What We Do > Vascular & Interventional Procedures > Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) > FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the UFE procedure painful?
A. Not Usually. You may experience pelvic pain, similar to menstrual cramping but sometimes described as “heaviness” . This is the body’s reaction to the decreased blood supply to the uterus. In addition, you may experience low energy, intermittent nausea, and possibly fever. This occurs in response to the death of the fibroid tissue. These symptoms typically last a few days and gradually decrease in severity. By the fourth or fifth day after the procedure, most women feel back to normal. Cramping may last a few more days.
Q. How soon can I resume my normal activity?
A. Light at-home activity is recommended for 3-4 days with no prolonged periods of time on your feet. It is recommended that you take a week off from work. You may return to unrestricted activity, including sexual activity and exercise 7 days after the procedure. Travel plans should be limited to short distances for two weeks.
Q. Will I have to observe a special diet?
A. You may resume your usual diet and medications immediately. It is sometimes helpful to
take anti-inflammatory (Motrin, Advil, Aleve, etc.) and pain medications (Percocet, Darvocet, Mepergan, etc.) with food. Drinking plenty of liquids may also be helpful as well to prevent any constipation that may occur with strong pain medicines.
Q. What kind of medication will I need to take?
A. You will be given a prescription for medication to take over the next 7-10 days to help manage pain and nausea that may occur. It is recommended that you take the anti-inflammatory medicine (Toradol) for the next 3 days. If this medicine is not helpful, you may take whatever anti-inflammatory medicine that usually works for you (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn, etc.). A stronger pain medication can be taken on an "as needed" basis. Also, a medication for nausea can be taken as needed. If these medications do not seem to be helpful, please call and we can prescribe an alterative.
Summary: Anti-inflammatory e.g. Toradol 10mg three times/day (or your alternative)
Pain relief e.g. Percocet 1-2 tabs every 4-6 hrs as needed
Anti-nausea e.g. Zofran 8mg twice a day as needed
Q. What do I need to know about the puncture site?
A.The catheter site is covered with a small dressing and can be removed in 24 hours. You may shower and wash gently over this area, then apply a band-aid for one more day. After this, you may leave the area uncovered. It is not unusual to notice some discoloration or bruising in this area. If you notice marked swelling or active bleeding, apply direct pressure with your fingers and either call for assistance or go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation. This is very UNCOMMON. A small “knot” may develop under the skin which typically resolves in 2-3 weeks. This is part of the normal healing process. Persistent pain at the puncture site is also uncommon but may be due to irritation of the nerve that lies next to the artery. This also is treated with anti-inflammatory medicine and usually resolves on its own.
Q. What do I do if I have a fever?
A. You may experience a mildly elevated temperature in the few days following the procedure. This can occur in 10-15% of cases but DOES NOT necessarily indicate infection. Motrin or Tylenol may be helpful in relieving this. Persistent, high fever (greater than 101.5), lasting more than 3 days MAY indicate infection and you should immediately call the Vascular & Interventional Physicians (VIP) office (352-333-7847). Infections are more likely to occur several weeks later rather than in the time right after the procedure.
Q. What should I expect regarding menstrual periods/spotting/discharge?
A. A brownish or reddish vaginal discharge or spotting is considered normal following the embolization and may continue for 7-14 days or until your next period. Use of a sanitary napkin is preferred over a tampon in the first week after the procedure. A clear, watery discharge has also been described following the procedure. Of some concern is if a thick or foul-smelling discharge is noted, especially if there is pelvic pain and fever additionally. This may indicate infection and you should immediately contact the Vascular & Interventional Physicians (VIP) office or, if after hours, the Interventional Radiologist on call at North Florida Regional Medical Center (NFRMC). There may be a change in the first menstrual period following UFE, particularly if heavy bleeding was the predominant symptom before UFE. However, some women will not experience any change for 2-3 months until the fibroid has begun to shrink. Likewise, women whose pre-UFE symptoms were more related to pressure on the bladder may not experience improvement for a few months, since it can take time for the fibroid to maximally shrink. Do not be discouraged if your symptoms do not improve immediately.
Q. Will I need a check-up?
A. The VIP office staff will call you the day after your discharge to check on your progress and answer any questions. At that time, a one week follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check the small incision site and arrange your 3 month follow-up visit. You should maintain your regular gynecologic care with your gynecologist.
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6685 NW 9th Blvd Gainesville, FL 32605
Phone: 352.333.7VIP (7847)
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