UFE or uterine Fibroid embolisation is a relatively new procedure in which the blood supply to the fibroids is blocked off causing the fibroids to shrink.

This treatment is carried out by an interventional radiologist rather than a gynaecologist.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growth, usually found in the uterus of women in their childbearing age.

These fibroids can be more than one and grow in size, with time. While they may be asymptomatic, depending on the size and location of the fibroid in the uterus.

Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE), also called as Uterine Artery Embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure done under local anaesthesia, using fluoroscopy guidance.

An Interventional Radiologist inserts a thin catheter inside a thigh artery and guides it to the uterine artery. Tiny round particles called PVA (Poly Vinyl Alcohol) are injected into the blood vessels of the uterine artery for embolisation.

These particles block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. The PVA particles remain permanently at the fibroid site.

After a uterine fibroid/artery embolization, there is immediate relief from heavy bleeding. Pressure / size related symptoms take about a few weeks or months to disappear.

Since the uterine artery embolization cuts off blood and necessary nutrients for fibroid growth, they gradually shrink over a period of 3 – 6 months. Once the fibroids have shrunk, they do not grow back.