Who Needs UAE?

Uterine artery embolization can help to alleviate a wide range of symptoms of fibroids. This means that women may benefit from this procedure if they are experiencing severe symptoms associated with fibroids, such as heavy bleeding, excessively frequent urination, or pelvic pain, especially if other attempts to treat their fibroids have been unsuccessful. UAE may also be beneficial for women that experience unusually heavy bleeding following childbirth. 

How Does UAE Work?

This relatively minor surgical procedure is generally performed using a sedative and local anesthetic. Your doctor will then insert a catheter, or thin tube, into your femoral artery and use this access point to reach your uterine artery. This tube is used to insert particles made from gelatin, plastic, or a similar material into specific blood vessels that carry blood to your fibroids, which forms a blockage that prevents blood from reaching your fibroids and eventually causes them to die because they will no longer receive the nutrients they need to survive.  

Symptoms Uterine Artery Embolization Can Treat

UAE can be used to treat a wide range of symptoms that are associated with uterine fibroids, such as: 

• Excessive urination, especially when it involves frequently having to get up at night 
• Excessive bleeding, including following childbirth 
• Significant pain or pressure 
• Low blood counts 
• Constipation 

Conditions Uterine Artery Embolization Can Treat

Uterine artery embolization is most frequently used to manage fibroids, but it can also be an effective option for treating adenomyosis. Our team will work with you to determine whether UAE is likely to be an effective choice for your situation. 

UAE Preparation for Surgery

You may need to temporarily stop taking certain medications that make it more difficult for your blood to clot correctly prior to UAE surgery, which means that it is important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything for approximately 6-8 hours prior to this procedure, and your doctor may recommend attempting to stop smoking before your UAE surgery. 

UAE Recovery After Surgery

Many patients go home the same day of a uterine artery embolization procedure, but you may stay in the hospital overnight if needed. You may experience abdominal or pelvic cramps following your procedure, which are especially common during the first 24 hours and may last for up to two weeks, but you will receive pain medication to help keep significant discomfort under control. You will generally need to lie flat for several hours following UAE to reduce movement, and your doctor will provide further instructions for caring for your incision site and managing discomfort. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within approximately 7-10 days. 

Choose Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for World-Class UAE Care in Singapore

At Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, our uterine fibroids specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja, is here to help patients across Singapore manage fibroids and a wide range of other vascular concerns. Contact us today to learn more about whether uterine artery embolization might be a good fit for you or to schedule an appointment.

Other Vascular Treatments

Peripheral Vascular Malformations

The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various vascular conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our vascular specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.