What are the pros and cons of having a uterine fibroid embolization?

Pros and Cons: Pros: there is no incision. Women tend to recover well. There is less time off from work. Cons: if trying to get pregnant, it can take months for your fibroids to shrink. Many radiologists will not do it if you plan to have children because it interferes with blood flow to the uterus. You still have the fibroids.You do not have a pathology report on the fibroids. Consider robotic myomectomy.

Depends on symptoms: Pros: minimally invasive. Outpt setting vs 1 day stay for pain control, earlier return to normal activity, within a week usually. Kills all fibroids cons: premature menopause (depends on pt age) non target embolization, contrast nephropathy, vessel injury

Keep your uterus !: UFE is safer, less expensive, less invasive, shorter recovery than hysterectomy and importantly you get to keep your uterus ! The uterus is not just for child bearing; it's important for women psychologically, sexually, bone health, and possibly even heart health. UFE is outpatient, go home with a bandaid. Recovery is ~5 days; out of work for 1 week. No reason to lose uterus over benign fibroids

More good than bad.: Con: you still have a uterus. Therefore there is a small recurrence rate. Pros: Shorter recovery time No surgical incisions Highly effective when there is good patient selection Less complications Keep your uterus