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What to Expect After a Uterine Artery Embolization

As the Society of Interventional Radiology explains, uterine artery embolization is a nonsurgical treatment for uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths that develop inside a woman's uterus. Fibroids may require treatment when they start to cause symptoms such as pain or heavy bleeding. Patients' experiences after the procedure vary, but there are a few common things that you can expect after a uterine artery embolization. (See Reference 2)

  1. Immediately After

    • As the UCSF Medical Center explains, expect to spend the first six hours after your uterine artery embolization lying flat on your back. (See Reference 3) According to the Mayo Clinic, this is to prevent blood from pooling and clotting at the site of the incision. (See Reference 1)

    Hospital Stay

    • According to the UCSF Medical Center, expect to spend a night in the hospital following your uterine artery embolization. You should be able to return home the following morning. (See Reference 3)

    Pain

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, most patients experience the most pain during the first 24 hours following a uterine artery embolization. You will receive pain medication through an IV; the medication is usually an opioid like morphine. The following day you will probably feel well enough to switch to oral pain medications. You will be given a prescription for these medications when you return home. Most women find that their pain subsides within a couple of days, although some women may continue to experience pain for a few weeks. (See Reference 1)

    Post-Embolization Syndrome

    • As the Mayo Clinic explains, many women experience post-embolization syndrome following a uterine artery embolization. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever and fatigue. The syndrome usually resolves on its own, although it's important to make sure that symptoms aren't actually a sign of endometritis, a serious complication of the procedure. (See Reference 1)

    Return to Normal Activities

    • You can expect that after a uterine artery embolization you will be able to return to your normal life fairly quickly. According to the Society of Interventional Radiology, many women are able to complete light activities within a few days of having a uterine artery embolization; most women resume their normal activities within seven to ten days. (See Reference 2)

    Success Rates

    • In all likelihood, a uterine artery embolization will resolve your fibroid symptoms. According to the Society of Interventional Radiology, uterine artery embolization is successful in significantly or completely reducing symptoms in 85 to 90 percent of women who undergo the procedure. (See Reference 2)

    Follow-up Care

    • You should expect a few follow-up appointments after a uterine artery embolization. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients typically get several ultrasound or MRI examinations in the year following the procedure in order to ensure that the fibroids are shrinking as well as to look for any other changes. (See Reference 1)

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