Is Bleeding Normal After Uterine Fibroid Embolism?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a safe procedure that can halt the growth of fibroid tumors. However, any surgery can have complications.

Identification

• Fibroids are muscle tumors in the uterus that are usually non-cancerous. In very rare cases, according to Womens' Health Care Matters, rapidly growing fibroids might be cancerous. Always get professional medical advice.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

• Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure designed to shrink fibroid tumors. The procedure essentially involves inserting a catheter (tube) into your femoral artery and shunting embolic agents (pellets) into the blood vessels that grow the fibroid.

Post Embolization

• Women, after the procedure, are kept in the hospital for a few days to give medication to ease the pain from the dying fibroid and to observe reaction to the surgery.

Bleeding After Embolization

• A brown or brownish red vaginal discharge is normal after a uterine fibroid embolization, according to the Division Of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Georgetown University Hospital. Occasionally, women will have a clear vaginal discharge for a few weeks. This is normal. The heavy bleeding that was associated with the fibroids may stop immediately, but often it will take two or three menstrual cycles to lighten.

Warning

• You should contact your doctor if you notice a thick or foul-smelling vaginal discharge or pain in the pelvic area. Fever is also a danger sign after embolization and requires medical attention. Seek professional care if the heavy bleeding does not stop or becomes greater.