at 6 months
preserved
(or day case)
❓ What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (myomas or leiomyomas) are benign tumours of the uterine muscle, common in women of reproductive age. When they grow large or become symptomatic, they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, and significantly affect quality of life.
🔴 Why UFE rather than surgery?
- Alternative to myomectomy or hysterectomy — the uterus is preserved
- Treats all fibroids in a single session, even if multiple
- Documented efficacy: 40–60% volume reduction at 6 months, 80–90% symptom improvement
- Day case or 1-night admission
- No abdominal scar, faster recovery than surgery
👩 Who is UFE suitable for?
- Women with symptomatic fibroids (heavy bleeding, pain, pressure symptoms)
- Large or multiple fibroids
- Wish to preserve the uterus
- Refusal or contraindication to surgery
🔬 How does UFE work?
Pelvic MRI — mandatory before the procedure to map the fibroids
1-night admission with pre-procedural analgesia
Local anaesthesia ± light sedation — femoral or radial artery access
Selective catheterisation of both uterine arteries under fluoroscopic guidance
Microsphere injection into both uterine arteries — procedure lasts 1–2 hours
Discharge the next morning — progressive improvement over 3–6 months
Patient satisfaction after embolisation is comparable to that after hysterectomy (around 90%), with a shorter hospital stay and fewer major complications. The trade-off: because the uterus is preserved, new fibroids may develop and a second procedure is sometimes needed (15–25% at 5 years). The choice is discussed with your gynaecologist, in particular if you are planning a pregnancy.
📊 What to expect after UFE
Post-embolisation syndrome is expected and transient: pelvic pain, mild fever and nausea in the first 24–48 hours (managed with analgesia). Most women return to normal activities within 5–7 days. Bleeding improves from the next menstrual cycle onwards.
A follow-up MRI at 6 months confirms fibroid volume reduction. Rare complications include transient amenorrhoea; early menopause is very rare.
⚖️ UFE vs Surgery
| 🔴 UFE — Cochin AP-HP | 🔪 Myomectomy / Hysterectomy | |
|---|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | ✅ Local ± sedation | General |
| Uterus preserved | ✅ Always | Not if hysterectomy |
| All fibroids treated | ✅ Yes, in one session | Risk of missing small ones |
| Abdominal scar | ✅ None | Yes |
| Recovery | ✅ 5–7 days | 4–6 weeks |
| Symptom improvement | 80–90% | 90% (myomectomy may recur) |
⚡ At a glance — key figures
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) — also called uterine artery embolization (UAE) — is performed by an interventional radiologist without surgery: microparticles injected through a catheter block the blood supply to the fibroids, which then shrink over several months. The uterus is preserved.
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Effect on symptoms | Improvement of heavy periods and bulk symptoms in 85–90% of cases |
| Fibroid volume reduction | 50–60% at 6–12 months |
| Uterus | Preserved — an alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy |
| Anaesthesia / stay | Local anaesthesia with sedation — day case or one night |
| Access | Radial (wrist) where possible, otherwise femoral (groin) |
| Re-treatment at 5 years | 15–25% (repeat embolization or surgery remain possible) |
| Cost | Covered by French national health insurance at Cochin AP-HP — no out-of-pocket fees |
Sources: EMMY (10-year follow-up) and FEMME randomised trials, CNGOF and HAS guidelines. Data validated by the team of Prof. Anthony Dohan, Department of Interventional Radiology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I get pregnant after UFE?
Is UFE covered by French health insurance?
What imaging should I bring to my consultation?
Is uterine fibroid embolization effective?
Embolization or surgery (myomectomy, hysterectomy)?
Will I still be able to have children?
What is recovery like?
Is it covered by insurance?
📄 Patient information leaflet
Information sheet to read before your consultation — includes practical details and questions to ask your radiologist.
✅ Covered by French health insurance (Assurance Maladie). No extra fees at Cochin Hospital AP-HP.
🔗 Related pages
✓ 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.