Before the Procedure:

Always tell your doctor or nurse:

• If you could be pregnant
• What drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription

Before your UAE:

• You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.
• Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.
• If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your doctor or nurse for help.

On the day of your UAE:

• You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 - 8 hours before this procedure.
• Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
• Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.

After the Procedure:

Women usually stay in the hospital overnight after UAE. Some women are able to go home the same day.

You will receive pain medicine. You will be asked to lie flat for 4 - 6 hours after the procedure.

Pelvic cramps are common for the first 24 hours after the procedure. They may last for a few days to 2 weeks. Cramps may be severe and may last more than 6 hours at a time.

Most women recover quickly and are able to return to normal activities within 7 - 10 days. The treated fibroid tissue may pass through your vagina.

Outlook (Prognosis):

Uterine artery embolization works well to decrease pain, pressure, and bleeding from fibroids in most women who have the procedure.

It is less invasive than surgical treatments for uterine fibroids. Many women are likely to return more quickly to actives after surgery.

As with other treatments for uterine fibroids, some women may require more procedures or a hysterectomy in the future.