Many young women are still told: “You have fibroids, the uterus has to be removed.” Or: “There is bleeding, so hysterectomy is the only option.”
But are they told about all the options? Removing the uterus at a young age is not just an operation. It has emotional and hormonal effects too. On this page I will explain what fibroids are, which ones need treatment, and how fibroid embolization can treat them while keeping the uterus.
हिंदी में समझें: फाइब्रॉयड क्या है और क्या बच्चेदानी निकालना ज़रूरी है?
फाइब्रॉयड बच्चेदानी (uterus) की मांसपेशी में बनने वाली गांठ है। ज़्यादातर फाइब्रॉयड कैंसर नहीं होते। लेकिन कई महिलाओं में ये ज़्यादा ब्लीडिंग, दर्द, पेट में भारीपन और बार-बार पेशाब की परेशानी करते हैं।
हर फाइब्रॉयड का इलाज ज़रूरी नहीं है। छोटा फाइब्रॉयड जिससे कोई तकलीफ़ नहीं, उसमें अक्सर सिर्फ़ follow-up काफ़ी होता है।
Fibroid Embolization से इलाज: बिना बड़े चीरे के, एक पतली सुई और tube से बच्चेदानी की नस तक पहुँचकर फाइब्रॉयड की खून की सप्लाई बंद की जाती है। फाइब्रॉयड सिकुड़ने लगता है, ब्लीडिंग कंट्रोल होती है, और बच्चेदानी बची रहती है।
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What are fibroids?
Fibroids are lumps that grow from the muscle wall of the uterus. They are very common, and almost all of them are not cancer. They can be as small as a seed or as big as a melon, and a woman can have one or many.
Fibroids live on their blood supply. That is the key to treating them without surgery: stop the blood supply, and the fibroid shrinks.
Symptoms of fibroids
- Heavy or long periods, sometimes with clots
- Weakness and low haemoglobin (anaemia) because of blood loss
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, or back pain
- Frequent urination or constipation, from pressure on the bladder or bowel
- A lower tummy that looks swollen
Many women have fibroids with no symptoms at all, found only on an ultrasound done for another reason.
Do you need treatment?
Not every fibroid needs treatment. Ask yourself:
- Are heavy periods or anaemia affecting my health and daily life?
- Is there pain, pressure, or urinary trouble because of the fibroid?
- Is the fibroid growing on follow-up scans?
Fibroid embolization: treatment while keeping the uterus
In uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a thin tube is passed through a tiny needle hole in the wrist or groin. Under X-ray guidance it reaches the arteries that feed the uterus. Tiny particles are injected to block the fibroid's blood supply.
Over the following weeks and months, the fibroid shrinks and softens. Heavy bleeding usually comes under control, and pressure symptoms ease. The uterus is preserved. There is no big cut and no stitches.
Fibroid embolization vs surgery
| Fibroid embolization | Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Uterus | Preserved | Removed (hysterectomy) or opened to remove fibroids (myomectomy) |
| Cut | No, only a needle hole | Yes, abdominal or keyhole cuts |
| Anaesthesia | Local, with sedation and pain relief | General or spinal |
| Hospital stay | Usually overnight for pain control | Usually 2–4 days |
| Back to routine | Usually in about a week | Usually several weeks |
| Treats many fibroids at once | Yes | Depends on number and position |
Each option has its pros and cons. Embolization suits many women, but not all. The decision is made together with your gynaecologist, based on your scan and your plans for pregnancy.
Who is it suitable for?
Embolization is a good option for many women with symptomatic fibroids who want to avoid removing the uterus. It needs individual discussion if you are planning a pregnancy, and it is not done during pregnancy or when cancer is suspected. An MRI or ultrasound and a gynaecological check-up come first.
3 myths about fibroids
Myth 1: “Fibroid means cancer.” Wrong. Almost all fibroids are benign.
Myth 2: “Removing the uterus is the only cure.” Wrong. Medicines, embolization and myomectomy are all options, depending on your case.
Myth 3: “Once the uterus is removed, there are no side effects.” Removing the uterus at a young age is a major decision, with emotional and hormonal effects. If the ovaries are also removed, it can increase the risk of weak bones later. Know all your options before deciding.
Mistakes to avoid at home
- Living with heavy bleeding and weakness for years, thinking it is normal.
- Taking iron tablets for anaemia without finding out why you are losing blood.
- Agreeing to remove the uterus without asking: are there other options for me?
Watch: explained by Dr. Amol
Questions patients ask me
Can fibroids be treated without removing the uterus?
Yes. Uterine fibroid embolization blocks the blood supply to the fibroids through a needle hole, so they shrink while the uterus is preserved. Medicines and myomectomy are other options.
Is fibroid embolization painful?
There is cramping pain for the first day or two, which is controlled with medicines. Most women stay one night for pain relief and go home the next day.
Will the heavy bleeding stop?
In most women, heavy bleeding reduces clearly after embolization. The fibroid continues to shrink over the following months.
Can I get pregnant after fibroid embolization?
Pregnancies have happened after embolization, but if you are planning a pregnancy, this needs careful individual discussion with your gynaecologist and me before choosing a treatment.
Do all fibroids need treatment?
No. Small fibroids without symptoms usually need only regular check-ups. Fibroids often shrink after menopause.
Is fibroid embolization covered by insurance?
Yes, it is covered by health insurance.
Fibroid ka ilaj bina bachchedaani nikale ho sakta hai?
Haan. Fibroid embolization mein ek patli sui se fibroid ki khoon ki supply band ki jaati hai. Fibroid sikudta hai aur bachchedaani bachi rehti hai.
Kya har fibroid mein operation zaroori hai?
Nahi. Agar fibroid chhota hai aur koi takleef nahi, toh sirf follow-up kaafi hai. Zyaada bleeding, dard ya pressure ho tabhi ilaj ki zaroorat hoti hai.
In short
- Fibroids are common lumps in the uterus. Almost all are not cancer, and not all need treatment.
- Treat them when they cause heavy bleeding, pain or pressure, and hear every option first.
- Fibroid embolization shrinks fibroids through a needle hole and keeps the uterus.
Told that your uterus must be removed? Send your ultrasound or MRI report on WhatsApp and get a second opinion.
WhatsApp 95200 77033
Written by Dr. Amol Srivastava
MBBS, MD (UCMS), PDCC (Interventional Radiology). Consultant Interventional Radiologist, Lucknow. OPD Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This page is for information and does not replace a consultation.