Our Embolization Services:
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) for fibroids
A minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of uterine fibroids and helps normalize heavy, intense menstrual periods — without the recovery time of surgery.
Anesthesia
Local + light sedation
Outpatient
Same-Day, Outpatient Procedure
Access site
Tiny incision, groin or wrist
Closure
No stitches needed
What is UAE?
Uterine artery embolization treats fibroid symptoms by addressing their blood supply, without removing the uterus.
How it works
Embolization is a procedure that blocks blood flow in targeted blood vessels. By reducing blood flow to uterine fibroids, UAE causes the fibroids to shrink — reducing “bulk” symptoms related to their size, such as pelvic pressure. Fibroids can also cause heavy and intense menstrual periods, so embolization can help normalize menstrual flow.
A catheter is guided into the artery under x-ray (fluoroscopic) imaging with contrast dye, and an embolic material — a coil, foam, beads, a plug, or liquid — is delivered to slow or stop blood flow to the fibroids.
Who performs it
- An interventional radiologist, a physician trained in image-guided, catheter-based procedures
- Performed in an angiography suite with fluoroscopic (real-time x-ray) imaging
- Often done in coordination with a referring gynecologist
Where it fits: UAE is generally considered for women with symptomatic fibroids — heavy bleeding or bulk symptoms — who want to avoid or delay surgery such as myomectomy or hysterectomy.
Benefits of UAE
UAE offers an alternative to surgery for many women with symptomatic fibroids.
Minimally Invasive, Uterus-Sparing
Avoids Major Surgery for Many Patients
Shorter Recovery Than Surgical Alternatives
Helps Normalize Heavy Menstrual Flow
UAE is performed through a small puncture rather than an abdominal incision, and the puncture site typically closes on its own without stitches. For many women seeking to relieve fibroid-related bleeding or pressure symptoms while avoiding or delaying surgery, UAE is a well-established option — though individual candidacy, including any future fertility considerations, should always be discussed with your physician.
Candidacy
Candidacy is determined individually after imaging review and clinical evaluation. The lists below outline general criteria discussed in consultation.
Often appropriate for
- Symptomatic uterine fibroids causing heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Bulk symptoms from fibroid size — pelvic pressure, bloating, or urinary frequency
- Women who want to avoid or delay hysterectomy or myomectomy
- Women who are poor surgical candidates for other medical reasons
Typically excluded or needing further discussion
- Pregnancy
- Active pelvic infection
- Suspected gynecologic malignancy requiring different workup
- Uncorrectable bleeding disorder or unmanaged contrast allergy
- Plans for future fertility — discuss with your physician, as this affects candidacy for some patients
The day of the procedure
Timing varies by case depending on the vascular anatomy involved.
Preparation
Tell your provider about all allergies, including any reaction to contrast dye, sedatives, or antibiotics. You may be asked not to eat or drink after midnight and to arrange a driver. Bring a full list of medicines and supplements.
Sedation and numbing
Sedation and/or local anesthesia keeps you comfortable and pain-free while you remain awake. Numbing medicine is applied where a tiny incision will be made, typically in the groin.
Catheter navigation
A thin catheter is guided into the artery, with contrast dye and live x-ray imaging helping the interventional radiologist reach the uterine arteries supplying the fibroids.
Embolization
An embolic material — a coil, foam, beads, a plug, or liquid — is delivered into the artery to slow or stop blood flow to the fibroids.
Closure and recovery
The catheter is removed and pressure stops any bleeding — no stitches are needed; the site is covered with a bandage. Staff will help you walk once cleared, which helps prevent blood clots. UAE is outpatient, so patients go home the same day after being monitored by the healthcare team.
Recovery & discharge instructions
Most patients resume normal activities within three days. A period of expected “post-embolization syndrome” is common as the fibroids respond to treatment.
Immediately after the procedure
- Rest quietly at home; avoid over-exertion for the next week, and light duty at work is recommended for one week
- Mild tenderness, hardness, and bruising at the puncture site are expected
- Do not drive or operate mechanical or electrical equipment
- Do not consume alcohol, tranquilizers, sedatives, sleeping medication, or any non-prescribed medication
- Drink plenty of liquids, eat light meals, and avoid important decisions the day of your procedure
- No submersible water activities for 2 days; climbing household stairs is fine
Up to 48 hours, and general guidelines
- Remove the groin bandage 24 hours after the procedure — do not replace it, and avoid lotion, powder, or creams on the area
- Resume your regular diet, increase fluids, and restart blood thinners the next day as directed; continue other medications as prescribed
- Do not lift more than 5 lbs. for one week
- For fever, over-the-counter Tylenol or Motrin can be used; complete any prescribed antibiotic or steroid course as directed
- Appetite loss is common — opt for bland foods and small, frequent meals if nauseous
- Most patients resume normal activities three days after the procedure
Expected post-embolization syndrome (7–14 days, most pronounced the first 4): Pelvic pain, uterine cramping or spasm, fever up to 101.5°F, fatigue, nausea, and brownish and/or bloody vaginal discharge are all common and expected as the fibroids respond to treatment.
Risks and considerations
UAE is a low-risk procedure that is well tolerated without complication in the vast majority of patients. Your interventional radiologist will review all risks with you before you provide consent.
Common
Post-UAE syndrome
Pelvic pain, uterine cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, and brownish or bloody vaginal discharge — an expected reaction lasting several days up to two weeks.
Common
Access-site bruising
Bleeding or bruising at the arterial puncture site, usually resolving within days to a couple of weeks.
Uncommon
Contrast reaction
Allergic reaction to contrast dye, or contrast-related kidney damage.
Uncommon
Infection
Urinary tract or uterine infection can occur following the procedure.
Rare
Tissue expulsion
Rare potential of broken down fibroid tissue passing vaginally in the weeks following the procedure.
Discuss with your doctor
Fertility considerations
Effects on future fertility are individual and evolving as an area of study — discuss your specific plans and priorities with your physician.
A formal written consent, reviewing these risks and alternatives in full, is completed with your care team prior to treatment. Contact the office promptly if you notice foul-smelling vaginal discharge, as this is not an expected part of recovery.
Meet your interventional radiologist
UAE at Florida Radiology Consultants is offered by board-certified interventional radiologists with fellowship training in vascular and interventional care.
Aaron Heligman, MD
Board Certified Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Heligman was born in Chicago, IL and raised in Fort Myers, Florida. He attended the University of Miami for his undergraduate studies and earned his medical degree at Rush University in Chicago, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
He completed his internship in Chicago, followed by his Diagnostic Radiology residency, a Musculoskeletal Radiology mini-fellowship, and a Vascular and Interventional Radiology fellowship at Jackson Memorial Hospital and University of Miami Health System.
Dr. Heligman specializes in interventional oncology, venous disease, prostate artery embolization (PAE), uterine artery embolization (UAE), and minimally invasive spine interventions. He is board-certified with the American Board of Radiology in diagnostic and interventional radiology, and focuses on complete, patient-centered care from pre-procedure consultation through post-procedure management.
David Johnson, MD
Board Certified Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Johnson is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, TN. He completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology in 2016 and his fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology in 2017, both at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
He is board-certified in Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology, and has been practicing interventional radiology in Southwest Florida since 2017, treating a broad range of vascular and oncologic conditions.
Among his areas of expertise, Dr. Johnson has extensive experience with uterine artery embolization (UAE). Helping women achieve lasting symptom relief while avoiding major surgery is one of the most professionally fulfilling aspects of his practice.
About Florida Radiology Consultants
Florida Radiology Consultants is a premier embolization center in the Bonita Springs area, offering the latest equipment and imaging technology available for optimal patient care and outcomes across a full spectrum of diagnostic and interventional radiology services.
Florida Radiology Consultants
24301 Walden Center, Suite 102
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
T: 239.331.5566 | F: 239.494.4501
floridaradiologyconsultants.com
Frequently asked questions
Will UAE affect my ability to have children?
This is an individual question that depends on your specific situation and priorities — discuss your fertility plans with your physician as part of deciding whether UAE is right for you.
How soon will symptoms improve?
Many patients notice improvement in bleeding and pressure symptoms within weeks, with continued fibroid shrinkage over the following months. Response varies by individual and fibroid characteristics.
Will I need general anesthesia?
Typically no — most patients receive local anesthesia with IV sedation and lightly sleep comfortably throughout the procedure.
Will insurance cover UAE?
UAE is covered by most medical insurers. Coverage can vary, however. Confirm coverage and any prior authorization requirements with your insurance provider. Our office accepts most major insurers.
What workup is needed beforehand?
Imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound is typically used to characterize the fibroids and plan the procedure, along with baseline labs.
Ready to discuss your candidacy?
Schedule a consultation with an interventional radiologist at Florida Radiology Consultants to review your history and imaging.
Florida Radiology Consultants
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
T: 239.331.5566 · F: 239.494.4501
Scheduling
Scheduling: (239) 331.5566 · Fax: (239) 494.4501
www.floridaradiologyconsultants.com
This reference sheet is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation or physical examination by a qualified interventional radiologist, gynecologist, or other physician, who can evaluate your individual history and candidacy. Always discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives of any procedure with your care team before making a treatment decision. Results may vary by patient.