Uterine Fibroid Embolization in California
Fibroid treatment option · Van Nuys + Tarzana + Irvine
Uterine fibroid embolization, with the full picture.
UFE is a uterus-preserving, image-guided treatment for selected people with fibroid-related bleeding, pressure, pain, or bulk symptoms. It can improve quality of life, but recovery, fertility questions, and the possibility of later treatment deserve an honest conversation.
No abdominal incisionOutpatient in many casesIndividual results vary
Fibroid symptoms
Treatment starts with what you are experiencing.
Fibroids are noncancerous uterine growths. Their size and location—not simply their presence—help determine whether they plausibly explain symptoms and which treatment options deserve consideration.
Bleeding-related symptoms
Heavy or prolonged periods, clots, and anemia-related fatigue or shortness of breath can occur. Abnormal bleeding still needs appropriate gynecologic evaluation.Pressure and bulk symptoms
Pelvic fullness, abdominal enlargement, urinary frequency, constipation, or discomfort may relate to fibroid size and position.Pain and quality of life
Pelvic pain, cramping, painful intercourse, sleep disruption, and missed work can affect treatment priorities. Symptoms are individual.Seek urgent care for bleeding with fainting, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, pregnancy-related bleeding, severe sudden pelvic pain, fever with pelvic pain, or another emergency symptom.
The procedure in plain language
How UFE works
An interventional radiologist guides a small catheter through an artery—commonly from the wrist or groin—to the uterine arteries. Embolic particles reduce blood flow to fibroids. Treated fibroids may shrink over time, and related symptoms may improve.
- The uterus is not removed and there is no abdominal surgical incision.
- Multiple fibroids can often be treated in the same procedure.
- Cramping and post-embolization symptoms can be significant, especially in the first days.
- Shrinkage and symptom response occur over time and are not guaranteed.
Terminology
UFE and UAE
“Uterine fibroid embolization” describes embolization performed for fibroids. “Uterine artery embolization” is a broader technical term. You may see both abbreviations in professional and patient resources.A coordinated evaluation
Who may be considered for UFE
UFE may be considered when symptoms are meaningfully affecting health or daily life, imaging supports fibroids as the cause, and the person wants to compare uterus-preserving procedural options.
Gynecologic review
Confirm the bleeding or pain evaluation is appropriate and identify concerns that need biopsy, hysteroscopy, cervical screening, or another workup.Imaging review
Ultrasound and often MRI help characterize fibroid number, size, location, blood supply, and alternative diagnoses such as adenomyosis.Goals and alternatives
Discuss bleeding control, bulk symptoms, uterine preservation, fertility priorities, recovery, recurrence or reintervention, and procedural or surgical alternatives.Fertility goals change the conversation. Pregnancy after UFE is possible, but comparative fertility and pregnancy evidence remains limited. People who desire future pregnancy should have individualized gynecology—and when appropriate reproductive-endocrinology—counseling before choosing treatment.
Treatment trade-offs
UFE, myomectomy, hysterectomy, and medical care
There is no universally “best” fibroid treatment. The right choice depends on symptoms, anatomy, age, medical history, pregnancy goals, recovery priorities, and how strongly you want to avoid future procedures.
| Option | Potential role | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Medication | May reduce bleeding or pain; some therapies temporarily reduce fibroid size. | Bulk symptoms may persist; effects and side effects vary, and symptoms may return after stopping. |
| UFE | Treats fibroid blood supply without removing the uterus; many fibroids may be addressed together. | Post-embolization symptoms, ovarian effects, fertility uncertainty, and later treatment are possible. |
| Myomectomy | Surgically removes fibroids while preserving the uterus; often central to fertility-focused discussions. | Operative recovery and risks vary; new or recurrent fibroids can occur. |
| Hysterectomy | Definitive treatment for uterine fibroids and eliminates fibroid recurrence. | Removes the uterus, ends uterine fertility, and involves surgical recovery. |
| Focused ultrasound / other options | May be suitable in selected settings based on fibroid anatomy and local expertise. | Availability, candidacy, durability, and insurance coverage vary. |
Recovery and safety
What recovery can feel like—and what the risks are
After UFE
Many patients are discharged the same day or after an overnight stay, depending on symptoms and medical needs. Cramping, pelvic pain, nausea, fatigue, low-grade fever, and reduced appetite can occur as part of post-embolization syndrome. Driving, work, exercise, medication, and wound-care timing should follow the treating team’s instructions. Vaginal discharge or passage of fibroid tissue may occur and should be discussed in advance.Potential risks
- Bleeding, bruising, or artery injury at the access site
- Infection, which rarely can require urgent surgery
- Contrast reaction, kidney injury, and radiation exposure
- Temporary or permanent changes in ovarian function, including earlier menopause
- Fibroid passage, prolonged discharge, or unplanned gynecologic procedures
- Rare uterine injury or non-target embolization
- Limited improvement, recurrence, or later reintervention
Contact the care team urgently for uncontrolled pain or vomiting, heavy bleeding, high or persistent fever, foul-smelling discharge, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or another concerning symptom.
Evidence update
What comparative studies add to the decision
UFE has substantial evidence for symptom and quality-of-life improvement, but head-to-head research shows meaningful trade-offs with myomectomy and confirms that some patients later need another procedure.
FEMME randomized trial
Among 254 women, myomectomy produced greater fibroid-related quality-of-life improvement at two years. The difference was smaller and not statistically significant at four years, while bleeding scores improved similarly. The trial was not large enough for firm pregnancy conclusions. Read the trial report (PubMed)Device oversight
The FDA classifies vascular embolization devices used for peripheral and neurovascular applications and publishes special-controls guidance. A device’s regulatory status is not the same as a guarantee that a procedure is appropriate for a particular patient. Review the FDA classificationSelected references
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Uterine artery embolization patient FAQ. ACOG
- Daniels J, et al. UFE versus myomectomy: FEMME randomized trial. PubMed
- FEMME four-year bleeding and pregnancy outcomes. PubMed
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Vascular embolization device classification and special controls. FDA
Medical content reviewed July 2026. Individual outcomes vary. Educational information only.
Common questions
UFE FAQ
Will UFE make all fibroids disappear?
Not necessarily. Fibroids usually shrink rather than vanish, and the clinical goal is meaningful symptom improvement. The amount of shrinkage and symptom response vary.Can fibroids come back after UFE?
Treated fibroids may remain smaller, but persistent symptoms, new fibroids, or incomplete response can lead to later medication, repeat embolization, myomectomy, or hysterectomy.Is UFE the same as a hysterectomy?
No. UFE reduces fibroid blood flow while leaving the uterus in place. Hysterectomy surgically removes the uterus and is definitive for uterine fibroids.Can I become pregnant after UFE?
Pregnancy can occur after UFE, but evidence comparing fertility and pregnancy outcomes with myomectomy remains limited. Future pregnancy goals require individualized specialist counseling.Compare your fibroid treatment options clearly.
Bring your symptom history, gynecology records, imaging, and fertility priorities for an individualized conversation.What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
Uterine fibroid embolization is a non-surgical treatment designed to shrink uterine fibroids by blocking the blood supply feeding them. The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist using advanced imaging guidance and a tiny catheter inserted through a small incision.
Once blood flow is reduced, the fibroids gradually shrink, helping relieve symptoms such as:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain and pressure
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal bloating
- Lower back discomfort
- Pain during intercourse
Unlike traditional surgery, UFE does not require large incisions or removal of the uterus.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Fibroid Treatment
Many women choose uterine fibroid embolization because it offers several important benefits, including:
- Minimally invasive treatment
- No major surgery
- Faster recovery time
- Reduced pain and scarring
- Same-day outpatient procedure
- Preservation of the uterus
- Long-lasting symptom relief
Most patients return to normal activities much sooner than with surgical alternatives such as a hysterectomy.
How UFE Treatment Works
During the procedure, Dr. Nathanael Sabbah uses advanced image-guided technology to navigate a thin catheter to the uterine arteries carefully. Tiny embolic particles are then injected to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.
The Procedure Includes:
- Small catheter insertion through the wrist or groin
- Real-time image-guided navigation
- Targeted embolization of fibroid blood vessels
- Outpatient recovery with minimal downtime
The procedure typically takes less than two hours, and most patients go home the same day.
Recovery After Fibroid Embolization
Recovery after uterine fibroid embolization is generally quick and manageable. Some patients experience mild cramping, fatigue, or pelvic discomfort for a few days following treatment. These symptoms are temporary and usually improve with medication and rest.
Many women resume normal activities within one to two weeks.
Why Choose Dr. Nathanael Sabbah?
Dr. Nathanael Sabbah is a highly trained interventional radiologist specializing in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. He is triple board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, and Nuclear Medicine, with advanced fellowship training in interventional radiology.
Patients choose Dr. Sabbah for:
- Expertise in minimally invasive procedures
- Personalized treatment plans
- Advanced image-guided technology
- Compassionate patient care
- Convenient locations in Irvine, Tarzana, and Van Nuys, CA
At Socal Interventional, we are committed to helping women find lasting relief from fibroid symptoms through safe, effective treatment options.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are looking for non-surgical uterine fibroid treatment near you, Dr. Nathanael Sabbah and the team at Socal Interventional are here to help.
Women across the Greater Los Angeles area are choosing UFE as an effective alternative to hysterectomy because it offers faster recovery, less downtime, and preservation of the uterus. Interventional radiology treatments are widely recognized for providing minimally invasive care with shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
Call (310) 929-0026 today to schedule your consultation for uterine fibroid embolization in Irvine, Tarzana, or Van Nuys, CA.
What Our Guests Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. UFE is considered a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids when performed by an experienced interventional radiologist.
Most patients recover within one to two weeks and return to normal daily activities much faster than after surgery.
Yes. Uterine fibroid embolization is commonly used to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and other fibroid-related symptoms.
Areas We Serve:
We proudly serve patients throughout Van Nuys, Tarzana, and Irvine, CA, extending our specialised care to nearby communities including Reseda, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Manhattan Beach, Riverside, Santa Clarita, Calabasas, Simi Valley, Tustin, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Woodland Hills.
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Contact Information
- 15211 Vanowen St, Suite 305, Van Nuys, CA 91405
- 18370 Burbank Blvd, 5th Floor, Tarzana, CA 91356
- 16100 Sand Canyon Ave, Suite 130 Irvine, CA 92618
- (310) 929-0026
- info@uroir.com
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM