Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) in Queens & Long Island
Uterus-sparing treatment for fibroids. Outpatient procedure. Avoid hysterectomy. Return to normal activity in days, not weeks.
Why Embolization?
Written by Practice Editorial Team · Medically reviewed by Amir Salem, MD, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist · Last updated April 26, 2026
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks uterine fibroids by reducing their blood supply. Performed by an interventional radiologist using a thin catheter inserted through the wrist or groin, UFE relieves heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and bulk-related symptoms — without removing the uterus, without major surgery, and without general anesthesia.
UFE may be a good fit for women who:
- Have symptomatic fibroids (heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, bulk symptoms)
- Want to avoid hysterectomy or myomectomy
- Have completed childbearing or wish to preserve their uterus
- Have not responded adequately to medication or hormonal management
What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomata) are benign tumors that grow in or around the uterine wall. They are among the most common conditions affecting women of reproductive age, and for many women they cause significant disruption to daily life: heavy menstrual bleeding that can lead to anemia, pelvic pressure, urinary urgency, and the sense of abdominal fullness that comes from uterine enlargement.
UFE targets the fibroids directly without surgery. Using real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), an interventional radiologist navigates a microcatheter through the radial artery in the wrist or the femoral artery in the groin and advances it into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Tiny embolic microspheres are then deployed into these vessels, cutting off the fibroids' blood supply and causing them to shrink. As the fibroids decrease in size, symptoms improve.
The entire procedure is performed through a pinhole-sized puncture — no abdominal incision, no general anesthesia, no overnight hospital admission. At M&S Vascular, UFE is performed by Dr. Amir Salem, our board-certified interventional radiologist with subspecialty training in vascular and interventional procedures.
Am I a Candidate for UFE?
Candidacy for UFE is determined through a consultation that reviews your symptoms, fibroid imaging, gynecologic history, and reproductive goals. Women who are most appropriate for UFE typically have imaging-confirmed symptomatic fibroids and want to preserve their uterus while avoiding surgery.
Typical good-fit candidates
- ✓Symptomatic fibroids confirmed on imaging (ultrasound or MRI)
- ✓Heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, or bulk symptoms
- ✓Wish to preserve the uterus / avoid hysterectomy
- ✓Have completed childbearing or wish to explore uterus-sparing options
- ✓Inadequate response to or intolerance of hormonal management
- ✓Poor surgical candidates due to comorbidities
Contraindications / not ideal for
- –Pregnancy (absolute contraindication)
- –Active pelvic infection
- –Certain pedunculated subserosal fibroid types (criteria for this)
- –Suspected or confirmed uterine or cervical malignancy
Not sure if UFE is right for you?
Find out if you qualify — request a consultationHow UFE Works: Step-by-Step
1Pre-procedure imaging and consultation
Before UFE, we obtain imaging to map the fibroid location, size, and number — and to confirm the uterine arterial anatomy. MRI of the pelvis with contrast is often preferred because it provides the most detailed fibroid characterization and helps identify fibroid subtypes that may affect candidacy. Your gynecologic history, symptom burden, and reproductive goals are reviewed at the same consultation.
2The UFE procedure itself
On procedure day, you receive conscious sedation — you remain comfortable and lightly sedated throughout, without general anesthesia or an epidural. The interventional radiologist makes a small puncture at the wrist (radial) or groin (femoral) and advances a microcatheter through the arterial system under continuous fluoroscopic guidance. Once the catheter is precisely positioned within the uterine arteries supplying the fibroids, embolic microspheres are deployed on both sides, cutting off the fibroids' blood supply. The uterus itself retains its blood supply via collateral vessels.
3Recovery in the outpatient suite
After the procedure you'll spend several hours in our recovery area. Some women experience cramping and pelvic discomfort in the hours following UFE — this is expected and is managed with medication in our recovery suite. Most patients go home the same day. A small adhesive bandage covers the access site. We provide written discharge instructions, pain management guidance, and a direct line to reach our clinical team.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure
In our practice, we perform UFE under conscious sedation in a fully accredited outpatient suite at our Great Neck location. You'll arrive approximately one hour before the scheduled start time to complete check-in and have an IV placed. Our nursing team will review your allergies, medications, and any last-minute questions before Dr. Salem begins.
The embolization itself typically takes between 60 minutes and 2 hours depending on fibroid burden and vascular anatomy. Post-embolization cramping is anticipated — our team actively manages your comfort throughout the recovery period and will not discharge you until pain is well controlled.
We ask that a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you for the first night. You'll leave with a same-day contact number and clear written instructions covering pain management, activity restrictions, and expected post-procedure symptoms. We typically schedule a follow-up call the next business day to check in.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1Most patients go home same day. Pelvic cramping, low-grade fever, and fatigue (post-embolization syndrome) are expected and are managed with medication.
- Days 2–5Resume light activity at home. Pelvic discomfort gradually improves. Oral pain medication as needed.
- Weeks 1–2Most patients return to normal daily activities including desk work. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise restricted.
- 3–6 monthsMaximum fibroid shrinkage and symptom improvement realized as fibroids continue to decrease in volume.
Recovery timelines are approximate and vary by individual. Your care team will provide personalized guidance.
Risks and Alternatives
We believe informed patients make better decisions. Here is an honest comparison of the main treatment options for uterine fibroids so you can evaluate UFE in context.
| Treatment | Type | Anesthesia | Hospital Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFE (this procedure) | Minimally invasive, catheter-based | Conscious sedation | Same-day outpatient |
| Hysterectomy ↗ | Surgical — uterus removal (curative, irreversible) | General | 1–3 night hospital stay |
| Myomectomy ↗ | Surgical — fibroid removal, uterus preserved | General | Outpatient to 1-night stay |
| GnRH agonists (Lupron) | Medical management — temporary fibroid shrinkage | None | None |
| MRI-guided focused ultrasound | Non-invasive ablation (limited availability) | Minimal sedation | Outpatient |
Known UFE risks
- •Post-embolization syndrome: cramping, low-grade fever, fatigue — expected and self-limited
- •Minor bruising or soreness at catheter access site (wrist or groin)
- •Temporary vaginal discharge or spotting as fibroid tissue is expelled
- •In perimenopausal women: small risk of premature menopause
- •Rare: non-target embolization, infection, fibroid expulsion requiring additional treatment
For the full risk-benefit discussion, schedule a consultation with Dr. Salem. This list is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
Why Choose M&S Vascular for UFE
Your Interventional Radiologist
Amir Salem, MD
Board-certified interventional radiologist with subspecialty training in vascular and interventional procedures. Member, Society of Interventional Radiology.
Two convenient locations
Forest Hills, Queens and Great Neck, Long Island — serving patients from across the NYC metro area.
AAAHC-accredited outpatient suite
Procedures performed in a fully accredited ambulatory setting.
Fast response
We respond to consultation requests within 5 minutes during business hours.
Insurance accepted
Most major plans accepted. View accepted insurances →
What patients say
“I had been living with heavy bleeding for years. Dr. Salem explained UFE clearly and I was home the same evening. My symptoms improved significantly within two months.”
“I was terrified of a hysterectomy. This was a completely different experience — small bandage, no stitches, and I was back to work within a week.”
“The cramping after was manageable with the medication they sent me home with. By month three my cycles were completely different. So grateful.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UFE covered by insurance and Medicare?
Coverage varies by plan. Many commercial insurers and Medicare cover UFE for symptomatic uterine fibroids when medically necessary criteria are met. Our team will verify your specific benefits and obtain pre-authorization before your procedure.
How is UFE different from hysterectomy or myomectomy?
Hysterectomy surgically removes the entire uterus — it is curative for fibroids but permanently ends menstruation and fertility. Myomectomy surgically removes individual fibroids while preserving the uterus, but requires general anesthesia and an incision. UFE is non-surgical: a thin catheter reduces the blood supply to fibroids without cutting or removing tissue, requires no incision, and patients go home the same day.
Will UFE affect my fertility?
Pregnancy after UFE has been reported in the medical literature, but the available data on fertility and pregnancy outcomes is still evolving. If future fertility is a priority, this should be discussed directly with Dr. Salem before deciding on treatment.
How long is recovery from UFE?
Most patients go home the same day or the following morning after a period of post-procedure monitoring. Light activity can typically resume within a few days. Full normal activity including work is usually possible within 1–2 weeks. Maximum fibroid shrinkage and symptom improvement typically occurs over 3–6 months.
Where is UFE performed in Long Island and Queens?
UFE at M&S Vascular is performed at our Great Neck, Long Island location in a fully accredited outpatient suite. We serve patients from across Long Island, Queens, and the broader NYC metro area including Forest Hills, Bayside, Flushing, and Manhasset.
Who is a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization?
Good candidates include women with symptomatic uterine fibroids — heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, or bulk-related symptoms — who want to avoid hysterectomy or myomectomy, have completed childbearing or wish to preserve their uterus, and have not responded adequately to medication or hormonal management. A consultation and imaging review are required to confirm candidacy.
What are the risks of UFE?
UFE is generally well tolerated, but like any procedure carries risks. Post-embolization syndrome — low-grade fever, cramping, and fatigue — is expected and self-limited. Rare risks include non-target embolization, infection, and in perimenopausal women, a small risk of premature menopause. Serious complications are uncommon. Your interventional radiologist will review all risks specific to your situation during your consultation.
How quickly will I see symptom improvement?
Bulk-related symptoms (pelvic pressure, urinary frequency) often begin to improve as the fibroids start to shrink. Heavy menstrual bleeding typically improves within the first 1–2 menstrual cycles after the procedure. Maximum symptom improvement is generally seen at 3–6 months as the fibroids continue to decrease in volume.
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