Imagine being a young, ambitious woman whose life is put on hold, not by a career setback, but by something happening inside your own body. Heavy bleeding, severe cramps, bloating, and fatigue become part of your everyday routine. Social events get canceled, work productivity drops, and your energy to live fully fades away. For many Indian women, this is not a rare story, it’s the daily struggle of living with uterine fibroids.
These benign growths in the uterus affect 1 in 5 women in India by the age of 40 (as per AIIMS reports). While they are non-cancerous, their impact on health, fertility, and quality of life can be significant. Traditionally, surgery, especially hysterectomy, was considered the main treatment. But now, a less invasive, faster recovery option exists: Uterine Fibroid Embolisation.
In this blog, we’ll explore what it is, why it’s becoming a game-changer in women’s healthcare in India, and why you should consider it as a safe, effective, and fertility-preserving option.
Let’s Understand Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, medically known as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous tumors that grow in or on the uterus. While their exact cause is still under research, factors like hormonal imbalances (especially estrogen), genetic predisposition, and lifestyle influences play a role.
Common symptoms include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Severe pelvic pain and cramps
- Pressure in the lower abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Infertility or complications during pregnancy
In India, many women delay treatment due to stigma around menstrual health, lack of awareness, or fear of surgery. This delay often worsens symptoms and limits treatment choices.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolisation?
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Instead of surgically removing fibroids, UFE blocks the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and symptoms to improve.
Here’s how it works:
- A small incision is made in the groin or wrist.
- A catheter is guided into the arteries supplying the fibroid.
- Tiny particles are injected to block the blood supply.
- Over time, the fibroid shrinks and symptoms reduce significantly.
Unlike hysterectomy, Uterine Fibroid Embolisation preserves the uterus, making it a great choice for women who still want the option of pregnancy or simply don’t want to undergo major surgery.
Key Benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolisation
- Minimally Invasive – No large surgical cuts, meaning less pain, minimal scarring, and faster recovery.
- Short Hospital Stay – Most patients go home within 24 hours.
- Fertility Preservation – The uterus remains intact, offering a chance for future pregnancies.
- Quick Return to Routine – Recovery usually takes a week compared to 4–6 weeks after surgery.
- Effective Symptom Relief – Studies show 80–90% of women experience relief from heavy bleeding and pain.
- Lower Risk of Complications – Since it’s not major surgery, risks like infection, excessive bleeding, and anesthesia-related issues are reduced.
- Cost-Effective – In India, UFE is often more affordable than open surgery when factoring in hospital stay and recovery time.
UFE vs. Other Treatment Options
While Uterine Fibroid Embolisation offers many benefits, it’s important to compare it with other treatment options:
- Hysterectomy – Permanent removal of the uterus. Effective but eliminates the possibility of pregnancy and has a long recovery period.
- Myomectomy – Surgical removal of fibroids while keeping the uterus. Suitable for women wanting to conceive but involves a longer hospital stay than UFE.
- Medication – Can control symptoms temporarily but doesn’t remove or shrink fibroids permanently.
- Laser or Focused Ultrasound – Newer methods, not widely available in India yet.
For many women, UFE provides a middle ground, permanent relief without the physical and emotional impact of losing the uterus.
Life After Uterine Fibroid Embolisation
Most women notice significant improvement in symptoms within weeks. Heavy bleeding reduces, pain subsides, and energy levels return. Since the uterus is preserved, the possibility of pregnancy remains.
Post-procedure tips for recovery:
- Follow your doctor’s guidance on rest and activity.
- Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods to aid healing.
- Avoid heavy lifting for at least a week.
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress.
With UFE, many women report feeling “like themselves again,” free from the constant worry of pain and heavy bleeding.
Why Choose Us for Uterine Fibroid Embolisation?
At our center, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care. Our team of expert interventional radiologists ensures safe, effective procedures tailored to each patient’s needs. From diagnosis to recovery, we guide you every step of the way, because we believe women deserve a life free from fibroid-related discomfort.
We are committed to:
- Accurate, timely diagnosis using high-quality imaging.
- Individualized treatment plans focused on your health goals.
- Minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery.
- Emotional and medical support throughout your journey.
Final Thoughts
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation is transforming how Indian women approach fibroid treatment. It’s safe, effective, and preserves the uterus, empowering women to reclaim control over their health without the fear of major surgery.
If you’ve been silently suffering from fibroids, it’s time to know your options. The right treatment can give you back your freedom, your confidence, and your future.
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for uterine fibroid embolization?
Women with symptomatic fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or frequent urination, who want a minimally invasive alternative to surgery are eligible. Ideal candidates are those not planning immediate pregnancy and who have fibroids confirmed by imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI.
2. What happens during a uterine fibroid embolization?
During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or wrist. Tiny particles are guided to the uterine arteries to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. It’s usually done under local anesthesia with sedation.
3. How long does uterine fibroid embolization last?
Results can last many years, with most women experiencing significant symptom relief for five years or more. Recurrence is possible if new fibroids develop. Proper follow-up with a gynecologist helps monitor long-term results and address any changes early.
4. Who is a good candidate for fibroid embolization?
A good candidate is a woman with moderate to severe fibroid symptoms, who prefers to avoid major surgery like hysterectomy and whose fibroid size and location are suitable for the procedure. She should have no active pelvic infection and a healthy uterine structure.