UFE vs. Hysterectomy: Understanding Your Fibroid Treatment Options

July Is Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month

July is Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about a condition that affects millions of women. Despite being extremely common, uterine fibroids are often misunderstood or dismissed as a normal part of aging or menstruation. This awareness month encourages women to learn more about fibroid symptoms, available treatment options, and the importance of seeking medical evaluation when symptoms begin to impact quality of life. Understanding all available treatments—including minimally invasive options such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)—can help women make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

For women living with uterine fibroids, symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and fatigue can have a significant impact on daily life. When symptoms become difficult to manage, many women begin exploring treatment options—but it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Two commonly discussed treatments for uterine fibroids are uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and hysterectomy. While both can help relieve fibroid symptoms, they are very different procedures with different recovery experiences, benefits, and considerations.

Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision and have productive conversations with your healthcare provider about the treatment that best fits your needs.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. While some women experience no symptoms, others may develop:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Back or leg pain
• Fatigue related to blood loss
• Abdominal bloating or fullness

Because symptoms can vary widely, treatment recommendations are often personalized based on the size and location of the fibroids, symptom severity, and a patient’s goals and preferences.

What Is UFE?

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization, is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist.

During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted through a tiny puncture, typically in the wrist or groin, and guided to the arteries supplying blood to the fibroids. Tiny particles are then injected to block that blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink over time.

Unlike surgery, UFE does not require removal of the uterus and does not involve large incisions.

What Is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus. Depending on the patient’s condition and treatment plan, the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries may also be removed.

Because the uterus is removed, fibroids cannot return after a hysterectomy. However, it is considered a major surgical procedure and generally involves a longer recovery period than minimally invasive treatments.

UFE vs. Hysterectomy: Key Differences

When considering treatment options, understanding how these procedures compare can help clarify which approach may align best with your goals.

Procedure Type

UFE

• Minimally invasive
• Performed through a small catheter
• No large surgical incisions
• Performed by an interventional radiologist

Hysterectomy

• Surgical procedure
• May be performed abdominally, laparoscopically, or vaginally
• Requires removal of the uterus
• Performed by a gynecologic surgeon

Hospital Stay

UFE

• Often performed as an outpatient procedure or with a short hospital stay

Hysterectomy

• May require one or more nights in the hospital depending on the surgical approach and individual recovery

Recovery Time

Recovery is often one of the most important considerations for patients.

After UFE

• Most patients return to light activities within a few days
• Many return to work within 1–2 weeks
• Fibroids shrink gradually, and symptoms often improve over time

After Hysterectomy

• Recovery typically takes several weeks
• Physical activity restrictions may last longer
• Return-to-work timelines vary based on the type of surgery and individual healing

Uterus Preservation

For many women, preserving the uterus is an important factor in their treatment decision.

UFE

• The uterus remains intact
• Fibroids shrink rather than being surgically removed

Hysterectomy

• The uterus is permanently removed
• Pregnancy is no longer possible after the procedure

Benefits of UFE

Many women are interested in UFE because it offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.

Potential benefits may include:

• No large surgical incisions
• Shorter recovery time for many patients
• Preservation of the uterus
• Relief from symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure
• Treatment of multiple fibroids during a single procedure

Every patient’s experience is different, and treatment outcomes can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Who May Be a Candidate for UFE?

Women experiencing bothersome fibroid symptoms may be candidates for UFE, particularly if they are seeking an alternative to major surgery.

However, not every patient is a candidate. Factors such as fibroid size, location, overall health, future reproductive goals, and other medical conditions can all influence treatment recommendations.

A consultation and imaging evaluation can help determine whether UFE is an appropriate option.

Who May Benefit from a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy may be recommended when:

• Fibroid symptoms are severe
• Other treatment options are not appropriate
• Additional gynecologic conditions are present
• A patient prefers a definitive surgical solution

The right treatment depends on each patient’s unique medical situation and personal goals.

Insurance Coverage for UFE

One of the most common questions patients have is whether uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is covered by insurance. The good news is that most insurance plans, including Medicare and many Medicaid plans, cover UFE for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids when it is determined to be medically necessary.

Our referral coordinators work with you and your healthcare provider to verify your insurance benefits and obtain any required prior authorizations before your procedure. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by insurance plan, so we encourage patients to contact their insurance provider to better understand their individual benefits.

If you have questions about costs, estimates, payment plans, or financial assistance, our Financial Counselors are available to help you understand your options before treatment.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you’re exploring treatment options for uterine fibroids, consider asking:

• Am I a candidate for UFE?
• What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option for my situation?
• How long should I expect recovery to take?
• What results can I realistically expect?
• How might each treatment affect my future health goals?
• Are there alternatives I should consider before deciding?

Having these conversations can help you feel more confident about your treatment plan.

The Bottom Line

Living with fibroid symptoms can be frustrating, but understanding your treatment options is an important first step.

While hysterectomy has long been a common treatment for uterine fibroids, many women may also be candidates for UFE—a minimally invasive procedure that can provide symptom relief without removing the uterus.

Every patient’s situation is unique. Factors such as symptom severity, fibroid size and location, medical history, and personal goals should all be considered when choosing a treatment plan.

The best way to determine which option is right for you is to discuss your individual circumstances with a physician experienced in fibroid treatment.

Raising Awareness During Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month

As we recognize Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month this July, it’s important to remember that women experiencing heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or other fibroid-related symptoms have treatment options. Increased awareness can help women seek answers sooner, explore available therapies, and work with their healthcare providers to find the treatment approach that best aligns with their individual needs and goals.

Learn More About UFE

If you’re interested in learning more about uterine fibroid embolization, including how the procedure works, what recovery is like, and whether you may be a candidate, visit the TRA Endovascular Uterine Artery Embolization (UFE) information page.

Our team is committed to helping women understand all available treatment options so they can make informed decisions about their health.