Do You Need a Referral for Uterine Artery Embolisation?

Uterine artery embolisation blocks selected blood vessels supplying uterine fibroids, reducing their blood flow. It is planned after review of symptoms, pelvic imaging, medical history and reproductive goals. A gynaecologist may first assess whether fibroids explain heavy bleeding, pressure or pelvic discomfort and whether another treatment would fit better.

The referral may be sent to interventional radiology by a gynaecologist, family doctor or another clinician. The radiologist and gynaecology team may need to review scans together, especially when pregnancy is desired or the diagnosis is uncertain.

Ask the hospital or clinic which clinician should provide the referral and which scans or reports are needed. Bring details of bleeding pattern, pain, pressure symptoms, previous procedures, medicines and plans for future pregnancy. Ask whether updated imaging, blood tests or a pregnancy test is required before scheduling.

Before consent, discuss the catheter route, anaesthesia or sedation, expected recovery, pain control, effects on periods and alternatives. Confirm who will manage follow-up and what symptoms require a call after discharge.

Seek urgent medical help for very heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting, severe sudden pelvic pain, fever with worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge or difficulty passing urine. Tell the team promptly if you may be pregnant, have an active infection, take blood thinners or have a bleeding problem.

Ask: Do I need a referral for interventional radiology? What do my scans show? How might embolisation affect pregnancy plans and periods? What alternatives should I compare? Who do I contact during recovery?