If you are living with uterine fibroids and heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or fatigue, you may have been told that surgery — even a hysterectomy — is the answer. It is not your only option. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that treats fibroids while preserving your uterus. This guide walks through what UFE is, how it works, recovery, cost, and how to know if you are a candidate.
What is UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization)?
UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist. Rather than removing the uterus or cutting out fibroids, the doctor blocks the small arteries that feed the fibroids. Deprived of their blood supply, the fibroids shrink and soften over the following weeks and months, and symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and frequent urination improve. Because it treats the fibroids through the blood vessels, all fibroids can usually be addressed in a single procedure.
UFE vs. hysterectomy and open surgery
A hysterectomy removes the uterus entirely, and a myomectomy cuts fibroids out surgically. Both are major operations with weeks of recovery. UFE is different:
- Preserves your uterus — no organ removal.
- Minimally invasive — no large incision; access is through a tiny catheter entry point.
- Outpatient — most patients go home the same day.
- Faster recovery — typically one to two weeks versus six or more after open surgery.
- Local anesthesia and sedation instead of full general anesthesia in many cases.
Not sure how large your fibroids are? Our fibroid size chart explains what different sizes mean for symptoms and treatment.
How the UFE procedure works, step by step
- Consultation and imaging — ultrasound or MRI confirms the number, size, and location of your fibroids.
- Anesthesia — the procedure is done under local anesthesia, usually with light sedation for comfort.
- Catheter access — a thin catheter is guided to the uterine arteries through a small entry point using image guidance.
- Embolization — tiny particles are released to block the arteries feeding the fibroids.
- Same-day discharge — after a short recovery period, most patients go home the same day.
Is UFE right for you?
UFE is often a good fit for women who have symptomatic fibroids and want to avoid a hysterectomy. Take the quick self-check below, then confirm with a specialist.
Could UFE be right for you?
Answer a few quick questions. Your answers stay on your device.
Have you been diagnosed with uterine fibroids?
Do you have heavy periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, or back pain?
Would you like to keep your uterus and avoid a hysterectomy?
Would you prefer a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment?
0 of 4 answered
What to expect on the day of your procedure
Plan for a few hours at the clinic. You will be comfortable throughout thanks to local anesthesia and light sedation, and there is no surgical wound to care for afterward. Arrange for someone to drive you home, and follow the simple pre-procedure instructions your care team provides.
Recovery after UFE
Recovery is far quicker than after open surgery. Most women:
- Go home the same day
- Manage cramping (common in the first day or two) with prescribed medication
- Return to normal activities within one to two weeks
- See symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pressure improve over the following months as fibroids shrink
How much does UFE cost?
Cost depends on your insurance and individual case. Because UFE avoids a major operation and a long hospital stay, it is often more affordable overall than surgery once recovery is factored in. Mark Medical Care accepts most major insurance plans and provides a personalized estimate before treatment.
Why choose Mark Medical Care
For over 20 years, Mark Medical Care has helped patients across the NYC metro area with minimally invasive, patient-first care. Our team is bilingual (English and Spanish), and care is available at 8 convenient locations across Queens, the Bronx, Long Island, and Manhattan.
Finding UFE care near you
Learn more about fibroid care and the UFE procedure in detail, or see all our locations. The clearest next step is a short consultation to review your imaging and symptoms.
Symptoms UFE can improve
Fibroids affect women differently, but UFE is designed to relieve the symptoms that most disrupt daily life, including:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, and the anemia and fatigue that can come with it
- Pelvic pressure, bloating, or a feeling of fullness
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder when fibroids press on it
- Constipation or lower back pain from fibroids pressing on nearby structures
- Pain during intercourse
As the treated fibroids shrink over the weeks and months after UFE, these symptoms typically ease. Many women report the biggest change in their menstrual bleeding first, followed by gradual relief of pressure-related symptoms.
How soon will I feel better after UFE?
Every patient is different, but relief is usually gradual rather than instant. Heavy bleeding often improves within the first one to three menstrual cycles, while pressure and bulk symptoms continue to improve over three to six months as the fibroids soften and shrink. Your care team will follow up to track your progress and answer questions along the way.
Take control of your fibroids
Learn about fibroid care and minimally invasive Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) — which preserves your uterus — at our 8 convenient NY locations. Most insurance plans accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UFE?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply. It is performed by an interventional radiologist and preserves the uterus.
Does UFE preserve the uterus?
Yes. Unlike a hysterectomy, UFE treats fibroids while keeping your uterus intact, which is why many women choose it.
How long is recovery after UFE?
Most women go home the same day and return to normal activities within one to two weeks – much faster than open surgery.
Which fibroid sizes can UFE treat?
UFE can treat fibroids of most sizes, and typically all fibroids are addressed in a single procedure. Your specialist will confirm what is right for you.
Does insurance cover UFE?
Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary UFE. Mark Medical Care helps verify your benefits and gives you a personalized estimate before treatment.
Am I a candidate for UFE?
If you have symptomatic fibroids and want to avoid a hysterectomy, you may be a candidate. A consultation and imaging confirm whether UFE is right for you.
