Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) in Chicago
What is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment that shrinks fibroids without surgery or removing the uterus. An interventional radiologist reaches the uterine arteries through a tiny opening in the wrist and blocks the blood supply to the fibroids with tiny particles. UFE is an outpatient procedure, so most women go home the same day.
A minimally invasive procedure for treating fibroids, or non-cancerous tumors.
Also referred to as ‘uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)’ or ‘uterine artery embolization (UAE)’.
The procedure shrinks the fibroids by blocking the blood supply to them, ultimately causing them to shrink and die off. For most women, this eases heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure.
Covered by insurance other than Medicaid.
Over 95% of our UFE procedures successfully treat fibroids and reduce fibroid-related symptoms, in line with published research.
What happens during the fibroid embolization procedure?
The entire fibroid treatment typically lasts less than one hour and is performed as an outpatient procedure.
1. Light sedation
You’ll be given a light sedative to help you relax. During the procedure, you are given a sedative through a small IV, making you feel very comfortable. We also give you enough pain medicine beforehand, so you probably won’t remember anything while the procedure is going on.
2. Inserting the catheter
After a small shot of local anesthetic numbs the skin at your wrist, our interventional radiologist makes a tiny opening, which provides access to the artery that supplies the blood to the fibroid. Using X-ray, he passes a catheter to the artery that supplies blood to your uterus and guides it to the correct position.
3. Mapping the blood supply
Using X-ray imaging called angiography, our interventional radiologist maps the arteries that feed your fibroids.
4. Blocking the blood supply
When the doctor has reached the location of the fibroid(s), the embolic material (microscopic spheres) is injected through the catheter and into the artery that supplies the tumors, which blocks the blood flow, thus shrinking them. The particles that we use for the embolization are little, small gelatin balls. They’re not toxic or harmful to you in any way.
Fibroid embolization recovery
How long does it take to recover from uterine fibroid embolization?
You should be feeling back to normal within two weeks, which is significantly faster than a hysterectomy recovery. During this time, you’ll want to avoid certain activities like heavy lifting.
How long should I expect to be off work?
It varies by the person, and it varies on how you tolerate pain. Most of our patients are back at work within a week. You compare that to open surgery or myomectomy, where you spend a lot of time off work and in a lot of pain.
What are the long-term side effects of uterine fibroid embolization?
Though UFE may cause immediate discomfort and side effects, such as cramping, nausea, and fever, studies have shown that the vast majority of women experience long-term relief from fibroid symptoms after the procedure.
It’s rare, but if somebody doesn’t take the antibiotics, they can get a mild infection or even a severe infection. At MIMIT Health, we make sure you're covered with antibiotics, so in our experience, these cases are less than 1%.
What kind of follow-up care is typical?
So, immediately after your procedure, we want you to come back to the office within a few days to make sure everything is okay. After that, we will follow up with you periodically to make sure that everything is going well.
Will I still menstruate after having UFE?
Yes, you’ll still menstruate after the procedure.
Am I able to get pregnant after having the procedure?
Pregnancy is possible after UFE, but keeping the uterus does not guarantee fertility, and fibroids themselves can make it harder to get pregnant. If you want to become pregnant in the future, talk with your gynecologist and our interventional radiologist about whether UFE or a myomectomy, surgery that removes fibroids, is the better fit for you.
UFE vs. hysterectomy
The benefits of UFE over a hysterectomy are clear. First, UFE is a much less invasive procedure, so it carries fewer risks and shorter recovery times. Additionally, it allows women to preserve their uterus and avoid the potential hormonal side effects of a hysterectomy. Additionally, it allows women to still conceive if they choose to in the future. UFE provides a more manageable option that allows women to continue with their daily routines while still receiving the treatment they need. Learn more about the side effects of a hysterectomy.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization FAQs
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Yes, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) may still be an option if you have been advised to have a hysterectomy, surgery that removes the uterus. UFE shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood flow and leaves the uterus in place. Your symptoms, imaging results and pregnancy plans guide the choice, so ask for a review by an interventional radiologist as well as your gynecologist.
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No, UFE does not involve a large cut or removing the uterus. The doctor works through a tiny opening in the wrist and guides a catheter, a thin flexible tube, to the uterine arteries using X-ray imaging. Tiny particles then block blood flow to the fibroids, which causes them to shrink. This is why UFE is also called uterine artery embolization.
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Yes, most women have cramping after the UFE procedure, so pain control is part of the treatment plan. At MIMIT, you receive a light sedative and pain medicine before the procedure, and your doctor plans pain relief for your recovery based on your needs. UFE is an outpatient procedure, so most women go home the same day.
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UFE treatment shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply; it does not remove them. The goal is to ease heavy bleeding, pain and pressure, not to make every fibroid disappear. Your doctor will explain what improvement is realistic based on your imaging results and the symptoms you most want to treat.
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UFE treatment does not rule out a future hysterectomy if symptoms continue or come back. Some women need another procedure after embolization, such as a repeat UFE or surgery, depending on what is causing their symptoms. Ask your doctor about this possibility before choosing treatment, so you know what to expect.
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UFE shrinks fibroids without surgery, while a myomectomy is surgery that removes the fibroids. Both keep the uterus in place; a hysterectomy removes it. UFE usually means a shorter recovery than surgery, but some women need more treatment later. The best choice depends on your fibroids, your symptoms and whether you plan a future pregnancy.
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Insurance coverage for the UFE procedure depends on your plan and your diagnosis, and some plans require approval before treatment. MIMIT Health does not accept Medicaid, including plans that combine Medicare and Medicaid. Call (708) 486-2600 to check your coverage and ask what you may owe before you schedule.
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To book a UFE consultation in Chicago, call MIMIT Health at (708) 486-2600 or use the Schedule an Appointment button on this page. Bring any recent ultrasound or MRI reports so the doctor can review your fibroids. MIMIT performs UFE at all four offices: Des Plaines, Hinsdale, Chicago South Loop and Chicago North. We welcome referrals from your doctor.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Paramjit "Romi" Chopra, M.D., interventional radiologist — October 2026
