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Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) FAQs: What Women in Columbia and Mid-Missouri Should Know

uterine fibroid embolization Columbia Missouri

By Image Guided Solutions of Missouri
Based on guidance from Kavi Devulapalli, MD, interventional radiologist, IGS Missouri

Uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE, is a minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids that reduces blood flow to the fibroids so they shrink over time. UFE preserves the uterus and can be an alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy for appropriately selected patients. Image Guided Solutions of Missouri offers UFE in Columbia, Missouri, for women throughout Mid-Missouri who want to understand their options for heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, frequent urination, and other fibroid-related symptoms.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Questions and Answers

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a proven, minimally invasive treatment for fibroids that cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, or bladder symptoms. It can treat multiple fibroids without removing the uterus or making a surgical incision in it. At Image Guided Solutions of Missouri in Columbia, we help patients decide whether UFE fits their symptoms, imaging, and goals.

Why patients choose UFE

UFE offers a practical combination: substantial symptom relief, preservation of the uterus, treatment of several fibroids in one procedure, and a return to normal activity for many patients in about a week. It is often done as outpatient care. These benefits matter if heavy periods or pressure symptoms have been disrupting work, exercise, sleep, or daily life and you want to know your options before agreeing to surgery. SIR has published quality improvement guidance covering patient selection, evaluation, and performance of the procedure.

What are uterine fibroids?

Fibroids are common, usually benign growths of uterine muscle. Their size and location matter as much as their number: some cause no problems, while others lead to heavy periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, constipation, or pain. A consultation and pelvic imaging help determine whether fibroids are actually responsible for your symptoms.

What is UFE, and how does it work?

UFE is an image-guided procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Through a small catheter placed in an artery at the wrist or groin, the physician delivers tiny particles into the arteries that feed the fibroids. The fibroids lose much of their blood supply, then shrink and soften over time. The uterus stays in place. You may also hear the procedure called uterine artery embolization, or UAE.

How does UFE compare with hysterectomy and myomectomy?

Hysterectomy removes the uterus and is a definitive treatment for fibroids. Myomectomy surgically removes selected fibroids while preserving the uterus. UFE reduces blood flow to fibroids through a small catheter and can treat several fibroids in one session without an incision in the uterus. Recovery is generally shorter than after hysterectomy or abdominal myomectomy. UFE is especially appealing when you want to preserve your uterus and avoid the recovery associated with surgery. The best choice depends on your fibroid anatomy, pregnancy plans, and preferences.

Who might be a candidate?

UFE is worth discussing when fibroids are causing meaningful symptoms and you want to keep your uterus or avoid surgery. We review your symptoms, prior treatments, imaging, and medical history. Ultrasound or MRI can show the number, location, and characteristics of fibroids; MRI may be useful when the diagnosis or treatment plan is uncertain. Pregnancy, active pelvic infection, concern for cancer, and some other conditions can change the recommendation. You may contact an interventional radiologist directly; a referral from an OB-GYN is not required to start a conversation.

What happens during treatment?

UFE is commonly performed with sedation and pain control. The interventional radiologist guides a catheter into the uterine arteries under X-ray imaging and delivers embolic particles. Afterward, the team monitors pain and recovery. Many patients go home the same day, although some need overnight observation. Your team will explain the specific plan before treatment.

What is recovery like?

Cramping can be significant during the first day or two. Fatigue, nausea, and a low-grade fever can also occur for several days. We plan pain control and follow-up around this predictable recovery period. Many patients return to ordinary activities within about a week, but the pace varies with symptoms and the demands of work and home.

When will I feel better?

Bleeding may improve over the first few cycles. Pressure and urinary symptoms can take longer as fibroids shrink; improvement often unfolds over months. We will discuss what to expect from your particular fibroids and when to contact us if symptoms persist.

How well does UFE work?

UFE works well for most appropriately selected patients. The Society of Interventional Radiology reports that about nine in ten patients have significant improvement in their fibroid symptoms or see those symptoms go away completely. By reducing blood flow to the fibroids, UFE helps them shrink and can relieve heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, and bladder symptoms. It can treat multiple fibroids during the same procedure while preserving the uterus. We review your symptoms and imaging to determine whether UFE is a good fit for you.

Can UFE treat multiple fibroids?

Often, yes. Treating the uterine arteries can affect several fibroids in the same procedure. The location and blood supply of each fibroid still influence whether UFE is likely to address your symptoms.

Can I become pregnant after UFE?

Yes, pregnancies and live births have occurred after UFE. UFE preserves the uterus, but it cannot guarantee fertility or a particular pregnancy outcome. Studies comparing pregnancy outcomes after UFE and myomectomy have important limitations, so there is no single answer for every patient. If pregnancy is a goal, tell us early. We will review your age, fertility history, fibroid location, and other options with you; an OB-GYN or fertility specialist can be involved when appropriate. Myomectomy may be a better choice for some patients, and UFE may still be considered in selected circumstances after a careful discussion.

Does UFE cause menopause?

Most patients continue to have menstrual cycles after UFE. A decline in ovarian function or earlier menopause is an uncommon but important possibility, particularly closer to the usual age of menopause. Age and individual vascular anatomy affect risk, so we discuss it during consultation.

What are the risks?

Risks include access-site bleeding or bruising, infection, injury to a blood vessel or the uterus, a reaction to contrast, passage of fibroid tissue, or persistent symptoms. Ovarian function and future pregnancy deserve specific discussion when relevant. Rarely, a presumed fibroid may represent another diagnosis. We review your imaging and health history before recommending treatment.

Will insurance cover UFE?

Many plans cover UFE when medical-necessity criteria are met, but benefits, documentation, and prior authorization vary. Our team can help you understand the next steps for your plan.

Where can I learn whether UFE is right for me?

Image Guided Solutions of Missouri offers UFE consultations and treatment in Columbia for patients throughout Mid-Missouri. Tell us about your symptoms, prior fibroid treatment, imaging, and goals. Complete the UFE qualification form or call 573-499-6545 to start a conversation.

This page is educational and does not replace an individual consultation or informed consent. Treatment recommendations depend on your medical history and imaging.

Where can I get uterine fibroid embolization in Columbia, Missouri?

Image Guided Solutions of Missouri provides uterine fibroid embolization in Columbia, Missouri, for appropriately selected patients from Columbia, Mid-Missouri, and surrounding communities.
Dr. Kavi Devulapalli is an interventional radiologist specializing in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. Patients can start by sharing their diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatments, imaging, and treatment goals.

Want to know whether UFE may fit your situation?

Complete the short qualification form or contact Image Guided Solutions of Missouri at 573-499-6545. See if you qualify for UFE

Is UFE the same as uterine artery embolization (UAE)?

UAE is the technical term for embolizing the uterine arteries. When the treatment is for fibroids, it is commonly called UFE.

Is UFE an alternative to hysterectomy?

For many patients, yes. UFE treats symptomatic fibroids while preserving the uterus. An evaluation helps determine which option fits your goals.

How long is recovery after UFE?

Cramping and fatigue are common for the first several days. Many patients resume usual activities in about a week, although recovery varies.

Can I become pregnant after UFE?

Pregnancy is possible after UFE. If you hope to become pregnant, discuss your fibroids and the available treatments with your care team because fertility and pregnancy outcomes vary.

Where is UFE available in Mid-Missouri?

Image Guided Solutions of Missouri offers uterine fibroid embolization in Columbia, Missouri, for appropriately selected patients from Columbia, Mid-Missouri, and surrounding communities.



This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Symptoms, diagnosis, candidacy, risks, benefits, future pregnancy considerations, and treatment recommendations should be discussed with qualified healthcare professionals.

Sources and Medical References