Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
An interventional radiologist passes a thin tube through an artery in the wrist or groin to the arteries that feed the uterus. Tiny particles are injected to block blood flow to the fibroids. The fibroids then shrink over weeks to months.
Who it may suit
- Symptomatic fibroids causing heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain
- Women who want to avoid hysterectomy or major surgery
- Women who have completed childbearing or who accept the uncertainty about future pregnancy
What happens
- Pelvic MRI or ultrasound to map the fibroids and exclude other causes
- Review by a gynaecologist and an interventional radiologist
- The procedure, usually about 90 minutes, with an overnight stay or day-case care
- Follow-up imaging and review at about 3 and 6 months
Usually 3 to 7 days in China, then rest at home for 1 to 2 weeks.
UFE is offered at Canadian centres, but access and waits vary by region. Check with your gynaecologist first.
How it works
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the muscle of the uterus. They are common, and many cause no problems. When they cause heavy periods, pain or pressure, options include medicines, myomectomy, hysterectomy, focused ultrasound and embolization.
In UFE, the radiologist uses X-ray guidance to reach the uterine arteries and releases small particles that block the blood supply to the fibroids. Without blood, the fibroids shrink. Radiology sources report that nearly 90% of patients have significant or complete relief of symptoms, with relief often noticeable within two to three weeks. Fibroids are usually done shrinking by about six months.
UFE is a long-established treatment and is available in Canada. It is not a new or China-only technique, so it is worth asking your Canadian team about it first. Compared with surgery, it avoids a large incision and general anaesthesia, and blood loss is small. Mayo Clinic notes that complication rates are similar to surgery and that new fibroids may grow later, because the uterus stays in place. Some patients need further treatment, including hysterectomy.
Potential advantages
- The uterus is kept, and there is no large incision
- Usually done with local anaesthesia and sedation, not general anaesthesia
- Shorter recovery than hysterectomy, often 1 to 2 weeks
- Treats all fibroids at once, including several small ones
- Little blood loss, so transfusion is rarely needed
What to prepare for a specialist review
- Pelvic MRI report and images, and recent ultrasound reports
- Blood tests including haemoglobin and iron levels
- Pap test results and any biopsy of the uterine lining
- History of your periods, bleeding and treatments tried
- Details of any plan to become pregnant, now or later
- Allergies, kidney function and medicines
Questions to ask the treating team
- Is UFE or another option better for the size, number and position of my fibroids?
- What do you advise if I may want a pregnancy in the future?
- What is the chance I will need a further procedure or hysterectomy?
- What pain control will I have, and how long will I stay?
- Can UFE be arranged in Canada, and how would that compare with travelling?
Things to know. Pain and cramping are common for days. Rarely there is infection, early menopause or a need for later hysterectomy. Fertility after UFE is not fully understood. We are still confirming which Chinese hospitals currently offer this to international patients.
Why an introduction matters
Many of China’s leading specialists work in busy public hospitals without international patient offices. They rarely answer enquiries from abroad directly, and a file sent without an introduction often goes unread. Cases usually reach them through people they already know and trust. Our team on the ground makes that introduction, presents your case properly in Chinese, and follows up until you have an answer.
Related pages
Sources: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA and ACR): Uterine fibroid embolization · Mayo Clinic: Uterine fibroids, diagnosis and treatment · NHS: Fibroids, treatment
Last reviewed: 12 November 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Some programmes, especially stem-cell and other cell treatments, are experimental. We introduce them only if you ask and your own specialist agrees, and we never describe them as cures.