What is uterine artery embolisation done with?

An interventional radiologist guides a catheter through an artery, commonly from the wrist or groin, toward the uterine arteries. Contrast material and X-ray imaging help show the vessels. Small particles are released into selected arteries, limiting blood supply to fibroids while aiming to preserve healthy uterine tissue.

UAE, also called fibroid embolisation, is different from MRI-guided focused ultrasound, which uses focused sound energy rather than particles delivered through a catheter. Your specialist can compare options based on fibroid size, location, symptoms, and pregnancy plans.

Tell the team about allergies, kidney problems, medicines that affect bleeding, and any possibility of pregnancy. Ask about fasting, pain relief, observation after the procedure, and when normal activity can resume. Arrange transport if sedation or post-procedure discomfort could affect you.

Contact the treating service urgently for heavy bleeding, fever, worsening pelvic pain, faintness, breathing difficulty, or increasing redness or swelling at the catheter site. A small amount of cramping can occur, but severe or escalating symptoms need assessment.

Which fibroids are being targeted? What particles and imaging will be used? How will pain be managed? Could this affect fertility or future pregnancy, and what follow-up scan is planned?