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Uterine fibroid embolization

Fibroids are common growths in the uterus that can cause heavy periods, pain and pressure. UFE shrinks them by cutting off their blood supply through a small opening at the groin or wrist. There is no surgery, and your uterus stays in place.

The short version

  1. Fibroids are growths in the wall of the uterus that are not cancer, and they can cause heavy periods, pain and pressure.
  2. In UFE, a doctor slides a thin tube in through a small opening at your groin or wrist and steers it to your uterus, watching on an X-ray screen.
  3. Tiny particles go through the tube and block the small blood vessels that feed the fibroids, so they shrink over the following months while your uterus stays in place.

When to get help

Call 9-1-1 now if you have:
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Chest pain.
  • Bleeding at the groin or wrist that does not stop with firm pressure.
  • A lump at the groin or wrist that grows fast.
  • Fainting.
  • Feeling very unwell with a fever, a racing heart or confusion.
  • Sudden weakness or numbness.
  • A drooping face.
  • Trouble speaking.
Call the interventional radiology (IR) team today if you have:
  • A fever after the first 3 days, or a fever with chills.
  • Discharge that smells bad, especially with a fever.
  • Severe pain in your belly or pelvis.
  • More pain where the tube went in.
  • Heavier bleeding from the vagina.
  • Passing pieces of tissue.
  • Redness, swelling or fluid coming from where the tube went in.
  • A painful, swollen leg.

IR team phone: added by the hospital before launch After hours, or if you can’t reach them: go to the nearest emergency department.

Not sure? Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, any time, day or night. Questions about your medicines or their side effects. You are not sure if a symptom is normal, and it is not an emergency.

See it step by step on a 3D model

Open the full guide to see the procedure step by step, what to expect before and after, and questions to ask your doctor.

Web address: added before launch

QR code Added once the site has its final address

General information, not medical advice. Your care team knows your situation and makes decisions with you.

Pathway P-001 · UFE handout · Version 0.5 · 14 October 2026 · Draft