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Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) at VidaVascular in Oxon Hill, MD

Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas) are noncancerous growths that form in or on the uterus. They are common, and they can cause very real, very annoying symptoms, like heavy or long periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, constipation, or pain with sex. Some people also develop anemia (low iron) from heavy bleeding, which can make you feel tired, weak, or short of breath.

At VidaVascular, a vascular and interventional care practice in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is offered as a minimally invasive option for fibroid symptom relief. Many patients in the area, including those coming from National Harbor, Fort Washington, Temple Hills, and Suitland, look for treatments that can help them feel better while avoiding major surgery when possible.

What are uterine fibroids and what symptoms can they cause?

Fibroids are made of muscle and fibrous tissue, kind of like a “knot” in the uterine wall. They can be small like a pea or large enough to change the shape of the uterus. Symptoms often depend on where the fibroid sits and how big it is.

Common fibroid symptoms include:

- Heavy menstrual bleeding (soaking through pads or tampons, passing clots)

- Long periods (bleeding that lasts many days)

- Pelvic pressure or fullness

- Frequent urination (if the uterus presses on the bladder)

- Constipation (if the uterus presses on the bowel)

- Pelvic pain or cramps

- Pain during sex

- Anemia symptoms (fatigue, dizziness) from blood loss

Important note: these symptoms can also happen with other conditions (like adenomyosis or endometriosis). A proper evaluation matters, because “it’s probably fibroids” is not a diagnosis.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), and how does it shrink fibroids?

UFE (also called uterine artery embolization) is a procedure designed to shrink fibroids by reducing their blood supply. Fibroids tend to “hog” blood flow. UFE takes advantage of that.

Here’s the simple version:

- A specialist uses imaging guidance to place a thin tube (catheter) into an artery.

- Tiny particles are delivered to block the small blood vessels feeding the fibroids.

- With less blood supply, fibroids typically shrink over time, and symptoms often improve. (1,2,4)

UFE does not remove the uterus, and it does not involve a large abdominal incision. Research shows UFE can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms for many patients, with the tradeoff that some people may need additional treatment later on. (1,2,3,4,5)

Am I a candidate for UFE?

UFE can be a good fit for people who have fibroid symptoms that affect daily life and want a uterus preserving option. The “right” choice depends on your symptoms, your fibroid type and location, your overall health, and your future pregnancy goals.

You may be a good candidate if you have:

- Heavy or prolonged periods linked to fibroids

- Pelvic pressure or “bulk” symptoms (bloating, urinary frequency, constipation)

- Fibroids confirmed on imaging

- A preference to avoid or delay major surgery

You may need a different approach, or extra caution, if you:

- Are pregnant

- Have a suspected cancer or an unclear diagnosis that needs more workup (guidelines emphasize careful evaluation) (7)

- Have an active pelvic infection

- Have severe allergy or kidney issues that could affect certain imaging or medications (7)

- Are trying to conceive soon or have complex fertility concerns (fertility after UFE is possible, but it should be discussed carefully) (6)

At VidaVascular in Oxon Hill, your care team can talk through UFE alongside other fibroid treatment options so you can make a decision that fits your body and your life.

What are the potential benefits and risks of UFE?

Like any medical procedure, UFE is a balance of benefits and risks. The goal is symptom relief with an approach that matches your priorities.

Potential benefits:

- Minimally invasive compared with many surgical options (shorter hospital stay and faster return to activities in studies) (5)

- Improved fibroid symptoms and quality of life for many patients (1,2,3,4,5)

- Uterus preserving option (may matter for personal or medical reasons) (1,5)

Can reduce both bleeding symptoms and “bulk” pressure symptoms over time (4)

Potential risks and side effects:

- Cramping, pelvic pain, nausea, fatigue, especially in the first days after (7)

- Post embolization syndrome (flu like feeling with low fever and discomfort) (7)

- Infection (uncommon but serious when it happens) (7)

- Fibroid tissue passage (more likely with certain fibroid locations) (7)

- Need for reintervention later (repeat embolization or surgery for persistent symptoms) (2,3,5)

- Changes in ovarian function or earlier menopause, especially in older patients (risk varies, and is part of the counseling process) (6,7)

Bottom line: UFE is well studied, and many patients do well, but it is not a “one size fits all” fix. Shared decision making matters. (1,2,3,7)

What should I expect with recovery and follow up after UFE?

Even though UFE is minimally invasive, it is still a real procedure, and your body needs time to recover. Experiences vary, but many people feel the most intense cramping and fatigue in the first few days, then improve steadily.

In general, patients can expect:

- A pre procedure visit where symptoms, medical history, and imaging are reviewed (7)

- After the procedure, cramping and pelvic pain that is managed with a care plan and medications (7)

- Gradual symptom improvement over weeks to months as fibroids shrink (1,2,4)

- Follow up to track recovery and symptom changes (7)

Call your care team right away if you have warning signs such as:

- High fever

- Worsening severe pain that is not improving

- Fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath

- Heavy bleeding that soaks through pads rapidly

- Foul smelling discharge

VidaVascular will provide instructions tailored to you, including what to watch for and when to follow up.

Why Choose VidaVascular for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

If fibroid symptoms are disrupting your work, sleep, energy, or confidence, you deserve options that feel realistic and respectful. VidaVascular offers Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) in Oxon Hill, MD, with a patient focused approach that starts with education and clear next steps, not pressure.

Located in Oxon Hill, Maryland, VidaVascular serves patients across the nearby communities of National Harbor, Fort Washington, Temple Hills, Suitland, and Forest Heights. If you are exploring minimally invasive fibroid treatment and want to understand whether UFE fits your situation, an evaluation can help clarify what is causing your symptoms and what choices make the most sense for you.

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References:

1. Manyonda, I., Belli, A. M., Lumsden, M. A., Moss, J. G., McKinnon, W., Middleton, L. J., Cheed, V., Wu, O., Sirkeci, F., Daniels, J. P., McPherson, K., & FEMME Collaborative Group. (2020). Uterine artery embolization or myomectomy for uterine fibroids. The New England Journal of Medicine, 383(5), 440–451. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1914735

2. de Bruijn, A. M., Ankum, W. M., Reekers, J. A., Birnie, E., van der Kooij, S. M., Volkers, N. A., & Hehenkamp, W. J. K. (2016). Uterine artery embolization vs hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: 10 year outcomes from the randomized EMMY trial. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 215(6), 745.e1–745.e12. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2016.06.051

3. Moss, J. G., Cooper, K. G., Khaund, A., Murray, L. S., Murray, G. D., Wu, O., Craig, L. E., & Lumsden, M. A. (2011). Randomised comparison of uterine artery embolisation with surgical treatment in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids (REST trial): 5 year results. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 118(8), 936–944. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.02952.x

4. Goodwin, S. C., Spies, J. B., Worthington Kirsch, R., Peterson, E., Pron, G., Li, S., Myers, E. R., & FIBROID Registry Steering Committee and Core Site Investigators. (2008). Uterine artery embolization for treatment of leiomyomata: Long term outcomes from the FIBROID Registry. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 111(1), 22–33. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000296526.71749.c9

5. Edwards, R. D., Moss, J. G., Lumsden, M. A., Wu, O., Murray, L. S., Twaddle, S., & Committee of the Randomized Trial of Embolization versus Surgical Treatment for Fibroids. (2007). Uterine artery embolization versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids. The New England Journal of Medicine, 356(4), 360–370. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa062003

6. Mohan, P. P., Hamblin, M. H., & Vogelzang, R. L. (2013). Uterine artery embolization and its effect on fertility. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 24(7), 925–930. doi:10.1016/j.jvir.2013.03.014

7. Dariushnia, S. R., Nikolic, B., Stokes, L. S., & Spies, J. B. (2014). Quality improvement guidelines for uterine artery embolization for symptomatic leiomyomata. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 25(11), 1737–1747. doi:10.1016/j.jvir.2014.08.029