HIFU for fibroids
Our treatment page.
Read more →← Patient guides
Comparison
HIFU vs uterine fibroid embolization (and surgery)
Several options can treat symptomatic fibroids without removing the uterus. The right one depends on the fibroids, your symptoms and whether you hope to have children.
The short version
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) uses focused sound waves from outside the body to heat and destroy fibroid tissue. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) blocks the blood supply to the fibroids through a catheter, so they shrink.
Surgery, either myomectomy (removing the fibroids) or hysterectomy (removing the uterus), remains the long-established option. We have recently added fibroid embolization to our list and are still confirming which Chinese hospitals offer it to international patients.
Side by side
| HIFU | Uterine fibroid embolization | Surgery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Focused ultrasound heats the fibroid | Particles block blood flow to the fibroid | Fibroids or the uterus are removed |
| Anaesthesia | Sedation | Local anaesthesia with sedation | General anaesthesia |
| Usual recovery | Back to normal in about 1 to 2 days (MR-guided) | About 1 to 2 weeks | Longer, depending on the type of surgery |
| Main risks | Skin burns, nerve irritation, rare bowel injury | Cramping, infection (rare), earlier menopause for some, fibroid tissue passing | Bleeding, infection, longer recovery, anaesthetic risks |
| Fertility | Uterus kept, but evidence on pregnancy is limited | Effect on pregnancy not fully understood | Myomectomy keeps the uterus, hysterectomy ends pregnancy |
| Fibroids can return | Possible, and further treatment may be needed | Uncommon, but some need later surgery | After myomectomy, new fibroids can form |
| Not suited when | Many or very large fibroids, abdominal scars, fibroid out of reach | Plans for pregnancy without specialist advice, some blood vessel patterns | Rarely avoided if the patient is fit for surgery |
What the evidence says
RadiologyInfo.org describes UFE as giving significant relief in about 90% of patients, with fibroids shrinking by roughly half. For MR-guided focused ultrasound, it reports symptom improvement within six months and says long-term data are limited.
NICE reviewed ultrasound-guided HIFU for fibroids and advised that it be used only with special arrangements for clinical governance, consent, and audit or research. It noted the risk of skin burns and that the effect on pregnancy is uncertain.
Thinking about pregnancy
If you want to become pregnant, tell every doctor early. Myomectomy is usually considered the standard for fertility planning, while HIFU and UFE have less certain evidence. Contraception is advised for a period after UFE.
Practical points for travel
Both treatments need pre-treatment imaging, usually an MRI, so bring recent scans. Ask how many days you need to stay near the hospital, and who to contact if you have bleeding or fever after you fly home. Your gynaecologist at home should know about any treatment abroad.
What decides the choice
- Number, size and position of fibroids
- Your main symptoms: bleeding, pain or pressure
- Your age and whether you want to keep the uterus or have children
- Previous abdominal surgery or scars
- Your general health
None of these is best for everyone. It depends on the case, and your gynaecologist should be part of the decision. Fibroids are benign, and many need no treatment.
Related
Sources: RadiologyInfo.org, Uterine fibroid treatments: UFE and MRgFUS · NICE, Ultrasound-guided HIFU for symptomatic uterine fibroids (HTG523)
Last reviewed: 12 November 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Sino Health Link is an independent coordination service, not a hospital. We do not diagnose, prescribe or treat. Licensed doctors make all medical recommendations and decisions with you.