Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

Uterine fibroids are a common women’s health concern that can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. While these noncancerous growths are not life-threatening, they may lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure and other symptoms that affect overall well-being. At MCR, we understand the impact fibroids can have and are proud to offer a safe, minimally invasive solution through Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), which is also known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). This advanced procedure, performed by our highly skilled interventional radiologists, effectively reduces fibroid size, relieving frustrating or painful symptoms and helping women regain control of their health all without the need for major surgery.

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign growths that form within the muscle layer of the uterus. These tumors can lead to a range of menstrual changes, but treatments offered through interventional radiology for women’s health can provide significant symptom relief and improve quality of life. Patients with fibroids may experience:

According to the NIH, uterine fibroids will affect 70 percent of white women and 80 percent of African American women in the U.S. by the time they are 50 years old. You are at increased risk for developing fibroids if you are overweight, African American, over the age of 40, have high blood pressure, have had no children and have a family history of fibroids.

At MCR, our interventional radiologists perform a specialized women’s health procedure known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UAE) to treat uterine fibroids. Uterine Artery Embolization is a non-surgical option that helps manage symptoms, maintains the uterus and enhances overall quality of life. The Society for Women’s Health Research reports that roughly 90% of women who undergo UAE experience significant relief or complete resolution of their symptoms.

During the Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedure, our interventional radiologist uses real-time X-ray imaging and sedation to access the artery that supplies blood to the fibroid, which usually goes through a very small incision in the wrist or groin. A slender catheter, about the width of a piece of spaghetti, is carefully threaded through the blood vessels to reach the fibroid’s blood source.

Once in place, our radiologist injects small particles into the artery, which block the blood flow to the fibroid. Over time, the fibroid will shrink due to lack of nutrients. After the completion of the embolization, the catheter will be removed.

After undergoing an interventional radiology for women’s health procedure such as auterine fibroid embolization, you may be admitted overnight in the hospital to manage any pain resulting from the treatment. Typically, you’ll be sent home with oral pain medication to use for an additional few days.

After about a week, most patients are able to return to their normal activity levels. You’ll follow up with our interventional radiologist and your gynecologist a few weeks later. After a Uterine Fibroid Embolization, some women may experience symptoms of post-embolization syndrome, including pelvic pain and cramping, nausea/vomiting, low-grade fever, fatigue and discomfort. These symptoms may resolve themselves and disappear within 2-7 days.

If you are experiencing symptoms of uterine fibroids, know that you do not have to live with the pain or frustration. Uterine Fibroid Embolization offers a safe, effective solution to persistent symptoms. Request an appointment with our interventional radiology team today to find relief, recovery and a better quality of life.

6275 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite 300, Norfolk, Virginia 23502

 (757) 466-0089