Introduction

Uterine fibroids are among the most common benign growth affecting the uterus of women in their reproductive years. Although they are not cancerous, they often cause heavy menstrual bleeding, anaemia, pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, and in some cases fertility issues. For a long time, the standard treatments were surgical procedures like hysterectomy or myomectomy. They involve significant recovery time and, in the case of hysterectomy, the permanent removal of the uterus.

Thanks to advances in interventional radiology, women today have access to less invasive options like Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE), a procedure that shrinks fibroid and relieves symptoms without any major surgery or prolonged hospital stay.

Why This Health Topic Matters in India

In India, uterine fibroids represent a significant women’s health concern. The most common reason for removing the uterus at a young age is fibroids. The government of India realised this astonishing statistic and initiated the “Save The Uterus” Campaign along with FOGSI (Obstetric and Gynaecologic Society of India).

Uterine fibroid embolisation addresses this gap and provides a much needed uterus preserving option for women. With increasing access to modern interventional radiology services in India, UFE is becoming an increasingly accessible treatment option which is favored by women of all age groups.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids, medically referred to as leiomyomas, are growths that arise from the muscular wall of the uterus. Their size and impact can differ greatly. Some are small and unnoticed, while others become large enough to distort the shape of the uterus and cause severe symptoms.

Hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, obesity, early onset of menstruation, low vitamin D levels, and lifestyle habits such as diets rich in red meat and poor in vegetables are known reasons predisposing women to develop fibroids..

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Fibroids may remain silent, but when they do cause symptoms, the effects can be life-altering. The uterine muscles are supposed to contract, nix the blood vessels and stop the usual menstrual bleeding from excessive bleeding. The presence of a ball like mass (fibroid) inside the uterine muscle prevents the muscles from nixxing the blood vessels leading to excessive bleeding. Reflexively, the uterine muscles try to contract harder and prevent excessive bleeding and this is the cause of excessive pain.

The most common complaints include:

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, often leading to anaemia
  • Excessive pain during menstruation – Dysmenorrhea
  • Abdominal bloating or visible enlargement
  • Frequent urination caused by bladder compression
  • Constipation due to pressure on the bowel
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Fertility problems or recurrent miscarriage
What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolisation?

Uterine fibroid embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Its goal is to block the blood supply to fibroids, which causes them to shrink over time.

The process begins with a small puncture (3-5mm) in the wrist or groin. A catheter is guided under imaging guidance into the arteries that supply the uterine fibroids. Once the catheter is in place, the radiologist injects tiny particles (similar to the size of fine sand particles) that block the blood vessels feeding the fibroids. With their blood supply cut off, the fibroids gradually shrink, relieving symptoms while leaving the uterus intact.

The procedure usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. It is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, meaning the patient remains comfortable but avoids the risks of general anaesthesia. Most women stay in hospital for less than twenty-four hours and resume their normal activities within one to two weeks.

As the fibroids shrink in size, the surrounding uterine muscles regain their normal contractions and symptoms resolve.

Who Can Benefit from UFE?
UFE is particularly helpful for women who experience:
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Severe pelvic pain or bloating
  • Pressure symptoms such as frequent urination or constipation
  • Anaemia caused by fibroid-related blood loss

    It is also suitable for women who:

  • Want to preserve their uterus
  • Have multiple fibroids that are difficult to remove surgically
  • Cannot undergo major surgery due to medical conditions

However, UFE is not appropriate for women who are pregnant, those with active pelvic infections, or those with suspected cancer of the uterus. Though the result of any intervention or surgery for fibroids done in women hoping to conceive in the future should have similar results, they should have a detailed discussion with the IR to identify the exact cause of infertility and tailor the treatment according to the cause rather than offer blanket treatment options..

Benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolisation
The advantages of UFE over traditional surgery are clear.
  • Uterus and fertility preservation: The uterus is left intact, unlike hysterectomy.
  • Minimally invasive: Only a small puncture is required.
  • Fast recovery: Most women return to daily routines in one to two weeks.
  • Effective symptom relief: Over 85 percent of women experience improvement.
  • Treatment of multiple fibroids: All fibroids can be targeted in a single session.
  • Short hospital stay: Usually less than a day.
Risks and Possible Complications
Although safe, UFE does carry some risks.
  • Post-embolisation syndrome: Pain, fever, and nausea for a few days after the procedure.
  • Infection: Rare, but requires prompt medical attention.
  • Premature menopause: More likely in women nearing menopausal age.
  • Injury to uterus or surrounding organs: Very rare.
  • Fertility concerns: Pregnancy is possible after UFE..
Comparing UFE to Surgery
Surgical options like myomectomy and hysterectomy remain effective treatments, but they differ significantly from UFE. Myomectomy removes fibroids but requires a larger operation and longer recovery. Hysterectomy removes the uterus entirely, eliminating fibroids permanently but also removing the possibility of future pregnancies. UFE, in contrast, avoids major incisions, preserves the uterus, and allows a quicker return to normal life with similar results.
Recovery and Life After UFE

Recovery after uterine fibroid embolisation is much shorter than with surgery. Most women return home within a day or two, and many resume light activity in a few days. Some cramping, fatigue, or mild discomfort may persist for a week, but these symptoms improve steadily.

Within three to six months, fibroids shrink significantly, heavy menstrual bleeding reduces, pelvic pain subsides, and quality of life improves. Follow-up imaging helps monitor progress and ensures the treatment has been effective.

Prevention and Lifestyle Considerations
Fibroids cannot always be prevented, but healthy choices can reduce risks and help manage symptoms. Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, reducing red meat, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and ensuring adequate vitamin D all play a role. Routine gynaecological check-ups are also important for early detection and timely treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is uterine fibroid embolisation effective?
Yes, more than 85-95 percent of women report significant relief from heavy bleeding and pain after the procedure.

Do fibroids disappear completely after UFE?
They usually shrink significantly, though complete disappearance is rare. The main aim is symptom relief which is received with shrinkage

Can I still get pregnant after UFE?
Pregnancy is possible, and many successful cases have been documented. However, it is better to avoid pregnancy for up to 6 months post UFE to let the normal myometrium and endometrium to recover to their baseline.

How painful is the recovery?
Mild to moderate cramping is common in the first week, but this is managed with pain relief medications.

Is UFE available in Thiruvananthapuram?
Yes, uterine fibroid embolisation is available in GG Hospital and Sree Gokulam Medical College in Thiuvananthapuram.

Expert Insight
According to Dr. Praveen, awareness is the most important step. Many women continue to believe that surgery is their only option, yet uterine fibroid embolisation provides effective relief with minimal downtime. It allows women to regain control of their health while avoiding the challenges of major surgery.
Conclusion

Uterine fibroid embolisation is a safe, minimally invasive, and highly effective treatment for fibroids. It allows women to experience significant relief from symptoms, recover quickly, and keep their uterus intact. If you are struggling with fibroid-related symptoms, consulting an interventional radiologist can help you determine whether UFE is the right option for you.

Book a consultation with Dr. Praveen today to explore personalised fibroid treatment options.