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Uterine Fibroid Embolization vs. Hysterectomy

UFE vs. Hysterectomy: Which Option is Best for You?

Women diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids are usually told that a hysterectomy is the only permanent solution. According to the National Institute of Health, more than 200,000 hysterectomies occur each year for the treatment of fibroids. Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that partially or fully removes the uterus and in some cases, the ovaries as well. This method is not ideal for many reasons including unnecessary removal of the uterus, increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and even the chances of experiencing an earlier menopause. 

Fortunately, recent medical advancements, more powerful imaging technology, and treatments such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) are making a huge difference in the lives of women dealing with fibroids. The American Fibroid Centers’ affiliated physicians are among the nation’s most experienced in performing UFE, a minimally invasive treatment option for fibroids that preserves the uterus. It involves fewer complications, quicker recovery times, and no hospital stay. Learn more about the differences between UFE and hysterectomy to help you determine the best treatment option for you.

UFE Hysterectomy infographic

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

One of the main differences between these two procedures is that UFE keeps the uterus intact, giving you the option to have a baby. UFE doesn’t require an overnight hospital stay and is performed with a light sedative rather than general anesthesia. Other benefits of UFE include:

  • Preserves the uterus 
  • Less invasive than surgery
  • Light or moderate sedation
  • No hospital stay 
  • Lower risk of complications
  • Full recovery in 1-2 weeks
  • Does not affect hormones

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy differs from UFE in several ways. A hysterectomy is a more invasive surgical procedure that removes the uterus and may also remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries. After a hysterectomy, you will no longer have a period or be able to become pregnant. Other differences include:

  • Does not preserve the uterus
  • Invasive surgical procedure
  • Requires general anesthesia
  • Requires a hospital stay
  • Higher risk of complications
  • Full recovery in 6-8 weeks
  • Negatively affects hormones
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Request a consultation at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.

UFE vs. Hysterectomy Procedure

A hysterectomy is a major surgery that removes the uterus to get relief from painful and larger fibroids. However, a hysterectomy may cause permanent changes to your health, including infertility and early menopause. There are three common approaches to a hysterectomy: vaginal, abdominal, and laparoscopic. The length of the procedure will depend on the size of your uterus and if the ovaries and fallopian tubes are being removed as well. In general, a hysterectomy takes about 1-3 hours, and you will be required to stay in the hospital for an average of 2.3 days. 

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive-image guided treatment for fibroids. It is performed as a same-day procedure and usually takes less than an hour to complete. During UFE, an interventional radiologist makes a small incision in the groin within the femoral artery. A thin catheter is inserted, and tiny particles are injected into the small blood vessels feeding the fibroids. The particles cut off blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink.

Fibroid Embolization Graphic
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UFE vs. Hysterectomy Recovery Time

Recovering from a hysterectomy takes time. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two days after surgery. Some women stay in the hospital longer, depending on the type of hysterectomy surgery. Abdominal surgery can take four to six weeks to recover, and vaginal and laparoscopic surgery can take from three to four weeks. However, most women’s recovery from a hysterectomy is about 6-8 weeks in total. Common side effects of a hysterectomy include vaginal bleeding and discharge for 6 weeks, bowel movement changes, bladder function changes, and the onset of menopause. The removal of your uterus can also affect your hormones, causing emotional side effects, such as depression.

However, the recovery time for UFE is quicker than a hysterectomy. Most women can return to normal, daily activities within a week to 10 days after the procedure. Patients can return home the same day to start the recovery process. Women may experience some cramping similar to or worse than menstrual cramping, but that generally subsides within the first couple of days. There is also little to no risk for complications, such as infections, after your procedure. Women after their UFE recovery will experience relief from their symptoms, including pain, heavy bleeding, and bloating.

Which Fibroid Treatment is Right For You?

At American Fibroid Centers, we believe that women should be informed of all available fibroid treatments. If you’re deciding between UFE and hysterectomy, there are a few important factors to consider. Since fibroids are benign tumors and often asymptomatic, invasive fibroid surgery is rarely ever necessary. Women who desire future pregnancy or want to keep their uterus should not undergo a hysterectomy.

Uterine fibroid embolization is a safe, effective, and less invasive treatment option for fibroids that preserves the uterus and ovaries while reducing painful and uncomfortable symptoms. UFE offers several benefits over a hysterectomy and other major surgeries. Around 85-90% who undergo the procedure experience significant improvement in their symptoms and overall quality of life.

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Why Choose American Fibroid Centers for UFE?

American Fibroid Centers proudly offers uterine fibroid embolization at our fibroid treatment centers in NY and NJ. Our board-certified fibroid specialists are highly skilled in performing UFE using the most advanced tools and technology. They will work closely with you to ensure you clearly understand the procedure.

Each of our locations has individual patient rooms, cutting-edge operating rooms, and a separate recovery area. You can trust our team to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care before, during, and after your UFE procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Our Fibroid Specialists

If you have symptoms of heavy bleeding or pelvic pain and pressure, you can trust our experts at American Fibroid Centers to help you find relief. Our affiliated fibroid specialists have years of experience and are well-renowned in the interventional radiology and vascular field. Patients can trust our team to determine if uterine fibroid embolization is right for them.

Our Fibroid Centers in NY & NJ

American Fibroid Centers has fibroid treatment centers throughout New York and New Jersey. Visit your nearest location for innovative fibroid treatment that is clinically proven to reduce the size and symptoms of your fibroids.

Brooklyn, NY
71, Carroll Street, New York, 11231
(833) 833-3973
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Queens, NY
28-18, 31st Street, New York, 11102
(833) 833-3973
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Fishkill, NY
60, Merritt Boulevard, Fishkill, New York, 12524
(833) 833-3973
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Harlem, NY
505, East 116th Street, New York, New York, 10029
(833) 833-3973
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West Orange, NJ
347, Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey, 07052
(833) 833-3973
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.

You really need to identify who you are when texting.
Lt P
Lt P
17:01 21 Jun 23
Very professional and informative
Kieran McDonald
Kieran McDonald
21:48 12 Jun 23
Dr. Abadir and his staff are wonderful.
debdefran
debdefran
21:28 03 May 23
Wonderful staff very kind very thorough no waiting♥️. I’ve never been to a doctors office and treated with so much respect.. I’m looking forward to my next appointment 😇
Denise Sciarra
Denise Sciarra
16:16 17 Mar 23
The staff could not have been friendlier! I was treated so well and my procedure was a huge success!
Darcy Sala
Darcy Sala
14:44 28 Feb 23
Very friendly and hard working people. Excellent doctor and team!!!Thanks for being so helpful and encouraging!
finda jackson
finda jackson
13:37 03 Feb 23
Great experience very through staff are extremely helpful and friendly no wait time I highly recommend.
william cardoza
william cardoza
15:05 12 Sep 22
A doctor who listens, smart and personable, I liked him.
sherry svec
sherry svec
21:38 16 May 22
Went there for the first time didn’t have to fill out paperwork which constantly asked the same question. Nurses were friendly didn’t have to come back a second time to have test done did it rite then, doctor explain everything set up appointment to have procedure done and I’m very confident in the doctor
GARY DINI
GARY DINI
12:23 25 Jan 22
Excellent service. Dr. Abadir and staff were attentive and thoughtful. All communication regarding my visit were clear and concise and they took the time to listen and address all of my questions. Great visit!
dennis bernstein
dennis bernstein
14:50 21 Jan 22
I thank you very much you took good care I feel great I am very happy with you and I will be back .
Maleta Ford
Maleta Ford
14:24 02 Sep 21
Super friendly and communicative. Efficient staff in the office. A unique experience for a doctors office. Dr Abadir was concise and effective in his exam and explanations
William Silsdorf
William Silsdorf
19:56 07 Jun 21
I found the staff Extremely cordial and professional. Dr. Abidir took his time and explained what procedures needed to be doneAnd why he recommended them to establish a diagnosis.Dr. Abidir was reassuring and listened to and answered all of my questions.So far I am very pleased with the endo vascularProgram here.Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
20:39 17 May 21
Pleased with staff and doctor is very compassionate
Jose Quinones
Jose Quinones
23:57 15 Mar 21
Thank you to you and your great staff.Bill Baratta
Rita Baratta
Rita Baratta
15:07 26 Jan 21
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From the Experts

Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.

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Request a consultation at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.