You may be a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization (UAE), if you fit into any of the following categories:
- Women who are experiencing the symptoms of uterine fibroids
- Women who do not desire future fertility
- Women who want to retain their uterus, and so are pursuing hysterectomy alternatives
- Women who do not desire surgery
- Women who may be poor surgical candidates; i.e. obesity, bleeding disorders, anemia
- Women who are not pregnant
Once you have determined that you may be a candidate for uternine artery embolization based upon the
above criteria, then you will need some physician input to help you decide
how to best treat your uterine fibroids.
A consultation with an Interventional Radiologist (IR) will educate you on
how he or she coordinates your care with an OB/GYN. The role of the IR is to
be the specialist in this procedure; providing you clinical information regarding
how uterine artery embolization works to treat symptomatic fibroids. The IR also serves as your immediate
post-procedure contact for any questions or concerns. The IR informs your OB/GYN
of the care given to you.
Your OB/GYN remains the primary caregiver for your reproductive health. The
OB/GYN also provides the pre-procedure test required before uterine artery embolization. Results of
these tests are shared with the IR.
Working together, your IR and OB/GYN provide you the best possible care for
your symptomatic uterine fibroids.
