Uterine fibroid embolisation (Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for fibroids)
A keyhole, X-ray-guided treatment that blocks the blood supply to womb fibroids so they shrink, easing heavy periods and pressure symptoms without removing the womb.
✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review
In short
- Embolisation shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply, easing heavy periods and pressure, while keeping the womb — it does not remove the fibroids.
- Most people get good symptom relief, but a minority need further treatment, sometimes including surgery or hysterectomy, later on.
- Recovery takes about 1 to 2 weeks and there is often significant cramping pain in the first day, managed with strong pain relief.
- Its effect on fertility and pregnancy is uncertain, with a small risk of early menopause (more so over 45); discuss this honestly if you may want children.
A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.
At a glance
A general guide. Your specialist will give you advice for your situation.
Eases heavy menstrual bleeding for most people
You are actively planning a pregnancy, where surgery to remove fibroids (myomectomy) is often preferred and the effect of embolisation on pregnancy is...
Strong period-type cramping is common and is managed with strong pain relief in hospital. Mild fever and nausea (post-embolisation syndrome) can occur.
Effective pain relief in hospital and clear advice for managing pain at home.
Strong period-type cramping is common and is managed with strong pain relief in hospital. Mild fever and nausea...
Rest at home for 3 to 4 days. Cramping eases; tiredness and a low-grade temperature can linger. Simple painkillers...
Most people return to work and light activity. Groin or wrist bruising fades over a week or two.
Fibroids shrink (on average by about half) and heavy bleeding and pressure improve. Some people pass small amounts...
What is uterine fibroid embolisation?
Uterine fibroid embolisation (also called uterine artery embolisation, or UAE) is a treatment for fibroids — common, non-cancerous growths in or around the womb that can cause heavy periods, pain, and pressure on the bladder or bowel. It is done by an interventional radiologist using X-ray guidance, not by open surgery, and it keeps the womb in place.
A fine tube (catheter) is passed into an artery, usually at the groin or wrist, and guided to the arteries that feed the fibroids. Tiny particles are injected to block these vessels. Starved of their blood supply, the fibroids shrink and soften over the following weeks and months, which usually improves heavy bleeding and pressure symptoms.
It is not surgery to remove the fibroids, so they are not taken out — they shrink and die back. Most people get good relief of symptoms, but a minority need further treatment later. On average fibroids shrink by about half, which is usually enough to ease symptoms.
An important honest point: the effect on fertility and future pregnancy is uncertain, and there is a small risk of an early menopause, particularly in women over about 45. For this reason it is generally not the first choice for people who are actively planning a pregnancy — myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids while keeping the womb) is often preferred there.
Types, options & approaches
There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.
Options at a glance
These are the main approaches described in this guide. The right option depends on the diagnosis, your goals and what your clinician thinks is safe.
Standard uterine artery embolisation
Both uterine arteries are blocked with tiny particles (often PVA or similar beads) through a single small puncture in the groin or wrist.
Radial (wrist) versus femoral (groin) access
The catheter can be passed from the wrist or the groin. Wrist access often means quicker mobilisation; your radiologist advises which suits you.
Embolisation for adenomyosis
Sometimes used for adenomyosis (where womb-lining tissue grows into the muscle), though evidence here is more limited and should be discussed carefully.
Alternatives to embolisation
Not a type of embolisation, but options like medicines, myomectomy, endometrial ablation or hysterectomy may suit better depending on your fibroids and plans.
Preparing for your procedure
- Have an MRI or ultrasound first so the size, number and position of fibroids can be mapped and suitability confirmed.
- Discuss your fertility plans openly, as this strongly affects whether embolisation or surgery is better for you.
- Tell the team about all medicines, allergies (especially to X-ray contrast dye) and any kidney problems.
- Arrange about 1 to 2 weeks off work and a lift home, as you will not be able to drive immediately.
- Expect to stay in hospital, usually overnight, with pain relief.
- Stop smoking where possible and follow any fasting instructions given for sedation.
- Plan for strong period-type pain in the first day and have simple painkillers at home for afterwards.
What happens
The procedure is done in an X-ray (interventional radiology) suite, awake but with sedation and strong pain relief. Local anaesthetic numbs the skin over the artery in your groin or wrist, and a fine catheter is passed into the blood vessel.
Using X-ray guidance and contrast dye, the radiologist steers the catheter into the arteries supplying the fibroids and injects tiny particles to block them. You may feel warmth or cramping as this happens. Both sides are usually treated through the one puncture. The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Afterwards, pressure or a small closure device is used where the catheter went in. You rest in bed for a few hours and are usually kept in overnight for pain control, as cramping period-type pain is common in the first 12 to 24 hours. Most people go home the next day.
Is this procedure right for me?
A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.
May not be suitable if…
- You are actively planning a pregnancy, where surgery to remove fibroids (myomectomy) is often preferred and the effect of embolisation on pregnancy is uncertain.
- Your bleeding might be caused by something other than fibroids that has not been investigated.
- There is a current pelvic infection or suspicion of cancer that needs assessing first.
- The fibroids are of a type or position (for example certain submucosal or pedunculated fibroids) where another treatment is safer or more effective.
- You cannot have X-ray contrast dye safely.
Delay or rearrange if…
- You have an active infection that needs treating first.
- You are or might be pregnant.
- Important imaging or assessment of your fibroids is missing.
- Abnormal bleeding has not been fully investigated.
- You cannot arrange recovery time, a lift home or help at home for the first days.
Alternatives to discuss
- Medicines to control bleeding (such as tranexamic acid or hormonal treatments).
- Myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids while keeping the womb), often preferred if fertility is a priority.
- Endometrial ablation for heavy bleeding where fibroids are small.
- Hysterectomy for those who have completed their family and want a definitive solution.
- Watchful waiting if symptoms are mild or you are near menopause, when fibroids often shrink naturally.
Before you decide
Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.
What matters most to me?
Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.
What are all my options?
Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.
What would make me pause?
Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.
What happens if I do nothing today?
For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.
Comfort, sedation or contrast choices
If local anaesthetic, sedation, contrast or pain relief is used, ask what is planned, why, and what it means afterwards.
Benefits
- Eases heavy menstrual bleeding for most people
- Reduces pressure symptoms on the bladder and bowel as fibroids shrink
- Keeps the womb, avoiding hysterectomy
- No large surgical incision and usually only one night in hospital
- Quicker recovery than open fibroid surgery for many people
Risks & complications
- Strong period-type cramping pain in the first 12 to 24 hours
- Post-embolisation syndrome: pain, mild fever, nausea and feeling unwell for a few days
- Bruising at the groin or wrist puncture site
- Vaginal discharge as fibroid tissue breaks down, sometimes for some weeks
- Passing fibroid tissue through the vagina (fibroid expulsion), which can cause cramping or bleeding
- Infection of a dying fibroid, occasionally needing antibiotics or, rarely, surgery
- Failure to relieve symptoms, or fibroids regrowing, needing further treatment
- Persistent or recurrent abnormal bleeding
- Early menopause from reduced ovarian blood supply, more likely over about 45
- Serious infection that may require a hysterectomy
- Damage to the artery, significant bleeding, or a reaction to the contrast dye
- Non-target embolisation affecting other tissues
The biggest issues to discuss are the uncertain effect on fertility and pregnancy, the small risk of an early menopause (more likely over 45), and the chance that symptoms are not fully relieved or fibroids regrow, sometimes leading to further treatment or hysterectomy. Ask your radiologist and gynaecologist how these apply to your fibroids and your plans, and whether myomectomy might suit you better if you want children.
Published figures to discuss
Embolisation usually relieves symptoms, but rates vary with the size, number and type of fibroids, and with age. The figures most worth knowing are the chance of good symptom relief, the chance of needing further treatment over the following years, and the small risk of an early menopause, which rises with age. Published ranges differ between studies, so treat them as cautious guides.
| Figure | Reported range | How to interpret it | Source / confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good relief of fibroid symptoms | Most people (commonly quoted around 80% or more in the short to medium term) | On average fibroids shrink by about half. Relief varies by fibroid type and size; figures come from case series, not guarantees. | REST trial: UAE vs surgery 5-year outcomes — PubMedpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPublished figure |
| Early menopause / ovarian failure | Roughly 1 to 4 in 100, more likely over about 45 | From reduced ovarian blood supply; ranges vary and age is the main factor. Important if fertility matters to you. | REST trial: UAE vs surgery 5-year outcomes — PubMedpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govSource-linked context |
| Need for further treatment over time | A meaningful minority: about 14-32% by around 4.5-5 years across cited trials/meta-analyses | May include repeat embolisation, myomectomy or hysterectomy if symptoms persist or fibroids regrow; trial populations and definitions differ. | REST trial: UAE vs surgery 5-year outcomes — PubMedpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPublished figure |
| Serious infection needing hysterectomy | Rare | Infection of a dying fibroid can occasionally be severe; fever and severe pain after the procedure need urgent review. | REST trial: UAE vs surgery 5-year outcomes — PubMedpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govSource-linked context |
These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.
What happens afterwards
Recovery is usually quicker than open surgery, but the first day or two can be uncomfortable with cramping, and full settling of symptoms takes weeks to months as the fibroids shrink.
- Cramping pain in the first day, then easing over the following days
- A mild temperature, nausea or feeling washed out for a few days (post-embolisation syndrome)
- Vaginal discharge as fibroid tissue breaks down, sometimes for several weeks
- Bruising at the puncture site
- Periods gradually getting lighter over the following months rather than immediately
Aftercare
- Take pain relief as advised; the first day or two is usually the most uncomfortable.
- Rest for a few days and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for about 2 weeks.
- Keep the puncture site clean and dry, and watch for swelling or increasing bruising.
- Drink plenty of fluids and expect a low-grade temperature for a few days.
- Use pads for any vaginal discharge or bleeding.
- Watch for signs of infection: rising fever, severe pain, or smelly discharge.
- Attend any follow-up scan or appointment to check how the fibroids have responded.
- Do not drive until you feel able and any sedation has fully worn off.
- Time off work booked (about 1 to 2 weeks)
- A lift home arranged
- Simple painkillers at home for after discharge
- Sanitary pads for discharge or bleeding
- Someone to help at home for the first day or two
- The interventional radiology team's contact number saved
- A note of any follow-up scan or clinic appointment
⚠ Get urgent help if…
- A high or rising fever, severe pain or feeling very unwell (possible infected fibroid)
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing large clots
- Severe or worsening tummy pain not controlled by your painkillers
- Increasing pain, swelling, numbness or coldness in the leg or arm near the puncture site
- Bleeding from the puncture site that will not stop with pressure
- Smelly vaginal discharge with fever (possible infection)
Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your specialist gives you.
Results & realistic expectations
Most people get good relief of heavy bleeding and pressure symptoms as the fibroids shrink over weeks and months — on average fibroids reduce by about half, which is usually enough to ease symptoms even though they are not removed. A follow-up scan can show how much they have shrunk.
Results are not guaranteed: some people get only partial relief, and fibroids can regrow or new ones can form, so a minority need further treatment later, including repeat embolisation, myomectomy or hysterectomy. Because the effect on fertility and pregnancy is uncertain, embolisation is generally not the first choice when an active pregnancy is planned.
For many people the improvement lasts for years, but fibroids can regrow and new fibroids can develop, so symptoms may eventually return. Studies show a proportion of people go on to need further treatment over the following years. A follow-up scan and review help track how durable the result is for you.
Related tests, treatments or support
Embolisation is usually a stand-alone treatment. It is not combined with fibroid surgery at the same time, though some people who have had embolisation later have a myomectomy or hysterectomy if symptoms return. If you also have other gynaecological problems, those are assessed separately. Your team should explain how embolisation fits with any other planned treatment.
Follow-up & long-term care
You are usually reviewed in clinic and may have a follow-up scan (often a few months later) to check how much the fibroids have shrunk and whether symptoms have improved. Report ongoing heavy bleeding, pain or signs of infection before then. If symptoms persist or return, your gynaecologist discusses further options.
- Attend follow-up appointments and any scan to check the fibroids have responded.
- Report any return of heavy bleeding or pressure symptoms, as fibroids can regrow.
- Discuss contraception and pregnancy timing if relevant, including the usual advice to wait at least a year before trying to conceive.
- Continue routine cervical screening and other gynaecological care as normal.
- Raise any new menopausal symptoms with your clinician, given the small risk of early menopause.
Repeat, follow-on and what comes next
- A proportion of people need further treatment over the following years if symptoms return.
- Fibroids can regrow or new ones develop, so the result is not always permanent.
- Repeat embolisation, myomectomy or hysterectomy may be options if symptoms persist.
- A follow-up scan helps judge how well the fibroids have responded.
Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.
What good aftercare looks like
- Effective pain relief in hospital and clear advice for managing pain at home.
- A named contact route for fever, severe pain or heavy bleeding.
- A planned follow-up scan and review to check the fibroids have responded.
- Clear advice on fertility, contraception and when it may be safe to try for pregnancy.
What affects the cost
Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:
- The interventional radiologist's fee and the X-ray suite/facility fee
- Pre-procedure imaging such as MRI or ultrasound to plan treatment
- The embolisation materials used
- Sedation and pain relief, and an overnight hospital stay
- Follow-up scans and clinic review
- Whether further treatment would be needed if symptoms persist
- Whether pre-procedure imaging is included or charged separately
- The radiologist's fee, facility fee and overnight stay
- Sedation, pain relief and the embolisation materials
- Follow-up scans and review appointments
- What happens, and what it would cost, if symptoms persist or fibroids regrow
- A named contact route for problems after the procedure
On the NHS? Uterine fibroid embolisation is available on the NHS for suitable patients and is also offered privately; suitability depends on your fibroids and fertility plans.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.
Consent traps and marketing red flags
These are not small details. They are often where patients lose choice, time to reflect, or realistic expectations.
Consent traps
- Not being clearly told the effect on fertility and pregnancy is uncertain.
- Not discussing the small risk of an early menopause, especially over 45.
- Being told fibroids are 'removed' rather than shrunk.
- No discussion of myomectomy as an alternative when fertility matters.
- Underplaying the chance of needing further treatment later, or the pain in the first day.
Marketing red flags
- Promises of a permanent cure with no chance of fibroids returning.
- Claiming it is without risks or has no effect on the ovaries.
- Suggesting it is always better than surgery, regardless of fertility plans.
- Glossing over the strong cramping pain in the first 24 hours.
Choosing a specialist safely
- Check the specialist is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
- Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
- You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the specialist who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
- Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
- You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.
Questions to ask your medical professional
Take this to your consultation. A good specialist will welcome every one of these.
- Based on my scan, am I a good candidate for embolisation rather than surgery?
- I may want children — how would this affect my fertility, and would myomectomy suit me better?
- What is the chance it does not relieve my symptoms, or that I need further treatment later?
- What is my personal risk of an early menopause, given my age?
- How much pain should I expect, and how will it be managed in hospital and at home?
- What follow-up and scans will I have to check it has worked?
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
- Will you be the specialist who carries out my procedure, and who looks after me afterwards?
- What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
- What does a realistic result look like — and what can this procedure not achieve?
- What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
- Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
- What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?
Frequently asked questions
Will embolisation get rid of my fibroids?
Can I still have children after embolisation?
How painful is it and how long is recovery?
Is it done under general anaesthetic?
What are the main risks?
Is it available on the NHS?
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How we made this page
Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →
Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.
Sources & standards: NHS — Fibroids: treatment NICE — Uterine artery embolisation for fibroids BSIR — Uterine artery embolisation (patient information) REST trial: UAE vs surgery 5-year outcomes — PubMed Long-term outcomes of uterine artery embolization — review
Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.
Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.
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