Is Everyone with Uterine Fibroids a Good Candidate for UFE

Is everyone with uterine fibroids a good candidate for UFE or are there some instances where a hysterectomy might be preferred? Fibroids are an extraordinarily common problem causing heavy bleeding, as well as, menstrual pain and discomfort and cramping, and bloating. Uterine fibroid embolization is a remarkably effective and well-proven alternative to hysterectomy in many cases for patients with symptoms related to fibroids. However, as with any procedure, it’s not perfect for every person. Certainly, hysterectomy still has a role. We would recommend hysterectomy in women who for some reason are having heavy bleeding later in life. We require that patients get an MRI and often an endometrial biopsy to make sure there’s nothing going on, which might require surgery, whether it be abnormalities in the ovary or some characteristics of fibroids, which would not be favorable to embolization. For women who would not wish to have any further children, for very large bulky fibroids, a hysterectomy may be a better option.