Can you get pregnant after uterine artery embolization?

Pregnancy is possible after uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE. There are risks however. There is an age-related risk of ovarian impairment.

Does UFE affect fertility?

Healthy pregnancies following UFE have been sporadically reported but the actual fertility rate after UFE remains uncertain. Conversely, low birth weight, miscarriage and prematurity have been associated with UFE.

Can you have a baby after embolization?

Almost 30% of the women who underwent UFE were able to become pregnant a year following the procedure. Those numbers rose to 40.1% after two years. The probability of a live birth was similar, with 24.4% experiencing live birth rates after one year and 36.7% two years later.

What happens to the uterus after uterine artery embolization?

The procedure involves inserting a catheter through the groin, maneuvering it through the uterine artery, and injecting the embolic agent into the arteries that supply blood to the uterus and fibroids. As the fibroids die and begin to shrink, the uterus fully recovers.

How long does embolization last?

Most women get significant symptom relief in the first three months after treatment. In addition, some research shows that five years after treatment uterine artery embolization continues to reduce symptoms such as heavy bleeding, urinary incontinence and abdominal enlargement in most women.

What are the risks of embolization?

These risks include damage to the blood vessel, bruising or bleeding at the puncture site, and infection. The doctor will take precautions to mitigate these risks. There is always a chance that an embolic agent can lodge in the wrong place and deprive normal tissue of its oxygen supply.

When can I get pregnant after uterine artery embolization?

There were 15 spontaneous pregnancies. Of these, 12.5% were miscarriages (n = 2), and 87.5% were successful live births (n = 14). The gestation time for the pregnancies with successful live births ranged from 36 to 39.2 weeks. The mean time between embolization and conception was 23.8 months (range, 5–54).

Can fibroids grow back after embolization?

Typically, however, the more fibroids a patient has, the less successful the myomectomy. Additionally, fibroids grow back several years after the surgery in 10 to 30 percent of cases.

Will I lose weight after uterine fibroid embolization?

If you decide to have Uterine Fibroid Embolization, it is possible that you may lose some weight as your fibroid shrinks over time. Keep in mind that this is more likely to occur if you have large fibroids.

Can embolization go wrong?

Is embolization painful?

Pain. The primary side effect of uterine artery embolization is pain, which may be a reaction to stopping blood flow to the fibroids and a temporary drop in blood flow to normal uterine tissue. Pain usually peaks during the first 24 hours. To manage the pain, you receive pain medication.