Does uterine artery embolisation treat adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. It can contribute to heavy bleeding, painful periods and pelvic pressure. During uterine artery embolisation, a specialist guides small particles into the arteries supplying the uterus. Reduced blood flow can shrink or calm areas of adenomyosis and may ease symptoms. The procedure does not remove the uterus, and symptoms can return or remain if the affected tissue responds incompletely. The evidence and expected benefit are different from the established use of embolisation for fibroids.

Your scan, uterine anatomy, severity of symptoms and plans for pregnancy all affect the discussion. Embolisation can affect blood supply to the uterus and ovaries, so reproductive goals need careful attention before a decision.

Book a review with a gynaecologist and bring a record of bleeding, pain, pressure symptoms and treatments already tried. Ask whether MRI or ultrasound findings support adenomyosis and whether another condition could be contributing. Discuss medicines, a hormonal intrauterine device, other procedures and surgery alongside embolisation. If pregnancy is a future goal, request a fertility-focused explanation of the possible effects and alternatives. A radiologist who performs the procedure can explain preparation, recovery, pain control and follow-up.

Seek urgent medical care for bleeding that rapidly soaks through protection, faintness, severe weakness, sudden severe pelvic pain, fever or a possible pregnancy with pain or bleeding. Arrange a prompt appointment when bleeding between periods, worsening cramps, pelvic swelling or fatigue is persistent. These symptoms can have several causes, so assessment should not depend on whether adenomyosis has already been diagnosed.

Ask: How certain is the diagnosis on my scan? What symptom improvement is realistic for my pattern of adenomyosis? How could this affect a future pregnancy? What alternatives fit my health and goals? How will we manage pain and monitor symptoms after treatment?