Uterine Artery Embolisation

Uterine artery embolisation blocks selected blood vessels to reduce blood flow to uterine fibroids or adenomyosis and ease related symptoms. An interventional radiologist guides a thin tube through an artery, often from the wrist or groin, then releases tiny particles into the uterine arteries. The reduced supply causes targeted tissue to shrink or become less active over time.

Cramping is common as the treated tissue responds, and pain relief is given during and after the procedure. You may feel tired, nauseated or mildly feverish for a short period. The access site needs to stay clean and protected, while activity is increased gradually. Follow-up checks assess pain, bleeding and symptom change; discharge advice should cover medicines, bathing, driving and when to seek help.

Possible problems include pain, nausea, fever, bruising or bleeding at the catheter site, infection and passage of treated tissue. Rare but serious problems can affect the uterus or other organs and may require urgent care. Ask the radiology team which risks are more relevant to your anatomy, medical history and future fertility plans; exact risk depends on the individual and the technique used.

The aim is to reduce symptoms and shrink or quieten the targeted tissue, but the response varies. Heavy periods and pelvic pain may improve over the following weeks or months, while pressure symptoms can take time to settle. Symptoms can return if untreated tissue remains active or new fibroids develop. Your clinician will discuss how long follow-up lasts and what would prompt another treatment.

Uterine artery embolisation is minimally invasive but still a significant procedure. Tell the team about allergies, medicines, bleeding problems, infection, possible pregnancy and plans for future pregnancy. Imaging helps map the uterus and confirm that embolisation is suitable. A personal consultation is needed to compare symptom relief with fertility and surgical considerations.

It may be considered for people whose uterine fibroids cause heavy periods, pressure or pain, and for selected cases of adenomyosis. The decision depends on imaging, symptom severity, previous treatments, overall health and whether preserving fertility is a priority. It is not automatically suitable for every uterine problem.

You receive preparation instructions and medicines for comfort. After local anaesthetic, the radiologist places a catheter into an artery and uses imaging to guide it to the uterine arteries. Small embolising particles are released, then the catheter is removed and pressure is applied to the access site. You are observed while pain and nausea are treated before discharge or an overnight stay, depending on your circumstances.

The first days often involve cramping and low energy. Light activity may resume as comfort allows, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should wait for the team’s advice. Vaginal discharge or bleeding can occur as tissue passes. Keep follow-up appointments so imaging and symptoms can be reviewed together.

Short-term effects can include cramping, nausea, headache, feverishness and tiredness. The artery entry site may bruise. Infection, early ovarian dysfunction, changes to menstrual bleeding and effects on fertility are possible considerations. Seek urgent advice for severe worsening pain, heavy bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, fever or a cold or painful leg.

Options may include medicines, an intrauterine treatment, myomectomy, hysterectomy or MRI-guided focused ultrasound, depending on the diagnosis and goals. Myomectomy removes selected fibroids while preserving the uterus; other options have different effects on recovery, recurrence, fertility and symptom control. A specialist can compare them with your imaging.

Look for coordinated care between a gynaecologist and an interventional radiologist. Before treatment, ask who will manage pain, what follow-up imaging is planned, how fertility questions will be handled and which symptoms require urgent contact.