Does uterine artery embolisation treat uterine fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the muscular wall of the uterus. They may cause heavy periods, pelvic pressure, pain, frequent urination or fertility concerns. During embolisation, an interventional radiologist uses imaging to guide a thin tube into the arteries supplying the uterus. Tiny particles are released to reduce that blood flow, which can cause fibroids to shrink and symptoms to improve over time. The uterus remains in place, and recovery is usually shorter than recovery from major open surgery, although cramping and tiredness can occur afterward.

Suitability depends on fibroid size, number, location, symptoms, general health and pregnancy plans. Some fibroids respond less predictably, and treatment may not address every cause of bleeding or pain.

Ask a gynaecologist to review your scan and confirm that fibroids explain the symptoms. Discuss embolisation alongside medicines, hormonal treatment, myomectomy and hysterectomy where relevant. Tell the team if preserving fertility matters to you, because the effect of embolisation on future pregnancy needs individual discussion. Before treatment, ask about preparation, pain relief, expected discharge, follow-up imaging and which symptoms should improve first. Keep a brief diary of bleeding, pain, pressure and bladder symptoms to make the consultation more useful.

Get urgent help for very heavy bleeding with faintness, chest discomfort, shortness of breath or marked weakness; sudden severe pelvic pain; fever; or bleeding and pain during a possible pregnancy. After embolisation, contact the treating team for persistent fever, worsening pain, unusual discharge, heavy bleeding or difficulty passing urine. A prompt appointment is also appropriate when fibroid symptoms interfere with sleep, work, intimacy or daily activities.

Ask which fibroids are causing symptoms, whether their location suits embolisation, how fertility plans change the options, how pain will be controlled, and how you will know whether treatment is working.