General Questions
Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous). Cancerous fibroid-like tumors are extremely rare.
Fibroids can enlarge the uterine lining or interfere with normal uterine contractions, leading to heavier or longer menstrual bleeding.
After UFE, treated fibroids shrink and typically do not regrow. However, new fibroids can develop in some women over time.
Treatment is usually based on symptoms rather than size alone. Even small fibroids can require treatment if they cause significant bleeding or pain.
No. Many women have fibroids without knowing it. Treatment is only needed if symptoms are affecting quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow-up imaging is usually recommended after treatment to monitor shrinkage and symptom improvement. Your specialist will advise how many scans are needed based on your individual case.
If your fibroids are not causing significant symptoms, they may simply be monitored with periodic check-ups and occasional imaging. The frequency depends on your symptoms, fibroid size, and stage of life.
Fibroids tend to grow during reproductive years when estrogen and progesterone levels are higher. They may grow more quickly during pregnancy and often stabilise or shrink after menopause.
After menopause, fibroids usually shrink naturally due to lower hormone levels. However, if symptoms persist, medical assessment is still important.
In many cases, yes. Your overall health will be carefully assessed to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
Yes, many large or multiple fibroids can be treated without open surgery, though suitability depends on imaging findings and overall health.
Stress alone does not directly cause fibroids, but chronic stress may influence hormone balance, which can affect fibroid growth.
There is no strong scientific evidence that herbal or natural remedies permanently remove fibroids. Some may help with symptom relief, but they do not eliminate the growths.
UFE Questions
Tiny particles are guided through a small catheter into the arteries supplying the fibroids, cutting off blood flow so they gradually shrink.
The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the number and size of fibroids.
UFE is considered a safe and well-established procedure when performed by an experienced interventional radiologist.
You can go home the same day. Expect cramping or fatigue for a few days — medication helps. Most women return to normal activities within one week.
Cramping improves in days. Bleeding and pressure improve over 1–3 months as the fibroids shrink. Most women feel significantly better by the 3-month mark.
Serious complications are uncommon but possible risks include mild cramping or pelvic pain after the procedure,temporary fever or nausea and bleeding or bruising at the catheter entry site. An extremely rare risk is damage to nearby organs or unintended blockage of blood flow.
Treated fibroids do not grow back, though new fibroids can rarely develop in the future in some women.
Fibroids and fertility
Many women do.UFE preserves the uterus. It’s not a fertility treatment, but a helpful option when fibroids are causing symptoms.
UFE targets fibroids specifically and does not typically affect normal hormone levels.
Many women return to work within one to two weeks, depending on how they feel.
Light activity can resume within days but strenuous exercise should wait until your doctor advises it is safe.
UFE can still be effective near menopause, particularly if symptoms are severe and affecting daily life.