Before choosing UFE, understand the difference between shrinking fibroids and removing them.
UFE may reduce blood flow to fibroids, but the fibroids remain in the uterus. CIGC helps women compare UFE, myomectomy, and fibroid removal based on fertility goals, fibroid size, number of fibroids, recurrence risk, and whether definitive removal is possible.
If you are considering embolization, ask whether you want symptom control or fibroid removal — and whether keeping your uterus is possible through surgery.
- 🎓 GYN-Oncology Trained
- ✏ Surgery Only — Not Obstetrics
- 📋 6 Peer-Reviewed Publications
- ✅ 20,000+ Procedures Performed
- 📍 Rockville, MD · Reston, VA · Secaucus, NJ
UFE may shrink fibroids — but it does not remove them
Women comparing UFE, myomectomy, and fibroid removal need a clear decision framework: symptom control versus definitive removal, fertility goals, recurrence risk, and whether all fibroids can be treated in one procedure.
Shrink vs Remove
- UFE blocks blood flow
- Fibroids remain in the uterus
- Symptoms may improve
- Removal requires surgery
Questions to Ask
- Do I want pregnancy?
- Do I have large or multiple fibroids?
- What happens if symptoms return?
- Am I choosing symptom control or removal?
CIGC Perspective
- Complete fibroid removal when appropriate
- Uterus preservation when possible
- Large and multiple fibroid expertise
- Second opinions before committing to UFE
What UFE does — and what it does not do
UFE is a real procedure with real limitations. Understanding both is the only way to make an informed decision.
Fibroids are not removed
- Plastic particles are injected into the uterine arteries to cut off blood supply to fibroids — fibroids are killed, not removed
- Dead fibroids remain inside your uterus, continuing to press on the bladder, bowel, back, and abdomen
- Symptom relief takes months, and sometimes never fully occurs — because the fibroids are still there
- Larger fibroids respond poorly. Smaller fibroids may not be treated at all and can continue to grow
- Fibroids near the uterine lining will discharge material vaginally as they die — causing odor and extended discomfort
- Fibroids on stalks often do not respond to embolization
All fibroids surgically removed — immediate relief
- All fibroids removed through two small incisions — any size, any number, any location
- Uterus preserved — returned to normal size immediately
- Symptom relief is immediate — bleeding, pain, pressure, urinary frequency resolved after a one-hour procedure
- Same-day discharge from a freestanding surgery center — back to work in 7–14 days
- Strongest possible uterine closure — results similar to open surgery, without the large incision
- Best option for fertility patients — fibroids removed, uterus normalized
UFE is not recommended for fertility patients
These are not marketing claims — they are documented clinical risks that every patient considering UFE deserves to know before deciding.
UFE is not FDA-approved for patients who want to become pregnant
The FDA has not approved UFE for use in fertility patients. This is not a minor footnote — it is the regulatory determination. For fertility patients, LAAM is the only fibroid treatment that removes fibroids and is safe for fertility.
Fibroids remain in the uterus — increasing miscarriage risk
Because UFE does not remove fibroids, they remain on or near the uterine lining where a pregnancy implants and grows. Fibroids in that location are a documented cause of miscarriage. LAAM removes them surgically, restoring the uterine cavity.
Plastic particles can travel to the ovaries
The plastic beads injected during UFE can travel beyond the uterine arteries and block blood supply to the ovaries — affecting ovarian health and function, and potentially decreasing fertility rates. This risk does not exist with LAAM.
UFE can also dramatically increase pelvic pain for weeks after treatment as fibroids die — a side effect that does not occur with surgical removal.
Ready to find out if CIGC is right for you?
Schedule a consultation — reviewed by Dr. Danilyants or the surgical team. In-network. Rockville, MD · Reston, VA · Secaucus, NJ · Telehealth.
Thank you — we’ve received your request.
A member of the CIGC surgical team will review your information and reach out shortly. For immediate assistance, call 1-888-SURGERY.
Dr. Natalya Danilyants developed the surgical techniques used at CIGC and has published their outcomes in peer-reviewed medical journals. Every CIGC surgeon is personally trained in these techniques and performs surgery according to the same operative standards and quality benchmarks — whether your procedure is performed in Maryland or New Jersey.
LAAM vs. hysterectomy vs. UFE — what the evidence shows
Both LAAM and DualportGYN hysterectomy are superior to UFE on every outcome that matters for most fibroid patients.
Dr. Danilyants developed the LAAM and DualportGYN techniques and published outcomes across six peer-reviewed studies. Every CIGC surgeon is trained in her methods and operates to the same published standards — whether your procedure is in Maryland or New Jersey.
| LAAM MyomectomyUterus preserved · In-network | DualportGYN HysterectomyUterus removed · In-network | UFE / EmbolizationNon-surgical | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibroids removed | ✓ All fibroids removedAny size, number, or location | ✓ Uterus removed entirelyComplete resolution | ✗ Fibroids not removedPlastic particles kill fibroids — they remain in your uterus |
| Symptom relief | ImmediateBleeding, pain, pressure — resolved after one procedure | ImmediateComplete resolution of all uterine symptoms | Months — or neverFibroids remain and may not fully shrink |
| Uterus preserved | ✓ Uterus preserved | Uterus removedCervix and ovaries preserved when you choose | ✓ Uterus preservedBut fibroids remain inside it |
| Recommended for fertility | ✓ Best optionRemoves fibroids · restores uterine cavity · safe for pregnancy | ✗ Not for fertility patients | ✗ Not recommendedNot FDA-approved · increased miscarriage risk · potential ovarian injury |
| Recovery | 7–14 daysSame-day discharge · walking the day of surgery | ~1 weekSame-day discharge · walking the day of surgery | Weeks to monthsPain dramatically increases after treatment as fibroids die · hospital admission standard |
| Incisions | 2 small incisions | 2 small incisions | Small catheter incisionHospital procedure — not a surgery center |
| Cost (20% coinsurance) | ~$1,000 out-of-pocket66–75% less than hospital · covered by most insurance | ~$1,000 out-of-pocket~$5,000 ASC vs. ~$20,000 hospital | VariesHospital-based — higher facility costs · prior authorization often required |
| Published outcomes | 3 peer-reviewed publications1,313-patient comparison · 0.7% conversion to open · lowest complications | 6 peer-reviewed publications2,689-patient comparison · lowest complications · lowest cost | Published data availableNo published comparison to LAAM showing equivalent outcomes for symptom relief or fertility |
Most patients with large fibroids are told their only option is open surgery. LAAM is the minimally invasive alternative — and the results are documented.
UFE performs poorly on large fibroids and large numbers of fibroids — exactly the patients who most need relief. LAAM removes all fibroids of any size or number through two small incisions, same-day discharge, 10–14 day recovery. These are published operative records, not claims.
The point is not the records. The point is what they prove. If Dr. Danilyants can remove 15 pounds of fibroids laparoscopically — uterus preserved, patient home the same day — she can remove your fibroids. Whatever their size or number. UFE does not remove fibroids. LAAM does.
Three reasons LAAM outperforms UFE for most fibroid patients
Every claim below is sourced from CIGC’s peer-reviewed published journal articles and actual data from patients who have undergone fibroid removal at CIGC.
Call 1-888-SURGERY or schedule online to discuss your specific fibroid situation with Dr. Danilyants or her team.
Immediate relief after one procedure — not months of waiting
In one hour, LAAM removes all fibroids from the uterus and returns it to normal size. Heavy bleeding stops. Pelvic pressure resolves. Urinary frequency improves. The relief is immediate because the cause is removed — not managed, not killed over months, not left behind. UFE takes months to produce partial relief, because the fibroids are still there.
7–14 days back to work — often faster than UFE recovery
LAAM patients go home the same day from a freestanding surgery center and return to work in 7 to 14 days. UFE patients are typically admitted to the hospital and experience significant pain for weeks as fibroids die — a process that can be more painful and prolonged than surgical recovery. UFE is not the easier path. It is the longer one.
LAAM is the only fibroid treatment that removes fibroids and is safe for fertility
LAAM removes fibroids, restores normal uterine anatomy, and is safe for patients who want to become pregnant. UFE is not FDA-approved for fertility patients, can increase miscarriage risk, and can decrease ovarian blood supply. For fertility patients, the choice is clear: LAAM is the only appropriate option.
Dr. Danilyants explains UFE, LAAM, and why the approach matters
What UFE does, what it doesn’t do, and why most fibroid patients have a better option available in-network.
UFE may be appropriate for a small number of patients
In the interest of giving you complete information: UFE is not without any role in fibroid treatment. There are specific circumstances where it may be considered.
UFE may be considered for patients who do not want to become pregnant, have a specific medical reason that makes surgery higher risk, and whose fibroids are of a size and type likely to respond to embolization. It is not recommended for patients seeking fertility, patients with fibroids on stalks or near the uterine lining, or patients with large numbers of fibroids.
If you are unsure whether UFE or LAAM is the right choice for your specific situation, a consultation with Dr. Danilyants and the CIGC team will give you a specific, honest answer based on your imaging and your goals — not a protocol.
What to ask before choosing any fibroid treatment
The right fibroid treatment depends on your specific fibroids, your symptoms, and your goals — especially whether you want to preserve your uterus and whether you want to become pregnant. These are the questions to ask.
Will this treatment remove my fibroids or only reduce them? UFE kills fibroids but does not remove them. LAAM removes them. If your goal is lasting symptom relief and a uterus that functions normally — removal is the right answer.
Is this treatment safe if I want to become pregnant? UFE is not FDA-approved for fertility patients and carries specific risks to both the uterus and ovaries. LAAM removes fibroids and is the recommended surgical option for fertility patients.
Does your surgeon publish outcomes in peer-reviewed journals? Dr. Danilyants and the CIGC team have published three LAAM-specific papers covering 1,313 patients, 969 patients, and 816 patients. The data is verifiable. The outcomes are documented.
Most patients with large fibroids are offered open surgery or told to try UFE. LAAM offers a third path: minimally invasive removal of all fibroids, same-day discharge, 10–14 day recovery, at the lowest published complication rate of any myomectomy approach.
Patients who chose LAAM instead of UFE
“After being told that I could only have an open myomectomy or hysterectomy it was a relief to hear something positive. CIGC removed 17 fibroids from my uterus. I’m going to yell to the rooftops about CIGC and Dr. Danilyants.”
“CIGC removed 25 fibroids while preserving my uterus, all minimally invasive. I was able to caretake for myself the day after surgery. If I had not found CIGC, I am almost certain I would not have my uterus.”
“Dr. Danilyants removed a 17cm fibroid via LAAM. I still have my fertility. I was fully recovered in 2 weeks. My only option at home was a traditional abdominal myomectomy with 8 weeks of recovery. I traveled for this and have zero regrets.”
“My recovery was quick. I only missed a little over a week of work. The incision from the procedure is just a small line, barely noticeable. I recommend CIGC to anyone who needs a myomectomy.”
Patient testimonials reflect individual experiences; individual results vary.
Schedule Your CIGC Surgical Consultation
Your case will be reviewed by Dr. Danilyants or a member of the CIGC surgical team to determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation.
In a consultation, Dr. Danilyants or a member of her team reviews your imaging and your goals — and gives you a specific, honest recommendation on whether LAAM, hysterectomy, or another approach is right for you. Using your in-network insurance benefits. Consultations in Rockville, MD · Reston, VA · Secaucus, NJ · Telehealth.
Thank you — we’ve received your request.
A member of the CIGC surgical team will review your information and reach out shortly. For immediate assistance, call 1-888-SURGERY.
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm ET · Rockville, MD · Reston, VA · Secaucus, NJ