Adenomyosis Embolization Paris

What is adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a benign condition in which the endometrial tissue (inner lining of the uterus) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium). It causes heavy, painful periods (menorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea), pelvic pain, and a bulky, tender uterus. It often coexists with uterine fibroids and/or endometriosis.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) reduces blood flow to the affected myometrium, leading to shrinkage of the adenomyotic tissue and relief of symptoms in 70–80% of patients. The uterus is fully preserved — unlike hysterectomy. Fully covered by French national health insurance at Cochin AP-HP — no patient fees.

At a glance — key figures

Adenomyosis embolization reduces blood flow to the affected uterine tissue through a catheter, under local anaesthesia with sedation, easing bleeding and pain while preserving the uterus.

Criterion	Data
Symptom improvement	Reported in around 70–80% of women in the medium term
Uterus	Preserved — alternative to hysterectomy
Anaesthesia / stay	Local with sedation — day case or one night
Durability	Generally good but somewhat less durable than for fibroids; symptoms can return over time
Cost	Covered by French national health insurance at Cochin AP-HP — no out-of-pocket fees.

Data validated by the team of Prof. Anthony Dohan, Department of Interventional Radiology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité.

Who is suitable?

Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) significantly affecting quality of life
Chronic pelvic pain or severe dysmenorrhoea related to adenomyosis
Bulky uterus confirmed on MRI or ultrasound
Patient wishing to preserve her uterus and avoid surgery
Contraindication to or refusal of hysterectomy or endometrial ablation
Adenomyosis associated with uterine fibroids (both treated in a single procedure)

The procedure

Pre-procedure MRI

Pelvic MRI to confirm adenomyosis, assess extent, and plan embolization.

Admission — Day procedure unit

Patient arrives in the morning. IV cannula placed. Local anaesthesia and conscious sedation.

Femoral artery puncture (right groin)

Percutaneous access to both uterine arteries via the right femoral artery using standard Seldinger technique.

Bilateral uterine artery embolization

Selective catheterisation and embolization of both uterine arteries with calibrated microspheres, reducing blood supply to adenomyotic tissue.

Recovery and discharge

4–6 hours observation. Same-day discharge with oral analgesia. Pain managed at home with NSAIDs and paracetamol.

Follow-up MRI at 3–6 months

Reduction in uterine volume and symptom assessment. Menstrual flow typically improves from the first post-procedure cycle.

Results

70–80%

Improvement in heavy bleeding

Same day

Discharge from hospital

Uterus

Fully preserved

Criterion	UAE (Cochin)	Hysterectomy
Anaesthesia	Local + sedation	General
Uterus preserved	Yes ✓	No
Hospital stay	Day case ✓	3–5 days
Recovery	7–10 days	4–6 weeks
Success rate	70–80%	100% (no uterus)
Covered by insurance	100% ✓	100% ✓

FAQs

Yes. If adenomyosis and uterine fibroids coexist, both are treated in the same UAE procedure, as both are supplied by the uterine arteries.

Most patients (70–80%) experience a significant reduction in menstrual flow within 1–3 months. Complete resolution is more common in fibroid-dominant disease than in pure adenomyosis.

UAE is not the preferred option for women wishing to conceive, as it may affect uterine perfusion. Discuss fertility-sparing alternatives with your gynaecologist before deciding.

Correct. Cochin Hospital AP-HP is a French public hospital. All procedures are covered by the French national health insurance (equivalent to the NHS). No out-of-pocket expenses.

→ Uterine fibroid embolization → Infertility & Radiology → Pelvic congestion syndrome

Frequently asked questions

Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing heavy, painful periods and an enlarged, tender uterus. Uterine artery embolization reduces the blood supply to the affected tissue, easing bleeding and pain while preserving the uterus.

Symptom improvement is reported in around 70–80% of women in the medium term. Results are generally good but somewhat less durable than for fibroids, and symptoms can return over time.

Yes, for women who wish to avoid or delay hysterectomy. Embolization preserves the uterus and avoids general anaesthesia and a long recovery. Hysterectomy remains the definitive treatment when symptoms persist.

Yes. At Cochin AP-HP (a French public hospital), this procedure is covered by national health insurance with no out-of-pocket fees. Contact ri.cch@aphp.fr or +33 1 58 41 46 12.

Why this page is trustworthy

Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: August 2026.

🏥 Le service 📰 Actualités 🔬 Recherche & essais cliniques

Adenomyosis — Uterine Artery Embolization