Understanding the treatment
Fibroids are growths in the muscle of the uterus. Embolization reduces blood flow to the fibroids so that they can shrink over time. Preserving the uterus is a treatment goal, but this does not establish suitability for every patient or guarantee future fertility. Sources and further reading
Is it appropriate for me?
What the assessment considers
Assessment considers heavy bleeding, pressure symptoms, anaemia, the location and size of fibroids, and your priorities. Pelvic imaging and a gynaecological assessment help check whether fibroids explain the symptoms.
When another approach may be better
Pregnancy plans are central to choosing between medication, embolization, myomectomy and other surgery. Suspicious imaging or unexplained symptoms require assessment before a fibroid procedure is considered.
Share your symptoms and existing reports so the next step can be considered in context. Sending records does not commit you to a procedure.
Send imaging for reviewOptions and expected benefit
Bleeding and pressure symptoms may change at different rates. Fibroids do not disappear immediately, and another treatment can be needed later. The implications for ovarian function and future pregnancy need an individual discussion.
Options to discuss
- Medication or observation
- Fibroid embolization
- Myomectomy or hysterectomy
Medication, myomectomy or hysterectomy, depending on symptoms, fibroid anatomy and pregnancy plans. Discuss fertility goals with a gynaecologist before deciding.
The relevant comparison depends on your diagnosis and goals. A smaller access puncture does not, by itself, establish which treatment is best for you.
Preparing for assessment
Send existing records if you have them. You do not need to arrange a new scan simply to start an enquiry; the team can explain what further assessment may be needed.
- Pelvic ultrasound report
- Contrast-enhanced pelvic MRI, if available
- Recent haemoglobin and ferritin
- Gynaecology notes and current medication
Include previous procedures, relevant medical conditions, allergies and your current medicines. Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines and any possibility of pregnancy. Do not stop medication or change eating and drinking instructions based on a website: obtain your individual preparation plan.
How the procedure works
Plan the procedure
The team reviews the diagnosis, imaging and treatment goals, explains alternatives and agrees the proposed technique with you.
Image-guided access
Imaging guides a catheter or needle to the selected treatment area. Local anaesthesia and any additional pain relief or sedation are discussed beforehand.
Treat the selected target
Catheter delivers embolic material. The technique and materials depend on the treatment plan and imaging findings.
Observation and discharge planning
The team monitors recovery and decides when discharge is appropriate. You receive individual instructions for pain relief, activity and follow-up.
Before consent, discuss the proposed technique, pain relief, material or device choices, possible complications and what happens if the planned procedure cannot be completed.
Recovery and follow-up
Cramping and tiredness can affect the first part of recovery. Arrange support and a pain-management plan. Follow-up checks symptoms, bleeding and recovery; ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the treated fibroids.
Before discharge, ask for written instructions, a contact route and a follow-up plan. Return to work, exercise and travel should be agreed for your circumstances. Patients travelling to İzmir should plan enough time for assessment and recovery before booking fixed return arrangements.
Planning assessment and travel from abroadRisks and when to seek help
Cramping and pain are common after treatment. Bleeding, infection, artery or uterine injury, ovarian injury or early menopause can occur. The effect on a future pregnancy is uncertain; a rare cancer mistaken for a fibroid could be diagnosed late.
Ask the treating team to explain which symptoms are expected and which need urgent assessment after your particular procedure. Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, heavy bleeding, chest pain or difficulty breathing require urgent medical help. Do not wait for a website review or a WhatsApp reply in an emergency.
Your consent discussion and discharge instructions take precedence over this general information.
Approach to treatment decisions
Symptoms, imaging, alternatives and your priorities all matter. An assessment may lead to observation, further tests, another specialist opinion or a discussion of treatment.
How I decide whether a procedure is appropriate
Symptoms, imaging, the evidence and your priorities all inform the recommendation. My decision framework explains how I consider these together, including when observation or another treatment may be more appropriate.
See my approach to treatment decisionsQuestions patients ask
How is suitability assessed?
Assessment considers heavy bleeding, pressure symptoms, anaemia, the location and size of fibroids, and your priorities. Pelvic imaging and a gynaecological assessment help check whether fibroids explain the symptoms.
When might a procedure be unnecessary?
Pregnancy plans are central to choosing between medication, embolization, myomectomy and other surgery. Suspicious imaging or unexplained symptoms require assessment before a fibroid procedure is considered.
What benefit can I realistically expect?
Bleeding and pressure symptoms may change at different rates. Fibroids do not disappear immediately, and another treatment can be needed later. The implications for ovarian function and future pregnancy need an individual discussion.
What does follow-up involve?
Cramping and tiredness can affect the first part of recovery. Arrange support and a pain-management plan. Follow-up checks symptoms, bleeding and recovery; ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the treated fibroids.
What records should I send?
Pelvic ultrasound report; Contrast-enhanced pelvic MRI, if available; Recent haemoglobin and ferritin; Gynaecology notes and current medication. Send existing records first; further tests can be discussed after review.
Is preserving the uterus the same as preserving fertility?
No. Keeping the uterus does not guarantee a future pregnancy. If pregnancy is a priority, discuss the uncertainties and alternatives, including myomectomy, with the gynaecology and interventional radiology teams.
Do fibroids disappear as soon as the procedure is finished?
No. Embolization changes the blood supply; changes in fibroid size and symptoms develop over time. Follow-up assesses symptoms and, when appropriate, imaging. Further treatment may be needed.
Does sending records commit me to treatment?
No. Reviewing records may lead to further assessment, observation or another specialist opinion. Any procedure requires a separate discussion and informed consent.
Expertise and sources
Responsible physician: Mehmet Hakan Pıçak, MD, interventional radiologist in İzmir, Türkiye.
The responsible physician identifies the practice specialist. It does not, by itself, certify medical review of this text. A medical-review date is shown only when a documented review matches this content version.
Sources provide background; an overseas guideline is not a statement of local regulation. This page is general information and cannot determine your diagnosis or suitability.
Understanding the cost
Request a written estimate after your records have been assessed. Ask what is included for the procedure, materials, hospital care and follow-up, and which additional tests or treatments would be separate.
Contact the practice about an estimate