Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroid embolization provides a safe, nonsurgical treatment for uterine fibroids (benign fibroid tumors). It’s quick, efficient, and less risky than traditional fibroid removal. At Minimally Invasive Medical Group, with offices in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Irvine, California, the minimally invasive surgical team specializes in uterine fibroid embolization. Their experience and expertise ensure positive treatment outcomes. Call the nearest Minimally Invasive Medical Group office to schedule a uterine fibroid embolization consultation, or book your visit online today.

What is uterine fibroid embolization?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of uterine fibroids, a type of benign (noncancerous) tumor. 

During treatment, your Minimally Invasive Medical Group provider blocks several of the arteries leading to your uterus with tiny particles. This reduces blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.

Am I a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization?

You’re likely a candidate for fibroid embolization if you have uterine fibroids and experience pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, urinary frequency, and excess bloating during your menstrual period. The treatment is less invasive than a hysterectomy and provides lasting results. 

What happens during a uterine fibroid embolization procedure?

Uterine fibroid embolization is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour.

On the day of treatment, you lie on your back on an operating table, and your Minimally Invasive Medical Group provider inserts a small needle into an artery in your wrist or groin. They replace the needle with a catheter –– a thin hollow tube –– and navigate it to uterine arteries under live X-ray guidance.

Once your provider identifies the arteries feeding your uterine fibroids, they inject tiny particles through the catheter into the fibroids.

The particles block blood flow to your uterine fibroids, starving them of oxygen and nutrients. This causes them to shrink and die.

What is recovery like after uterine fibroid embolization?

After uterine fibroid embolization, you need someone to pick you up and drive you home. It's normal to experience pain, nausea, and cramping in the uterus after the procedure, which usually improves the next day.

In the days following your procedure, it’s normal to experience mild cramping and fatigue, and some patients can have a low-grade fever or a mild flu-like illness as the fibroids die off. Take a few days off work, avoid strenuous activities, and get plenty of rest. Most women return to their normal routine within a week.

Be patient, follow your provider’s recovery instructions, and attend follow-up appointments.

Call the nearest Minimally Invasive Medical Group office to schedule a uterine fibroid embolization consultation, or book your appointment online today.