How to Choose a Clinic for Uterine Fibroid Embolisation: 5 Questions to Ask

Medicine Made Simple Summary

If you’ve been told you have uterine fibroids and are considering Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE), the clinic and doctor you choose can make a huge difference in your experience and results. UFE is a minimally invasive treatment performed by an interventional radiologist to shrink fibroids and relieve heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure. It avoids major surgery and helps most women recover within days, not weeks. This guide explains exactly what to ask before choosing your clinic—so you can feel confident, safe, and fully informed.

Understanding Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE)

UFE—also known as Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE)—is a modern, minimally invasive alternative to surgery for women suffering from fibroids. Instead of removing the uterus or cutting out fibroids, UFE blocks the blood supply feeding them, causing them to shrink naturally over time.

The procedure is done by an interventional radiologist, a doctor who uses imaging like X-rays or ultrasound to guide thin catheters inside your body with precision. Through a tiny puncture—usually in your wrist or groin—they inject small particles into the uterine arteries to cut off blood flow to the fibroids.

Because there’s no large incision, recovery is much faster, and most women return to normal activities within a week. It also preserves the uterus, which is important for women who want to avoid hysterectomy.

Why the choice of clinic matters

Choosing the right clinic for UFE isn’t just about convenience—it directly affects your comfort, safety, and long-term results.
Here’s why it’s important:

• Experience: UFE is a specialized procedure that requires expertise in interventional radiology and women’s health.

• Equipment quality: High-quality imaging and tools help ensure accuracy and reduce risk.

• Personalized care: Every woman’s fibroid pattern and symptoms are different. Clinics with a patient-centered approach tailor treatment to your needs.

• Aftercare: Proper recovery monitoring ensures long-term success and early management of any issues.

A good clinic won’t just perform the procedure—they’ll guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with compassion and clarity.

Question 1: How experienced is the interventional radiologist?

This is the single most important question to ask.
UFE is not a standard gynecologic surgery—it’s performed by an interventional radiologist (IR) trained in image-guided vascular procedures. The more procedures they’ve done, the better the outcomes tend to be.

Ask directly:

• How many UFE procedures do you perform each month or year?

• What is your success rate in reducing symptoms like bleeding and pain?

• How often do patients need repeat treatment or surgery later?

An experienced IR will explain their approach clearly and show data or references from previous cases (without sharing private details).
Look for a clinic where UFE is a routine, well-established service, not an occasional offering.

Question 2: What imaging technology and facilities are available?

Imaging is at the heart of UFE—it guides every step of the procedure.
High-quality imaging ensures that the doctor can accurately reach and treat all fibroids while protecting healthy tissue.

Ask:

• Do you use advanced digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or 3D imaging for guidance?

• Is the procedure performed in a dedicated interventional radiology suite rather than a standard operating theatre?

• Do you perform pre-procedure MRI scans to map all the fibroids accurately?

The best clinics combine advanced imaging technology with skilled radiologists, ensuring the embolisation is precise and effective.

Question 3: What kind of support and aftercare do you provide?

Recovery from UFE is usually smooth, but the right support makes all the difference in comfort and confidence.

Before your procedure, ask:

• Will I have a nurse or coordinator to help me prepare and explain post-procedure care?

• How long will I stay for observation?

• What pain relief and medications will I receive afterward?

• How will you follow up to ensure my fibroids are shrinking and symptoms improving?

Good clinics offer structured follow-up—typically with a review at 1 month, then again at 3 to 6 months, often with ultrasound or MRI scans.
They’ll also give you direct contact details in case you have questions or discomfort after going home.

Question 4: What are my alternatives—and how do results compare?

A reliable clinic will never pressure you into a single treatment option. They’ll explain UFE alongside other possible treatments, such as:

• Myomectomy – surgical removal of fibroids

• Hysterectomy – removal of the uterus

• Medical therapy – hormone treatments to shrink fibroids temporarily

Ask your doctor to discuss the pros and cons of each, especially in terms of recovery, recurrence, and fertility.

For instance:

• Myomectomy may be preferred if you plan to become pregnant soon.

• UFE may be ideal if you want to avoid surgery, preserve your uterus, and return to work quickly.

A transparent clinic focuses on helping you make the choice that fits your health goals—not theirs.

Question 5: What do patients say about their experiences here?

Hearing from other women who’ve been through UFE can give you valuable insight.
Ask the clinic if they have patient testimonials, case stories, or satisfaction data.
You can also look for reviews online—but interpret them carefully. Consistent patterns (positive or negative) often reveal more than individual comments.

Positive indicators include:

• Clear communication and compassionate staff

• Minimal discomfort during the procedure

• Good follow-up and visible symptom relief within months

• Strong patient trust in the care team

A confident, experienced clinic will be proud to share real patient experiences.

Additional questions you might ask

Here are a few more that can help you feel completely informed before scheduling your UFE:

• What kind of embolic particles do you use, and are they FDA or CE approved?

• What is your rate of complications or reintervention?

• Will the same doctor who performs the procedure be available for follow-up?

• How much does the procedure cost, and is it covered by insurance?

• Do you coordinate care with my gynaecologist?

These details matter—they reflect professionalism and patient-centered care.

What a good UFE experience looks like

A smooth UFE experience typically follows this path:

1. Diagnosis: MRI or ultrasound confirms fibroids and assesses suitability for UFE.

2. Consultation: You meet the interventional radiologist who explains the plan and answers all your questions.

3. Procedure: Done under local anaesthesia and sedation, lasting about an hour.

4. Recovery: Observation for several hours; most women go home the same day.

5. Aftercare: Follow-up phone call and visits to track recovery and symptom improvement.

Within weeks, heavy bleeding, pressure, and fatigue usually lessen. The uterus and fibroids shrink over months, and energy levels rise as anaemia improves.

Red flags to watch out for

Be cautious if a clinic:

• Cannot clearly explain who performs the procedure.

• Doesn’t offer follow-up imaging or recovery support.

• Promises “instant results” or “no side effects.”

• Has very little information about patient outcomes.

UFE is safe and effective in the right hands—but precision and aftercare are key.
Choosing a trusted, well-equipped clinic protects both your health and your peace of mind.

Conclusion

If you’re considering Uterine Fibroid Embolisation, take the time to ask questions and compare clinics carefully.The best outcomes come from centres that combine experienced interventional radiologists, advanced imaging, and personalised aftercare.

Ask for a consultation where you can meet the doctor, review your scans together, and discuss whether UFE is right for you.Your uterus, your health, and your comfort matter—so choose a team that treats you as a partner in your care, not just a patient.