UFE Myths Busted – Separating Fact from Fiction

If you’re battling the symptoms of fibroids—relentless bleeding, searing pain, and abdominal tightness—your first instinct may be to turn to Dr. Google for answers. You’re presented with an overwhelming array of treatments: hormonal pills, surgeries, and everything in between. But then, you stumble upon Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)—a minimally invasive option with the promise of less downtime and fast recovery. After reading about UFE’s impressive benefits, you feel hopeful. But then come the questions and misinformation. Could there be long-term side effects? Is it really as effective as they say? Stop. If this sounds like you, it’s time to clear the air. In this guide, I’ll bust the most common myths about UFE with evidence-based facts, so you can make the most informed decision about your health.
Myth #1: UFE Is Too New of a Procedure—Even Doctors Question How Well It Works
Let’s be clear: UFE is not some experimental treatment. Interventional radiologists have been performing UFE since the 1990s, and it’s strongly endorsed by top gynecological societies in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. In fact, UFE boasts a Level A recommendation, which is the highest level of endorsement, akin to a five-star review from the medical community.
Myth #2: The Pain from UFE Is Unbearable
Pain management techniques for UFE have come a long way. Modern procedures are far less painful than in the past, thanks to innovative techniques like nerve blocks. In fact, our team has been performing the Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block since 2016, and our results speak for themselves. A staggering 97% of patients reported needing minimal pain medication, and most were discharged within just two hours. Yes, you read that right—two hours and you’re on your way home!
Myth #3: You Can’t Get Pregnant After UFE
It’s time to put this myth to bed. While older studies suggested a possible link between UFE and miscarriage, newer research has turned this assumption on its head. Recent clinical studies show that pregnancy rates following UFE are comparable to those in the general population. A comprehensive study published in a leading British medical journal found pregnancy rates between 41-60% and live birth rates at 72%. UFE may not only preserve your uterus but could very well preserve your dreams of becoming a mother, especially for women who are not candidates for myomectomy.
Myth #4: UFE Causes Early Menopause and Impacts Sexual Function
This is perhaps one of the easiest myths to bust. Unlike surgery, UFE preserves both the uterus and the ovaries, meaning it has no effect on your hormonal levels or ovarian function. In fact, a UK study showed that UFE patients reported no significant difference in menopausal symptoms or sexual function compared to women who underwent surgery. The key takeaway? UFE leaves your hormonal balance intact.
Myth #5: Hysterectomy Is Your Best Option—Eventually, You’ll Need One Anyway
This is the biggest myth of them all. While hysterectomy has long been the go-to solution for fibroids, it’s not the only option. In fact, it may not even be the best option for many women. UFE has been proven to be an effective alternative for countless women who were told that a hysterectomy was their only choice. By preserving your uterus, UFE gives you a less invasive, faster-recovery option, without the life-altering consequences of losing your uterus.
Closing Thought: Make an Informed Decision
I hope this has cleared up some of the most common myths about UFE. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the misinformation out there, but the facts are on your side. UFE is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy—one that lets you take back control of your body without drastic surgery. Still have doubts? Talk to an interventional radiologist and get the facts firsthand. Your journey to relief could be just one step away.
References
- Mohan PP, Hamblin MH, Vogelzang RL (2013). Uterine artery embolization and its effect on fertility. J Vasc Interv Radiol, 24(7), 925-930.
- Pereira K, et al. (2020). Intraprocedural Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block Allows Same-Day Discharge following Uterine Artery Embolization. J Vasc Interv Radiol, undefined(undefined), undefined.
- De Bruijn AM, et al. (2016). Uterine artery embolization vs hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: 10-year outcomes from the randomized EMMY trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol, undefined(undefined), undefined.
- Ludwig PE, et al. (2020). Pregnancy success and outcomes after uterine fibroid embolization: updated review of published literature. Br J Radiol, undefined(undefined), undefined.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2008). ACOG practice bulletin. Alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of leiomyomas. Obstet Gynecol, undefined(undefined), undefined.
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