If you’re exploring treatment for fibroids, you’ve likely heard of Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). It’s often advertised as a quick, non-surgical solution for fibroid symptoms. But there are important facts all patients deserve to know:
Most importantly, for patients who want pregnancy:
UFE is usually performed by an interventional radiologist. A catheter is inserted through the groin or wrist into the uterine arteries, and tiny particles are injected to block the blood flow feeding the fibroids. Deprived of oxygen, the fibroids begin to shrink.
However, the fibroids remain inside the uterus. They are not surgically removed, and over time, some may regrow or remain large enough to continue causing symptoms or severe health complications.
According to published studies and patient data:
Incomplete symptom relief: Many women still report pelvic pain, pressure, or heavy bleeding after UFE, especially if they had large or numerous fibroids.
Higher retreatment rates: Studies have shown that up to 30–40% of women who undergo UFE eventually need a second procedure—often surgery.
Fertility risks: UFE is not recommended for women seeking to preserve or restore fertility. It can lead to increased rates of:
Preterm delivery
Placental abnormalities
Early menopause (due to compromised ovarian blood flow)
After embolization, fibroids undergo necrosis (cell death), but they are not absorbed or expelled entirely. Instead, they become scar tissue inside the uterus. In some cases, this tissue can:
Calcify and cause discomfort
Obstruct the uterus or fallopian tubes
Cause inflammation or discharge (in submucosal fibroids)
In contrast, surgical fibroid removal eliminates these risks by physically extracting the tumors.
At the Center for Innovative GYN Care (CIGC), we specialize in LAAM® (Laparoscopically Assisted Abdominal Myomectomy), a minimally invasive technique that completely removes fibroids—even those larger than 10–20 cm, or numbering in the dozens.
Unlike robotic or open surgery, LAAM:
Uses only two small incisions (one at the belly button and one along the bikini line)
Allows the surgeon to feel and remove all fibroids—even hidden or deeply embedded ones
Provides strong, layered repair of the uterus to support future pregnancy
Has the shortest recovery time (10–14 days)
If you’ve been told UFE is your only option—or if you’re still experiencing symptoms after UFE—it may be time to speak with a GYN surgical hyper-specialist.
At CIGC, we help patients across the U.S. and around the world fully remove fibroids and preserve fertility using techniques unavailable at other clinics, and we participate with many insurance plans.
Fibroids don’t need to be managed—they can be fully removed.
Thousands of women have found lasting relief and preserved fertility with advanced surgical treatment.
Learn from real patient experiences.
Explore your treatment options with a specialist.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can treat your condition today.
