When fibroid symptoms begin affecting daily life, one of the biggest
questions patients may face is whether they need a hysterectomy or
whether there is a less invasive treatment option.

For some patients, the answer may be
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also known as
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE).

UFE is an image-guided procedure performed by an interventional
radiologist. Rather than surgically removing the uterus, UFE targets
the blood vessels supplying uterine fibroids so the fibroids gradually
shrink.

VIP Specialists provides

Uterine Fibroid Embolization in Visalia, California

for appropriate patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to
treat symptomatic uterine fibroids.

During UFE, an interventional radiologist guides a thin catheter
through an artery and toward the arteries supplying the uterus.
Small embolic particles are delivered through the catheter to reduce
blood flow to the fibroids.

As the treated fibroids lose their blood supply, they gradually shrink.
Fibroid-related symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain,
and pressure may improve as the fibroids shrink.

What Is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. It can be performed
using several surgical approaches depending on the patient’s condition,
anatomy, fibroid size, and other factors.

Because the uterus is removed, a hysterectomy is considered definitive
treatment for uterine fibroids. Fibroids cannot recur in a uterus that
is no longer present.

Pregnancy is also no longer possible after a hysterectomy.

UFE vs. Hysterectomy: What’s the Main Difference?

UFE vs. Hysterectomy Comparison

Which Treatment Has a Faster Recovery?

UFE generally has a shorter recovery period than hysterectomy.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is often performed as an outpatient
procedure, although some patients remain overnight. Patients commonly
experience pelvic cramping and discomfort during the initial recovery.

Recovery after hysterectomy varies depending on whether the procedure
is performed abdominally, vaginally, laparoscopically, or using another
surgical technique.

Major activity restrictions following hysterectomy can continue for
several weeks.

Which Treatment Is More Effective for Fibroids?

Both UFE and hysterectomy can provide relief from symptoms caused by
uterine fibroids, but they accomplish this in different ways.

Hysterectomy is definitive because the uterus is removed. This means
uterine fibroids cannot develop again.

UFE preserves the uterus and can significantly improve symptoms for
many patients, but some patients may experience persistent or recurrent
symptoms and require additional treatment later.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,
studies have found UFE effective for many patients, although a portion
of patients later require another fibroid procedure or surgery.

Can UFE Help You Avoid a Hysterectomy?

For some patients, yes.

UFE may be considered as an alternative to hysterectomy for patients
with symptomatic uterine fibroids who want to keep their uterus and
whose condition is appropriate for embolization.

However, avoiding hysterectomy should not automatically be the goal for
every patient. There are situations where hysterectomy may be the more
appropriate treatment.

A complete evaluation can help determine which treatment options make
sense for your specific situation.

Who Might Consider UFE?

What About Fertility After UFE vs. Hysterectomy?

This is one of the most important differences between the two
procedures.

Pregnancy is not possible after hysterectomy because the uterus
has been removed.

UFE does not remove the uterus. Pregnancies have occurred following
UFE, but the effect of the procedure on future fertility and pregnancy
is not completely understood.

Patients who want to become pregnant in the future should discuss
their goals with both their OB-GYN and interventional radiologist
before choosing a fibroid treatment.

Does UFE Stop Your Period?

UFE is not intended to eliminate menstruation in the way hysterectomy
does.

One goal of UFE for patients experiencing heavy fibroid-related
bleeding is to reduce abnormal bleeding as the treated fibroids shrink.

There is a risk of changes in ovarian function after UFE, particularly
in older premenopausal patients. Your physician can explain how age
and individual risk factors may affect this consideration.

Does a Hysterectomy Always Remove the Ovaries?

No. Removing the uterus and removing the ovaries are different
procedures.

Depending on the reason for surgery, a hysterectomy may or may not
include removal of one or both ovaries.

Patients considering hysterectomy should ask their surgeon exactly
which organs are expected to be removed and what that means for
hormones, menopause, and long-term health.

How Do You Know Which Fibroid Treatment Is Right for You?

Choosing between UFE, hysterectomy, myomectomy, medication, or another
treatment should be based on more than the size of a fibroid alone.

Your healthcare team may consider your symptoms, number and location
of fibroids, imaging findings, age, general health, prior treatments,
pregnancy goals, desire to preserve the uterus, and how much your
symptoms affect your quality of life.

Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to better understand
the size and location of your fibroids before a treatment is
recommended.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization in Visalia, CA

Patients in Visalia, Tulare County, and California’s Central Valley
who are experiencing symptoms from uterine fibroids may have treatment
options beyond hysterectomy.

VIP Specialists provides Uterine Fibroid Embolization and other
minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures at its Visalia
office.

A consultation can help determine whether your symptoms and imaging
findings make UFE an appropriate option to discuss.

Frequently Asked Questions About UFE vs. Hysterectomy