Does uterine artery embolisation help with pelvic pain?

Uterine artery embolisation reduces blood flow to fibroids through selected uterine arteries. As fibroids shrink, pressure on nearby pelvic structures may lessen and pain linked to the fibroids may improve. Pelvic pain can also arise from endometriosis, infection, ovarian conditions, bowel problems or other causes, so the procedure is not a general pain treatment.

Cramping is common around the procedure and can be stronger during the early recovery period. Your care team will provide a pain-control plan and explain what recovery should look like.

Record where the pain occurs, when it appears, whether it changes with periods, and whether pressure, bleeding or urinary symptoms accompany it. Imaging can show fibroid size and position, while an examination helps consider other causes. Discuss medicines, surgery and other procedures, including how each option fits your plans for pregnancy.

Get urgent medical help for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, fever, vomiting or a positive pregnancy test with pain. After embolisation, contact your treatment team for worsening pain, fever or unusual discharge rather than waiting for a routine review.

Ask whether fibroids explain the pain, what the scan shows, how likely other causes are, what recovery involves, and which symptoms should trigger immediate contact. Ask how the procedure could affect future pregnancy plans.