximately 1 to 2 mm).
  • A long, thin tube (catheter) is guided through the blood vessels to the uterus.
  • Small particles are injected to restrict/block blood flow to the fibroids.
  • No blood flow = no growth. Gradually, the fibroids will shrink.

Note: Research shows that nearly 90% of women report improvements afterward.

Is UFE Safe?

Yes. UFE is FDA regulated and has been performed around the world for many years. It is considered to be a low-risk procedure with fewer complications compared to surgery.

  • Some safety factors to consider are as follows:
  • No general anesthesia
  • No stitches
  • Minimal risk of infection
  • Minimal blood loss
  • Quick recovery (3 to 7 days)

Most patients recover and go home the same day or tomorrow.

Who is UFE for?

UFE is best for women who:

Have moderate to severe symptoms from fibroids.

  • Do not want to pursue surgery
  • Are not planning to become pregnant in the short term.
  • Require a quick recovery and fewer side effects.

If you are actively trying to conceive, please talk to a specialist first. If pregnancy is your primary goal, UFE may not be the best option right now.

A Step-by-Step Overview: What to Expect During UFE?

1. Pre-Procedure Testing

You will either get an MRI or ultrasound to confirm that you have fibroids and to rule out other abnormalities as well as to determine the size and location of your fibroids.

2. The Day of the Procedure

The doctor will give you local anesthesia (you will be awake for the procedure).

3. Recovery

  • You will rest in the clinic or hospital for a few hours.
  • Most women feel cramping or mild pain for one to two days.
  • It typically takes 7-10 days for a full recovery.

Benefits of UFE over Surgery

UFE has benefits over surgery (hysterectomy or myomectomy):

  • Less invasive: No cutting into the uterus
  • Faster recovery: You will be back to normal in a week
  • Less expensive: Less time in the hospital = less cost

You can keep your uterus intact!

Why do Indian women choose UFE?

There are many reasons, but a few of the most common are: 

  • They may have fears of surgery and a long time off from work.
  • With UFE, they don't have to remove the uterus and they don't have to be off work for long.
  • This allows them to return to work and their families quickly

Real-World Example

Neha, a 38-year-old teacher from Delhi, suffered from heavy periods and continuous bloating. She had been avoiding surgery for several years. When her doctor from Essentia Medicals evaluated her and recommended uterine fibroid embolization in Delhi, she decided to give it a shot.

One week later, she was back at work—with no pain for the first time in a long time.

What to Expect After Your UFE

Recovery time frame

  • Day 1–2: Mild pain/cramps (medications help)
  • Day 3–5: Symptoms begin to improve
  • Week 2: Light activities resume
  • Month 3–6: Fibroids shrink, major symptoms improve

Possible side effects

  • Cramping
  • Light spotting
  • Mild nausea or fatigue

Typically, these side effects go away within days.

Low recurrence rate (most don’t require retreatment)

Why Work With Us?

  • Specialist interventional radiologists
  • Advanced imaging and technology
  • Fast diagnosis and individualised care
  • Less formalities and faster healing

Let us help you feel better, without surgery, stitches, or downtime.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from fibroids and do not want a surgery, uterine fibroid embolization is a very impactful opportunity that is safe, effective, and friendly to your uterus. At Essentia Medicals, we offer a range of non-surgical treatment options for your uterine fibroids with safe, innovative procedures including uterine fibroid embolization.

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