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Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
If having a baby sometime in the future is important to you, UFE is not recommended. Some women have had ovarian failure after UFE, and there are reports of needing a hysterectomy to treat infection after UFE.5
For a uterine fibroid embolization, be sure that you have a specially trained interventional radiologist who has a lot of experience with the procedure.
Uterine fibroid embolization may be a good treatment option for women who do not wish to receive blood transfusions (which can be needed after myomectomy) or who have other serious health conditions that make general anesthesia dangerous. UFE is not safe for women who are allergic to contrast material (used for fluoroscopy during UFE).
UFE has several advantages over hysterectomy, myomectomy, and treatment with GnRH-a (the hormone-suppressor medicine used to shrink fibroids).
- General anesthesia and an abdominal incision are not required.
- There is no blood loss and therefore no need for blood transfusions.
- All fibroids may be treated at once.
- It does not cause bone-thinning (osteopenia) or the other serious side effects associated with GnRH-a therapy.
Disadvantages of UFE include:
- Cost. UFE is as expensive as hysterectomy.
- An unpredictable effect on fertility. It is not recommended for women who hope to become pregnant.
- The possibility of delayed infection sometime in the first year, which can become life-threatening if not treated.
- Not being a sure cure. In one study, nearly 1 in 5 women who had UFE had a repeat UFE or a hysterectomy.4
- The possibility that some insurance plans will not cover this procedure.
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| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 26, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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